Angelina Jolie isn’t just a star; she’s a phenomenon. With a net worth topping $120 million, she’s not only one of the highest-paid actresses but also a captivating figure in showbiz. Let’s peel back the layers of her success story. From her iconic roles to her unique personal quirks, there’s more to Jolie than meets the eye. So, join us as we take a journey through her world, exploring how she climbed to the top and uncovering some surprising tidbits along the way. 

Angelina Jolie, born Angelina Jolie Voight is a famous American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She has won many awards, including an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Jolie has also been recognized as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood several times.

Angelina Jolie – Ethnicity, Early Days and Education

Angelina Jolie  was born on June 4, 1975, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. She has a brother named James Haven, who is also an actor.Her uncle is singer-songwriter Chip Taylor, and another uncle is Barry Voight, a geologist and volcanologist. Her godparents are actors Jacqueline Bisset and Maximilian Schell.

Jolie’s father’s family is from Germany and Slovakia. She has mentioned that she has some distant Indigenous (Iroquois) ancestry from her mother’s side, but her father has said this was not true and was just something they said to make her mother seem more interesting.

After Angelina Jolie’s parents separated in 1976, she and her brother lived with their mother, who gave up her own acting career to take care of them. Jolie’s mother raised her as a Catholic but didn’t make her go to church.

As a child, Jolie watched a lot of movies with her mother, which sparked her interest in acting more than her father’s successful career did.
She did have a small role in her father’s film, Lookin’ to Get Out (1982), when she was seven years old. When Jolie was six, her mother and her mother’s partner, filmmaker Bill Day, moved the family to Palisades, New York.

They moved back to Los Angeles five years later. After returning to Los Angeles, Jolie decided she wanted to become an actress.
She enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she trained for two years and acted in several stage plays. Angelina Jolie first went to Beverly Hills High School, where she felt out of place because her family wasn’t as wealthy as many of the other students.
She was bullied for being very thin and for wearing glasses and braces. Her mother encouraged her to try modeling, but it didn’t work out.

Jolie then switched to Moreno High School, an alternative school. There, she became a “punk outsider,” dressing in all-black clothes, going to mosh pits, and playing with knives with her boyfriend. She stopped taking acting classes and wanted to become a funeral director, even taking home courses on embalming.

At age 16, after breaking up with her boyfriend, Jolie graduated from high school. She got her own apartment and went back to studying theater.

Angelina Jolie’s Mental Heath Issues as a Teenager and Family Turmoil

Jolie’s relationship with her father, Jon Voight, has been strained since childhood, marked by sporadic contact and public appearances. After reconciling briefly during the filming of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, in 2001, their relationship soured again.

Angelina Jolie decided to change her last name from Voight to Jolie, which she had already been using as her stage name. This happened on September 12, 2002. Her father, Jon Voight, then publicly spoke about their estrangement on Access Hollywood, mentioning Jolie’s “serious mental problems.” As a result, Jolie’s mother and brother also stopped speaking to him.

As a teenager, Angelina Jolie would struggle with emotional connections and resorted to self-harm, finding some relief in the pain it caused. She battled insomnia, an eating disorder, and drug use, including heroin by the time she was 20.  She also went through regular episodes of depression. At 19 and 22, she contemplated suicide, even attempting to hire someone to end her life at one point.

At 24, she had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to the psychiatric ward at UCLA Medical Center for 72 hours.

Two years later, Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox. She said that this commitment helped her find stability and she promised herself she would never be self-destructive again.

Angelina Jolie’s 90s Film Journey: Triumphs and Transformations

Angelina Jolie decided to become a professional actress at 16, but she initially struggled to get roles because people thought her disposition and approach was “too dark.” She acted in five of her brother’s student films and appeared in several music videos, including Lenny Kravitz’s “Stand by My Woman” and The Lemonheads’ “It’s About Time.”

In 1993, she was on the cover of the Widespread Panic album ‘Everyday’. She does give credit to her father for teaching her how to observe people and undergo character development.

Angelina Jolie’s quest for stardom in the 90s was a rollercoaster ride of challenges and breakthroughs, each film marking a significant chapter in her evolving career.

It all began with “Cyborg 2” in 1993, where Jolie snagged her first leading role. Despite her dissatisfaction with the project, this marked her debut into the world of cinema. Her determination persevered, leading her to “Without Evidence” in 1995, where she showcased her acting prowess in a supporting role.

Then came “Hackers” in the same year, a film that may not have rocked the box office but gained a devoted following, largely due to Jolie’s standout performance. As acid-tongued computer hacker Kate Libby, she captivated audiences with her edgy charisma and undeniable talent.

In 1996, Jolie took on the role of Legs in “Foxfire,” a film that delved into themes of empowerment and solidarity among teenage girls. Despite initial skepticism, Jolie’s portrayal of the fearless drifter won praise for its authenticity and depth.

Next up was “Playing God” in 1997, a gritty thriller set in the underworld of Los Angeles. Despite mixed reviews, Jolie’s portrayal of a conflicted character brought a unique warmth and complexity to the role, earning her recognition for her ability to breathe life into any character she played.

