“This is gonna get awkward”: Charlize Theron Refused to Date Black Panther Actor Claiming He’s Her Brother in Ellen DeGeneres Show
Charlize Theron is one of Hollywood’s most talented and acclaimed actresses, known for films like Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Bombshell. But even Oscar-winning A-listers can find themselves in awkward situations, as Theron discovered firsthand during an uncomfortable 2019 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. A dating game segment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show got uncomfortable when Charlize Theron rejected host Ellen DeGeneres’ attempts to match her with Trevor Noah. Theron hilariously claimed she couldn’t date Noah because he was like a brother to her. The awkward moment occurred when Theron appeared on Ellen in 2019 along with co-stars Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie. DeGeneres tried playing matchmaker for the “shockingly single” Theron.
Ellen Pushed Charlize Theron to Consider Trevor Noah
During the game, Ellen DeGeneres showed Charlize Theron pictures of celebrities like Drake and asked if she would date them. Initially playing along, Theron declined a range of options.
DeGeneres then raised the stakes by suggesting Trevor Noah. Theron immediately shut it down, exclaiming:
“He’s my brother. This is going to get awkward.”
Clearly amused by Theron’s discomfort, DeGeneres kept Noah’s picture up as a contender. A flustered Theron reiterated that Noah was “literally” her brother. Refusing to let up, DeGeneres next proposed Michael B. Jordan as a potential suitor for Theron. Impressed with the choice, Theron said they wouldn’t “be able to top” the Black Panther star.
DeGeneres then jokingly threw Harry Styles into the mix, arguing he might like older women. While Kidman agreed it was a good match, Theron pointed out she “could literally be his mother.”
How Did Charlize Theron Handle the Awkwardness?
Throughout the cringeworthy game, Theron handled the awkwardness with poise and humor. She played along initially but didn’t compromise her personal comfort for the sake of the segment.
Her hilarious rebuttals got laughs while also shutting down DeGeneres’ matchmaking. Theron’s quick wit and charm turned an uncomfortable situation into an entertaining interaction. In the end, the actress managed to avoid being pressured into pretend romantic prospects. Instead, she flipped the segment into a chance to promote her film with Kidman and Robbie.
Hopefully, Ellen realized segments like this crossed the line with guests. It put Theron in an awkward position for the sake of entertainment. But the actress expertly asserted her boundaries while keeping things lighthearted. She made it clear she wouldn’t take part in something that made her genuinely uncomfortable, even on live TV.
Charlize Theron’s Path to Fame
Charlize Theron is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of her generation. The South Africa native first gained fame in the late 1990s with films like The Devil’s Advocate, Mighty Joe Young, and The Cider House Rules, showcasing her versatility. She would go on to win an Oscar for her gripping portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003’s Monster.
Theron is known for immersing herself fully in her transformative roles, including action films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde. But before her rise to fame, she endured a tragic childhood, witnessing her father’s alcoholism and violence until her mother was forced to kill him in self-defense when Theron was a teenager.
That early trauma shaped her into the strong, determined actress she is today. So, it’s no surprise she refused to compromise her principles even when pressed on Ellen’s show.
