Full Name: Angelina Jolie Voight
Date and Place of Birth: June 4, 1975, Los Angeles, California, USA
Family Background
Angelina Jolie was born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. Her father, Jon Voight, is an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like "Midnight Cowboy" and "Coming Home." Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was an actress and producer of French-Canadian and Native American descent. Jolie has an older brother, James Haven, who is also an actor and producer. Her parents divorced when she was a young child, which greatly influenced her upbringing.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Los Angeles, Angelina had a tumultuous childhood, marked by her parents’ separation and subsequent estrangement from her father. She attended Beverly Hills High School, where she felt like an outsider among the children of Hollywood’s elite. Struggling with self-esteem issues, she was often bullied for her distinct looks and lean physique.
After high school, Jolie studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she began to hone her acting skills. Her interest in film was piqued at a young age, inspired by her father’s career and her own experiences watching movies with her mother. She later enrolled at New York University, though her formal education was secondary to her burgeoning acting career.
Nationality
Angelina Jolie is an American national. However, her heritage is a tapestry of diverse cultures, with her mother's French-Canadian and Native American ancestry playing a significant role in her identity.
Career
Jolie’s acting career began in earnest in the 1990s. She appeared in music videos and short films before landing her first leading role in the 1993 science fiction film "Cyborg 2." However, her breakout performance came in the 1998 television film "Gia," where she portrayed the troubled supermodel Gia Carangi. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe Award and established her as a serious actress.
In 1999, Jolie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Girl, Interrupted." This achievement solidified her status in Hollywood. She then starred in a series of successful films, including "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001), which transformed her into an international superstar and action icon.
Throughout the 2000s, Jolie continued to balance blockbuster films like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (2005) and critically acclaimed dramas such as "A Mighty Heart" (2007) and "Changeling" (2008), for which she received another Academy Award nomination. In addition to acting, Jolie expanded her talents to include directing, with her first feature film, "In the Land of Blood and Honey," released in 2011.
Personal Life
Angelina Jolie’s personal life has been the subject of extensive media scrutiny. She was first married to British actor Jonny Lee Miller from 1996 to 1999. Her second marriage, to actor Billy Bob Thornton in 2000, was marked by public displays of affection and ended in divorce in 2003.
Jolie’s relationship with Brad Pitt, which began during the filming of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," garnered significant attention. The couple, dubbed "Brangelina" by the media, married in 2014 after nearly a decade together and had six children, three of whom were adopted internationally. They separated in 2016, finalizing their divorce in 2019.
A devoted mother, Jolie has often spoken about the profound impact her children have had on her life and choices. Her experiences with adoption and parenting have been pivotal in shaping her worldview and humanitarian efforts.
Challenges and Obstacles
Jolie has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Her early struggles with depression and self-harm have been well-documented, as has her difficult relationship with her father. These personal battles have informed her roles and driven her humanitarian work.
Health challenges have also been significant. In 2013, Jolie underwent a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She later had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in 2015. Jolie’s openness about her health decisions has been praised for raising awareness about genetic testing and preventive healthcare.
Major Accomplishments
Angelina Jolie’s accomplishments extend far beyond her acting career. She has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her work as a director and producer has also earned critical acclaim.
Beyond Hollywood, Jolie is celebrated for her humanitarian efforts. Appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001, she has worked tirelessly to advocate for refugees and displaced people worldwide. In 2012, she was promoted to Special Envoy to the High Commissioner, reflecting her dedication and influence in the field.
Her humanitarian work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2013 and the title of Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.
Impact and Legacy
Angelina Jolie’s impact on both the film industry and global humanitarian efforts is profound. As an actress, she has broken stereotypes and redefined the roles available to women in Hollywood. Her advocacy for women’s rights, education, and refugee welfare has inspired countless individuals to engage with global issues.
Jolie’s legacy is also evident in her efforts to raise awareness about genetic testing and preventive health measures. Her candid discussions about her health have encouraged others to make informed decisions about their own well-being.
Quotes and Anecdotes
Angelina Jolie is known for her insightful and often poignant reflections. One of her notable quotes is: “Make bold choices and make mistakes. It’s all those things that add up to the person you become.”
Anecdotes about Jolie often highlight her generosity and commitment to her causes. During the filming of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" in Cambodia, she became aware of the humanitarian crisis facing the country. This experience was transformative, leading her to adopt her first child, Maddox, from a Cambodian orphanage in 2002.
Later Life and Death
As of now, Angelina Jolie is alive and continues to be active in both her professional and humanitarian endeavors. She remains a prominent figure in Hollywood and global advocacy, using her platform to address pressing issues and inspire change. Her later work includes directing and producing films that tackle complex social themes, as well as ongoing efforts to support refugees and promote education and healthcare initiatives worldwide.
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