Then came “True Women” the same year, where Jolie’s performance as a frontierswoman was met with criticism. However, her commitment to the role and her determination to push boundaries showcased her resilience in the face of adversity.

Amidst these roles, Jolie’s career soared with her portrayal of Cornelia Wallace, the second wife of Alabama governor George Wallace, in “George Wallace” (1997), a role that earned her a Golden Globe and paved the way for more significant opportunities.

But it was her portrayal of the troubled supermodel Gia Carangi in the HBO film “Gia” (1998) that truly solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Jolie’s raw, intense performance earned her critical acclaim and a slew of awards, including another Golden Globe.

In 1998, Angelina Jolie continued her cinematic journey with the gangster flick “Hell’s Kitchen,” followed by a remarkable turn in “Playing by Heart.”

Starring alongside Hollywood legends like Sean Connery and Gillian Anderson, as well as rising star Ryan Phillippe, Jolie’s presence illuminated the screen. The film garnered mostly positive reviews, with critics singling out Jolie’s performance for special acclaim.

Peter Stack of the San Francisco Chronicle described her as a sensation, highlighting her ability to shine even in a role that some felt was overly scripted. Despite any constraints, Jolie’s talent transcended, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.

Her portrayal in “Playing by Heart” was a tour de force, earning her the Breakthrough Performance Award from the National Board of Review. This accolade underscored her growing stature in the industry and foreshadowed the greatness yet to come in her illustrious career.

As the decade drew to a close, Jolie continued to take on diverse roles, from the comedic “Pushing Tin” (1999) to the chilling “The Bone Collector” (1999). Each film showcased her versatility and commitment to her craft, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would continue to unfold in the years to come.

In 1999, Angelina Jolie delivered a powerful performance as Lisa in the film “Girl, Interrupted.” Her portrayal earned her the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, capping off the decade in style.

Angelina Jolie’s Rise to Blockbuster Stardom (2000-2005)

During the early 2000s, Angelina Jolie soared to new heights in Hollywood. In 2000, she starred in “Gone in 60 Seconds,” marking her entry into big summer blockbusters. The film’s global success, grossing $237.2 million, solidified her status as a box office draw.

In 2001, Jolie became an international sensation with “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” captivating audiences worldwide with her portrayal of the iconic video game heroine. However, it was “Original Sin” (2001) that further enhanced her allure, emphasizing her sex appeal and glamour, despite mixed critical reception.

By 2004, Jolie showcased her versatility across various genres. From her role as an FBI profiler in “Taking Lives” to voicing a character in “Shark Tale,” she displayed her range. Her portrayal of Queen Olympias in “Alexander” garnered attention, despite mixed reviews.

In 2005, Jolie delivered a blockbuster hit with “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” co-starring with Brad Pitt. The action-comedy not only dominated the box office but also marked the beginning of a high-profile relationship between Jolie and Pitt, captivating fans worldwide.

Angelina Jolie’s Evolution: 2007-2011

In 2007, Jolie portrayed Mariane Pearl in “A Mighty Heart,” earning critical acclaim despite controversies surrounding her casting. Her performance as the multiracial Mariane earned her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.

By 2008, Jolie became Hollywood’s top-earning actress, commanding $15–$20 million per film. She starred in the international hit “Wanted” alongside James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman, showcasing her prowess in action roles. Additionally, her role in Clint Eastwood’s “Changeling” earned her numerous award nominations, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Actress.

During this time, Jolie lent her voice to the character Tigress in the beloved “Kung Fu Panda” film series by DreamWorks.

After the loss of her mother in 2007, Jolie scaled back her film appearances. However, she returned in 2010 with the thriller “Salt,” which achieved significant success at the box office, grossing $293.5 million worldwide.

In 2010, Jolie starred opposite Johnny Depp in “The Tourist,” though the film faced criticism from critics.

Transitioning behind the camera, Jolie made her feature directorial debut with “In the Land of Blood and Honey” in 2011. The film, set during the Bosnian War, aimed to shed light on the survivors’ experiences and featured actors from the former Yugoslavia, bringing authenticity to the narrative.

 A Shift to Directing and Humanitarian Work

After a hiatus from acting, Angelina Jolie returned to the screen in 2014 with the titular role in “Maleficent,” a reimagination of Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.” Her portrayal captivated audiences in this live-action adaptation.

In the same year, Jolie made her directorial debut with “Unbroken,” a poignant film depicting the resilience of World War II soldier Louis Zamperini. Her directorial skills earned critical acclaim and showcased her versatility behind the camera.

Transitioning back to acting, Jolie starred alongside her husband, Brad Pitt, in “By the Sea” in 2015. Inspired by her mother’s life, the film, based on her own script, delved into themes of love and loss, offering a personal touch to the project.

However, as Jolie’s focus shifted towards humanitarian efforts, her film appearances became less frequent. In 2017, she directed “First They Killed My Father,” shedding light on Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era. The film, produced for Netflix with a Khmer cast and script, received critical acclaim and garnered nominations for prestigious awards like the Golden Globe and BAFTA, reflecting Jolie’s commitment to impactful storytelling.

