Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress known for her powerhouse performances in films like Monster and her recent action roles in The Fast and the Furious franchise and Mad Max: Fury Road, recently shared a humorous anecdote that’s sure to resonate with parents everywhere. It seems even Hollywood stardom can't compare to the coolness factor of Tom Cruise, at least in the eyes of Theron's children.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Theron recounted a story about picking up her youngest child from dance class. Driving past a billboard advertising the latest Mission: Impossible film, her children were captivated by Tom Cruise's image, hanging precariously from a plane. “He just looks really cool,” Theron recalled her children saying.

The irony, of course, is that Theron herself recently completed a demanding action sequence for The Old Guard 2, involving a real helicopter and complex choreography. “We took like two weeks to shoot this sequence,” Theron explained, detailing the intricate work with a skilled helicopter pilot. “And I was like, ‘Wow, I just did that, that’s really amazing.’ And my child yesterday just looked at this poster of Tom Cruise and went, ‘It’s weird, he looks so much cooler than you did when you were hanging off the helicopter.’ I was just like, ‘But I hung off the helicopter! Just, like, some credit?’”

This humorous anecdote highlights the relatable experience of parents whose children may not always appreciate their accomplishments. It also underscores the enduring appeal of Tom Cruise as an action icon, even to the youngest generation.

But the conversation didn’t end there. Theron went on to discuss her experience working with Uma Thurman in The Old Guard 2, calling Thurman the “OG” of action stars and expressing her long-held admiration for her. Theron praised Thurman’s performance in Kill Bill, lamenting that she was robbed of an Oscar for her work. The two actresses share a mutual respect and admiration, further cementing Theron’s place in the lineage of female action stars.

Theron’s story serves as a lighthearted reminder that even the most accomplished individuals are still subject to the often unpredictable judgments of their children. While her kids might currently favor Tom Cruise, one thing's for sure: Charlize Theron’s own impressive career continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.