(CNN) -- At 19 years old she was spotted by a talent agent while engaging in a shouting match with a bank teller in Los Angeles. Since then Charlize Theron has powerfully demonstrated an almost chameleon-like ability to assume the roles she takes on.
Whether it's as a lesbian serial killer in "Monster" or a no-nonsense mission director searching for clues to the origins of mankind in sci-fi hit "Prometheus," Theron has repeatedly proven why she is one of Hollywood's highest-paid women.
But the Academy Award-winning actor has another starring role -- helping prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS in her homeland of South Africa. Despite recent success in combating the disease, around 5.6 million South Africans have HIV.
"We are in a very, very dangerous period right now, because of our successes," says Theron. "South Africa has had a 63 % drop in new infections when it comes to children under the age of 14. It's a huge success to celebrate and we dropped tremendously when it comes to mother-to-child transmission.
"I think a huge misconception is that 60% is ok, and the problem with not having it be 100% and no more new infections, is that the disease will come back rolling again."
Theron recently traveled to the province of Kwazulu Natal as an advocate for The Global Fund, a financing institution that aims to "prevent, treat and care for people with HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria."
In KwaZulu Natal one in four 15- to 24-year-olds has HIV, according to UNAIDS. Theron believes the key to making a difference lies in empowering African youth at a grassroots level.
