(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Charlize Theron feels "blessed and fortunate" in her life.

The 36-year-old South African actress loves her life despite the hardship she has endured.

The star credits having a loving home base for her good fortune.

"My life has been blessed and fortunate. Even in difficult times I have always had a roof over my head and a fantastic mother," she told Gioia magazine.

"I can't say I had a hard life. I grew up in South Africa in the midst of disease, hunger and poverty. There I learned not to feel sorry for myself."

Charlize learned a lot from her mother, including how to stand on her own two feet. "My mother taught me to be independent," she explained. "I am grateful for that."

With such a successful career, Charlize has amassed notoriety and wealth. She is grateful for her luxuries, but they do not define her happiness.

"I have a rich and happy life, full of beautiful things. I fly in first class and I sleep in the great hotels. So I cannot say that I'm happy with simple things. But if I compare my life to that of the stars of Hollywood, then I can say I'm a simple person. I do not have a yacht or even a Ferrari. I like to go on a yacht, but I do not like to depend on things," she said. (C) Cover Media