Halle Berry: Life in pictures

With crime thriller “Swordfish,” Berry did her first topless scene. She had previously turned down roles that required nudity, but her second husband, Eric Benet, pictured, encouraged her to take risks, and she went for it. The pair divorced in 2003 after two years of marriage.   (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Berry broke barriers when she won the lead actress Oscar for “Monster’s Ball.” “This moment is so much bigger than me,” Berry said in an unforgettable Elie Saab gown. “This is for every nameless, faceless woman of color who now has a chance tonight because this door has been opened.”   (Amapas / Getty Images)

A year after Berry was awarded the lead actress Oscar for “Monster’s Ball,” she presented the lead actor Oscar at the ceremony in 2003. When Adrien Brody won for “The Pianist,” he sprinted to the stage and planted a huge kiss on Berry. A sure highlight of the show.   (Brian vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Berry began dating French Canadian model Gabriel Aubry in dating in November 2005. They welcomed their daughter Nahla in March 2008, but separated two years later. Because of a custody dispute, Berry is now required to pay her ex-boyfriend $16,000 a month to support their 6-year-old daughter.   (Evan Agostini / AP)

In addition to acting, Berry tried her hand at producing. She starred in and produced the crime mystery “Perfect Stranger,” opposite Bruce Willis, pictured. In March 2014, Berry began a new production company, 606 Films, with producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas.  (Barry Wetcher / Columbia PicturesRevolution )

Actress Jennifer Garner and Berry, who was pregnant at the time, came together in Sacramento to support a bill that would limit the ability of paparazzi to photograph children of celebrities and public figures. Because of shutterbugs, Berry’s own Nahla was afraid to leave her home.   (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)