10 Facts About Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is one of the most renowned actresses in Hollywood, known for her stunning performances, humanitarian work, and intriguing personal life. Over the years, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her talent and charisma. Here are ten fascinating facts about this iconic star.
1. She Was Born Into Hollywood Royalty Angelina Jolie was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Her father, Jon Voight, is an Academy Award-winning actor, while her mother, Marcheline, was an actress and producer. Growing up in a family with deep ties to Hollywood, it was no surprise that Jolie would eventually make her mark in the film industry.
2. She Struggled with Her Early Career Despite her famous lineage, Jolie did not have an easy start in Hollywood. She initially struggled to land significant roles and faced criticism for her unconventional appearance and acting style. However, she gained recognition with her breakthrough role in the 1998 TV movie Gia, where she portrayed the tragic life of supermodel Gia Carangi.
3. She Won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted Jolie’s career skyrocketed when she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in Girl, Interrupted. In the film, she played Lisa Rowe, a charismatic but deeply troubled young woman in a psychiatric institution. Her electrifying performance stole the spotlight, earning her critical acclaim.
4. She Is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Beyond acting, Jolie has dedicated much of her life to humanitarian efforts. In 2001, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has since traveled to over 40 countries, advocating for refugees and displaced people. Her work has earned her widespread recognition and several humanitarian awards.
5. She Underwent Preventive Surgery In 2013, Jolie made headlines when she revealed she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Her brave decision and openness about her health inspired many women to seek genetic testing and take charge of their health.
6. She Has Six Children Jolie is a devoted mother to six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Three of her children—Maddox (from Cambodia), Pax (from Vietnam), and Zahara (from Ethiopia)—were adopted, while the other three are her biological children with ex-husband Brad Pitt. She has often expressed how motherhood has profoundly changed her life.
7. She Directed Several Films Jolie is not just an actress; she is also a talented director. She made her directorial debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), a film set during the Bosnian War. She later directed Unbroken (2014), a biographical war drama based on the life of Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini. Her directing projects often focus on social and historical issues.
8. She Had a Tumultuous Love Life Jolie’s relationships have often been the subject of media attention. She was married three times—first to British actor Jonny Lee Miller in 1996, then to Billy Bob Thornton in 2000, and finally to Brad Pitt in 2014. Her relationship with Pitt, dubbed “Brangelina,” was one of the most high-profile romances in Hollywood. However, they divorced in 2019 after a long legal battle over custody and financial matters.
9. She Has Performed Many of Her Own Stunts Jolie is known for her dedication to her roles, often performing her own stunts in action films. In movies like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Salt, she trained rigorously to execute high-intensity action sequences. Her commitment to authenticity has made her a standout in the action genre.
10. She Is Passionate About Human Rights and Women’s Rights Jolie has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly focusing on the rights of women and children. She co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative in 2012 alongside former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. This initiative aims to combat sexual violence in war zones and support survivors of such crimes.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie is much more than a Hollywood actress—she is a humanitarian, a filmmaker, a devoted mother, and a fearless advocate for global change. Her legacy continues to inspire millions, both in the entertainment industry and beyond. Whether on-screen or through her charitable efforts, Jolie’s impact on the world is undeniable.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.