Early Life and Family Background
Angelina Jolie was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ separation, Jolie was introduced to acting at a young age. Her father’s Hollywood career gave her early exposure to the film industry, though their relationship remained strained for many years.
Early Interest in Acting and Struggles
Jolie studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and later attended Beverly Hills High School, where she often felt like an outsider. As a teenager, she struggled with self-esteem, body image, and mental health. Despite these difficulties, she remained committed to acting and appeared in several student films before landing her first professional roles.
Breakthrough with Girl, Interrupted
After small roles in the mid-1990s, Jolie earned widespread acclaim for her performance as supermodel Gia Carangi in HBO’s Gia (1998), winning a Golden Globe. Her breakthrough came in 1999 with Girl, Interrupted, where her portrayal of a rebellious psychiatric patient won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her status as a serious talent in Hollywood.
Rise to Action Stardom
In the early 2000s, Jolie transitioned to action films and blockbuster roles. She achieved global fame with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), which showcased her physical prowess and charisma. She went on to star in other high-profile films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), and Salt (2010), becoming one of the most bankable female stars of her era.
Humanitarian Work and UN Involvement
Parallel to her acting career, Jolie developed a deep interest in humanitarian causes. In 2001, she was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and traveled extensively to war-torn regions, advocating for refugees. Her commitment led to her appointment as a UNHCR Special Envoy, and she has received numerous honors for her advocacy work, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Directorial Ambitions and Filmmaking
Jolie eventually stepped behind the camera, directing and producing films such as In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), Unbroken (2014), and First They Killed My Father (2017). Her directorial efforts often focused on human rights, war, and resilience, showcasing her ambition to tell meaningful, global stories.
Personal Life and High-Profile Relationships
Jolie’s personal life has often been under media scrutiny. She was previously married to actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, but her most publicized relationship was with Brad Pitt, whom she met while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The couple, dubbed “Brangelina,” married in 2014 and share six children, three of whom were adopted internationally. They divorced in 2016 after a highly publicized split.
Health and Advocacy
In 2013, Jolie made global headlines by publicly revealing that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried a BRCA1 gene mutation. Her openness sparked widespread discussion about women’s health and preventive care, earning her praise for her courage and transparency.
Legacy in Film and Philanthropy
Jolie has received multiple awards, including an Academy Award, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. But beyond the accolades, she is widely respected for her intelligence, advocacy, and efforts to use her fame for positive change. She continues to balance her film work with activism, focusing especially on women’s rights, children in conflict zones, and environmental issues.
A Life of Purpose and Influence
Angelina Jolie’s career spans more than three decades, during which she has continually evolved—both as an artist and humanitarian. From troubled beginnings to becoming one of the most influential women in Hollywood and global diplomacy, her life reflects resilience, purpose, and a relentless drive to make a difference. Whether on screen or in a refugee camp, Jolie remains a powerful and inspiring figure.
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