Charlize Theron Doesn’t Think She ‘Can Ever Live With Somebody Again’—and Jokes Future Partner Will Have To ‘Buy the House Down the Street’

Actress Charlize Theron has admitted that she doesn't think she can ever live with a romantic partner again—as she opened up to fellow A-lister Drew Barrymore about how her dating life has changed as she has gotten older and welcomed children.

The "Apex" star, 50, who is based in California, revealed during an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show" that she has been dipping a toe back into the dating scene now that her children, Jackson, 14, and August, 11, whom she adopted in 2012 and 2015, respectively, are a bit older.

However, while Theron—who was previously in a relationship with Stuart Townsend from 2001 until 2009—was open about her search for love, she confessed that she's not ready to give up her independence, even if she finds someone who meets all of her needs.

"I really mean this—people think I joke—I don’t think I could ever live with somebody again,” she said. “I’m not sure I can.”

That's not to say that Theron doesn't want her future partner to be close by, joking that she would have to ask them to buy a home just a few doors down from her own dwelling.

"I would love for [a partner] to be close," she continued. "Like, buy the house down the street."

Theron conceded that she may well change her mind about her dating rule when her daughters become older and move out, noting that she feels incredibly protective about the space that they currently share.

“Maybe it's because I still have my daughters in the house, and maybe that will change when I'm an empty nester, but I'm looking for something very specific,” she said.

Although Theron said her No. 1 priority is her children, she also revealed that her daughters are pushing for her to go on more dates.

“My kids are at an age now where they actually enjoy that I'm dating because they want to be involved. It's really funny how I was scared they'd be threatened by it, and now they're like, ‘Mom, is he texting you? Like, go on the date, mom,'" she said.

Theron also noted that her kids "always come first."

The actress previously opened up about her decision to start a family while speaking to People in 2018, explaining that was always very open with her romantic partners about her desire to adopt.

“Even when I was in relationships, I was always honest with my partners that adoption was how my family would look one day. This was definitely not a second option for me. It was always my first,” Theron said at the time.

She also previously told Elle that she wanted her children "to know who they are, and I want them to be so f---ing proud of who they are."

What Theron has yet to reveal is where her future partner will have to look for their new abode because she currently holds the keys to several properties in California, including a five-bedroom, 5.5-bath Studio City residence she purchased in 2024 for $3.29 million.

Standout details include marble finishes in the main bathroom, a balcony overlooking the pool, and wide-plank floors throughout both levels.

The neighborhood has a quaint feel but is less than 20 minutes by car from downtown Los Angeles.

She also owns a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath, single-family home in Studio City that's just a quick drive from Universal Studios.

Built in 1941, the 2,000-square-foot charmer features new white-oak flooring, a detached flex space, and a Japanese soaking tub. There’s also a Manzanilla olive tree and meticulous landscaping out back.

Designed and built by luxury home developer Rob Diaz, the interior is packed with chic details, such as alabaster sconces, marble countertops, and custom-built cabinetry.

Way back in 1998, Theron purchased a 5,005-square-foot mansion in the hilly Outpost Estates neighborhood for $1.6 million.

She still owns the four-bedroom, five-bathroom house, and it likely serves as her home base when she's in Southern California.

The circa-1929 residence has a stucco facade, pretty tile roof, and two-car garage.

Theron had her breakout role in 1997, when she was cast in “The Devil's Advocate” opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. She has since won an Oscar for her work on "Monster" and has appeared in numerous films, including "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Atomic Blonde," and "Fast X."