Angelina Jolie: Recent Movies, Shows and Directorial Ventures

In 2019, Angelina Jolie returned to her iconic role as Maleficent in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” the Disney fantasy sequel. While receiving mixed reviews, the film fared well commercially, grossing $490 million worldwide.

The following year, she appeared alongside David Oyelowo in “Come Away,” portraying grieving parents to the titular characters of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. This fantasy film showcased her versatility in emotionally charged roles.

In 2021, Jolie starred as a smokejumper in “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” an action thriller directed by Taylor Sheridan. Despite moderate reviews, Jolie’s performance was lauded by critics, with Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent praising her “bare-knuckled performance.”

Continuing her diverse repertoire, Jolie joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Eternals,” portraying Thena, a warrior grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. Released in November 2021, the film sparked varied responses from audiences and critics, with Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post highlighting the “touching naivete” in Jolie’s portrayal.

Looking ahead, Jolie is set to direct, write, and produce the film adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s novel “Without Blood,” starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir. Additionally, she is slated to star in Pablo Larraín’s biographical film “Maria,” depicting the life of opera singer Maria Callas. Furthermore, Jolie is attached to produce and star in the thriller “The Kept,” based on the James Scott novel, showcasing her ongoing commitment to diverse and compelling storytelling.

Angelina Jolie’s Humanitarian Work

Angelina Jolie’s humanitarian work spans over two decades, beginning with her appointment as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001. She’s made over 40 field missions, advocating for refugees in over 30 countries. Her dedication led to her promotion to Special Envoy in 2012.

Jolie has received numerous awards for her efforts, including the Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service’s Immigration and Refugee Program in August 2002 and the Citizen of the World Award from the United Nations Correspondents Association in October 2003.

In October 2005, she was honored with the Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA, and in November 2007, she received the Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee.

António Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, presented Jolie with a gold pin in October 2011, recognizing her ten years of service as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

Additionally, in November 2013, she was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Academy Award.

Queen Elizabeth II appointed Jolie as an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in June 2014 for her efforts in UK foreign policy and campaigns to end sexual violence in conflict areas.

Angelina Jolie – Marriages and Children

• Angelina Jolie has been married three times.
  • Her first marriage was to Jonny Lee Miller from 1996 to 2000.
  • She then married Billy Bob Thornton from 2000 to 2003.
  • Her most recent marriage was to Brad Pitt from 2014 to 2019.
• Jolie has six children:
  • Three sons and three daughters.
  • Three were adopted internationally, while three are her biological children with Brad Pitt.
  • Maddox (born in 2001) was adopted from Cambodia in 2002 with Billy Bob Thornton. Pitt later adopted Maddox in 2006.
  • Pax (born 2003) was adopted from Vietnam in 2007 by Jolie and later adopted by Pitt in 2008.
  • Zahara (born 2005) was adopted from Ethiopia in 2005 by Jolie and later by Pitt in 2006.
  • Shiloh (born 2006), Knox (born 2008), and Vivienne (born 2008) are the biological children of Jolie and Pitt.

Angelina Jolie –  Relationships

• At 14, Angelina Jolie had a serious boyfriend, allowed to live with her by her mother, which she later credited with providing a safe environment for her exploration of her first serious relationship.
• Jolie married actor Jonny Lee Miller in 1996 after meeting during the filming of “Hackers” (1995). Their marriage, characterized by Jolie’s unconventional attire at their wedding, ended in divorce in 1999.
• Before Miller, Jolie had a relationship with model and actress Jenny Shimizu, whom she met on the set of “Foxfire” (1996). Their connection was deep, with Jolie expressing that she would have married Shimizu if circumstances had been different.
• Following her divorce from Miller, Jolie entered a relationship with actor Billy Bob Thornton, whom she married in 2000 after a brief courtship. Their eccentric displays of affection, such as wearing vials of each other’s blood around their necks, captured public attention. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2003.
• Jolie’s involvement with Thornton led to a scandalous period when she was accused of causing the divorce of actors Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Despite denying allegations of an affair, Jolie admitted to falling in love with Pitt during the filming of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005).
• Jolie and Pitt’s relationship, dubbed “Brangelina” by the media, became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples. They were legally married in 2014 but separated in 2016, with Jolie filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
• Legal proceedings continued between Jolie and Pitt, including allegations of abuse by Jolie against Pitt, highlighting the complexities of their relationship and its public fallout.

Angelina Jolie’s Breast Cancer Prevention Journey

In 2013, Angelina Jolie made a brave decision to reduce her risk of breast cancer. She found out she had a gene called BRCA1 that made her chances of getting breast cancer higher. So, she chose to have surgery to remove both of her breasts, even though she didn’t have cancer.

Angelina shared her story in a newspaper article. She wanted to help others understand that if they have a high risk of breast cancer, they can take steps to lower it. By talking about her experience, she helped raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and encouraged people to consider their own health.

Angelina’s openness showed that anyone facing a tough decision about their health can find strength and support. She used her experience to help others, becoming a source of inspiration and hope for many.

How tall is Angelina Jolie? Comparison with peers