In 2022, the internet was ablaze with controversy when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards, catapulting Smith into the spotlight as a controversial figure overnight. However, Charlize Theron seemed to have had insights into Smith’s peculiar personality since 2000.
During an appearance on the David Letterman show, the Atomic Blonde actress recounted her filming experience with Will Smith in their 2000 sports fantasy film, “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” Theron, with a hint of disdain, described a charity golf match they played together and how Smith’s behavior during the game left much to be desired.
Despite having been in the entertainment industry since the 1990s, Theron, who got her big break in the horror drama “The Devil’s Advocate” in 1997, did not mince words about her unfavorable experience with Smith. Despite the reported challenges, Theron shared the screen with Smith again in “Hancock” (2008) after their collaboration in “The Legend of Bagger Vance.”
Appearing on the David Letterman show post the release of “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” Theron responded skeptically when asked if she had “great fun” working with Smith. She scoffed at the question and proceeded to narrate the unpleasant details of a golf match with Smith, shedding light on what she perceived as Smith’s true nature.
Discussing her participation in a charity golf match with Will Smith, Charlize Theron candidly described the actor as “weird” and “very competitive.” During an appearance on the David Letterman show, Theron shared that playing golf with Smith was the “worst experience” of her life, shedding light on Smith’s intense and somewhat peculiar behavior.
Theron, who took up golf due to boredom while filming, recounted the charity golf match she played with Smith just two weeks prior. Describing Smith as a “complete freak,” especially when it came to golf, Theron expressed her frustration with his zealous nature, particularly during a charity event. She recalled the event, highlighting how the ladies’ game was being overlooked, which angered her. Theron explained, “We were mic-ed so I couldn’t tell him, ‘What the hell is wrong with you, idiot?’ They got a walking message through that we were losing, and then they became real guys. Now, we gotta win.”
“Two days later, he called me and apologized because he knew. I gave him that look…but he had quite a brilliant excuse. He said he was dehydrated.”
