Charlize Theron Makes Surprise Appearance at 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony to Deliver a Message of Hope

NEED TO KNOW

• Charlize Theron made a surprise appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

• The actress, a peace ambassador for the United Nations, delivered a message of hope

• The message was inspired by the late Nelson Mandela

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony wrapped up in Milan with a surprise appearance from none other than Charlize Theron.

The South African-born actress, 50, appeared in her official capacity as a peace ambassador for the United Nations to deliver a message of hope inspired by Nelson Mandela to the crowd at San Siro Stadium on Friday, Feb. 6.

“Athletes, spectators from every corner of the world, this is a message of peace by my beloved countryman Nelson Mandela,” she said. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.”

She continued, “Today, this message seems more relevant than ever. So let these Games be more than just sport. Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere.”

Charlize Theron at the 2026 Winter Games opening ceremony on Feb. 6.

Matthias Hangst/Getty

Theron stood on stage near a dove symbol; opening ceremony protocol for Olympic Games calls for a symbolic release of doves after the Parade of Athletes and before the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The Games stopped using real birds in 1992, and now just use the symbol.

In November, the UN Member States adopted the Olympic Truce Resolution for the 2026 Games, which ensures safe passage for athletes and officials to attend the Olympics and pushes the Games to promote and strengthen a culture of peace in their communities.

Theron — who lived in Milan for a year as a teenager — was not the only famous face to take the stage during the opening ceremony. Mariah Carey performed two songs earlier in the night, and Andrea Bocelli sang just before the actress appeared. The White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore also appeared in a segment that paid tribute to the history of the Winter Games.

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.

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