Angelina Jolie, born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She is known for her exceptional acting talent, philanthropy, and significant influence in both the entertainment industry and humanitarian circles.
Early Life
Angelina Jolie Voight is the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand. Her parents’ marriage ended when she was a young child, and she was primarily raised by her mother, who inspired her love for cinema. Jolie attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and later pursued studies at New York University.
Acting Career
- Debut: Jolie made her screen debut at the age of seven, appearing alongside her father in Lookin’ to Get Out (1982).
- Breakthrough: Her career gained momentum in the 1990s with notable performances in films such as Hackers (1995) and the critically acclaimed TV film Gia (1998), where she portrayed supermodel Gia Carangi.
- Oscar Win: Jolie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999).
- Blockbusters: Her role as Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) established her as a global star. Other major hits include:
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
- Wanted (2008)
- Salt (2010)
- Maleficent (2014)
Directing and Producing
Jolie expanded her career into directing and producing, with films such as:
- In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)
- Unbroken (2014)
- First They Killed My Father (2017)
Humanitarian Work
Jolie’s commitment to humanitarian causes is a defining aspect of her legacy:
- She became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001, traveling extensively to advocate for displaced people.
- In 2012, she was appointed as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Angelina Jolie has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Personal Life
- Marriages: Jolie has been married three times—to Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Bob Thornton, and Brad Pitt. Her highly publicized relationship with Pitt, often referred to as “Brangelina,” ended in divorce in 2016.
- Children: Jolie is a mother to six children, three of whom were adopted internationally (from Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam) and three biological children with Brad Pitt.
Recent Projects and Ventures
- Acting: Jolie is set to play opera singer Maria Callas in an upcoming biopic directed by Pablo Larraín.
- Fashion: In 2023, she launched Atelier Jolie, a clothing and design collective.
- Production: Jolie co-produced a musical adaptation of The Outsiders in 2024, earning significant acclaim.
Legacy
Angelina Jolie is celebrated not only for her acting achievements but also for her role as a humanitarian and advocate for global causes. Her multifaceted career and personal endeavors continue to inspire audiences worldwide.