A History of Stunt-Related Injuries
Charlize Theron's commitment to performing her own stunts has earned her a reputation as a Hollywood action icon, but it has also come at a significant physical cost. The actress has been candid about the demanding nature of her roles, revealing a history of fractures and joint problems that have required numerous surgical interventions.
The Lingering Impact of the Aeon Flux Neck Injury
One of Theron's most well-known and debilitating injuries occurred on the set of the 2005 film Aeon Flux. During a back handspring stunt, she landed awkwardly on her neck, resulting in a herniated disc that left her “a centimeter away from being completely paralyzed”.
- Initial Incident: The fall happened on day nine of filming, causing a spinal cord injury that put a halt to production for several weeks.
- Long-Term Pain: For eight years following the accident, Theron dealt with chronic pain and nerve issues that required management and rehabilitation.
- Corrective Surgery: In 2013, she underwent surgery, reportedly a neck fusion or microdiscectomy, to correct the recurring issue.
- A Strange Relapse: In 2019, the injury flared up again after she laughed so hard while watching the movie Borat that her neck locked up, sending her back to the hospital for five days.
Major Dental Surgery for Atomic Blonde
While preparing for her role as a secret agent in the 2017 thriller Atomic Blonde, Theron's dedication led to a less-common, but still serious, health issue. During intense fight training, she clenched her jaw so forcefully that she cracked several of her teeth.
This incident required a complex series of dental surgeries to fix:
- Tooth Removal: She had to have one of the cracked teeth removed entirely.
- Bone Grafting: A donor bone was placed in the jaw to promote healing and provide a stable base for an implant.
- Implant and Screw: Subsequent surgery involved inserting a metal screw to anchor the new dental implant.
Elbow, Thumb, and Shoulder Operations
Theron's list of injuries extends well beyond her neck and teeth. She revealed that her action-heavy roles have necessitated numerous operations on her joints.
- Elbow Surgeries: She has had surgery on both elbows, including a recent operation in mid-2025 following the filming of the movie Apex, where she played a free solo climber.
- Thumb Ligament Repair: While shooting The Old Guard, Theron tore a ligament in her thumb completely off the bone during a fight sequence. She initially shrugged off the pain, only to discover the severity much later, requiring three separate operations and a thumb brace.
- Shoulder and Carpal Tunnel: Additional injuries include surgery on her right shoulder and for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Comparison of Major Surgeries
| Injury | Cause | Associated Film | Procedure(s) | Recovery Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herniated Cervical Disc | Fall during back handspring | Aeon Flux (2005) | Neck fusion, microdiscectomy | Severe pain, temporary paralysis scare, recurring issue |
| Cracked Teeth | Jaw clenching during fight training | Atomic Blonde (2017) | Extraction, bone graft, dental implant | Significant dental procedures, pain during training |
| Torn Thumb Ligament | Hand caught in actor's jacket | The Old Guard (2020) | Multiple surgeries to reattach ligament | Went untreated for months, required long-term bracing |
| Elbow Injuries | Cumulative stunt work (specifically Apex) | Apex (2025) | Surgery on both elbows | Not specified, but indicates ongoing physical toll |
Addressing Cosmetic Surgery Rumors
Charlize Theron has also addressed persistent rumors regarding plastic surgery. She has consistently denied having cosmetic work done, and in a 2023 interview, she confronted the public's scrutiny of her aging face directly, stating, "I'm just aging! It doesn't mean I got bad plastic surgery. This is just what happens".
For more information on spinal surgery, you can visit The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Conclusion
What surgery did Charlize Theron have? Her medical history reveals a testament to her dedication as an actress. Far from seeking cosmetic enhancement, her surgical record is a direct result of pushing her body to its limits for her craft, from a potentially paralyzing neck injury on a stunt to a fractured thumb ligament and dental damage. Theron's transparency about her surgical history highlights the real physical risks that actors, especially those in action films, face. Her resilience and continued pursuit of challenging roles in the wake of these injuries are a testament to her professionalism and commitment to her work.
