Angelina Jolie | Biography, Movies & Facts

Birth and Childhood

Angelina Jolie Voight was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. She was the couple’s only biological child, but she grew up alongside her older brother, James Haven, also born to Voight and Bertrand. Jolie’s parents divorced when she was just a year old, and she and her brother were primarily raised by their mother.

Jolie’s childhood was marked by the influence of her parents’ careers in the entertainment industry. Her father, Jon Voight, was already a well-known actor, while her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, worked as an actress and producer. Jolie accompanied her parents to film sets from a young age, giving her early exposure to the world of acting and filmmaking. However, despite her familial ties to the industry, Jolie initially expressed little interest in pursuing acting herself.

Youth

As a teenager, Angelina Jolie struggled with various personal issues, including body image insecurities and self-harm. She attended Beverly Hills High School, where she felt like an outsider and was often bullied by her peers. Jolie has spoken openly about her turbulent youth, describing herself as a rebellious and troubled teenager who experimented with drugs and engaged in risky behavior.

Despite her struggles, Jolie showed early signs of her humanitarian inclinations during her youth. She volunteered at a homeless shelter in Los Angeles and traveled to Third World countries with her mother, witnessing firsthand the poverty and suffering experienced by people around the world. These experiences would later inspire Jolie’s activism and philanthropic work as an adult.

Jolie’s interest in acting was sparked during her late teens when she began studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and later the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. She appeared in several student films and stage productions, honing her craft and gaining valuable experience. However, Jolie’s desire to pursue acting professionally conflicted with her rebellious nature and unconventional lifestyle.

Private Life

Angelina Jolie’s private life has been a subject of fascination for the media and the public throughout her career. She has been married three times and has six children, three of whom are adopted.

Her first marriage was to actor Jonny Lee Miller in 1996, whom she met on the set of the film “Hackers” (1995). The couple famously exchanged vows wearing each other’s blood in a vial around their necks but divorced in 1999.

In 2000, Jolie married actor Billy Bob Thornton after a whirlwind romance. The couple gained attention for their eccentric behavior, including wearing vials of each other’s blood as necklaces. However, they separated in 2002 and divorced the following year.

Jolie’s most high-profile relationship was with actor Brad Pitt, whom she met on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) while he was still married to actress Jennifer Aniston. Jolie and Pitt became known as “Brangelina” and were considered one of Hollywood’s power couples. They adopted three children and had three biological children together. However, their relationship came to an end in 2016, and they filed for divorce amid allegations of substance abuse and child abuse.

In addition to her romantic relationships, Jolie’s private life has also been shaped by her commitment to humanitarian causes. She has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since 2001 and was appointed a Special Envoy in 2012. Jolie has undertaken numerous humanitarian missions and advocacy efforts, focusing on issues such as refugee rights, women’s empowerment, and children’s welfare.

Key Points About Her Acting

1. Breakthrough Role: Angelina Jolie’s breakthrough role came in 1999 when she portrayed the troubled and volatile character Lisa Rowe in the drama “Girl, Interrupted.” Her performance earned her critical acclaim and won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, catapulting her to stardom and establishing her as a formidable talent in Hollywood.
2. Versatility: Throughout her career, Jolie has showcased her versatility as an actress, seamlessly transitioning between genres and portraying a wide range of characters. From action heroines to dramatic leads, she has demonstrated her ability to inhabit complex roles with depth and authenticity.
3. Action Star: Jolie has become synonymous with action-packed blockbusters, thanks to her roles in films such as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) and its sequel, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005), and “Salt” (2010). Her physicality, charisma, and willingness to perform her own stunts have cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s leading action stars.
4. Acclaim and Awards: In addition to her Academy Award win for “Girl, Interrupted,” Jolie has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including three Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. She has been recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to the film industry.
5. Directorial Work: In recent years, Jolie has expanded her repertoire to include directing. Her directorial debut, “In the Land of Blood and Honey” (2011), explored the Bosnian War and received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of the conflict. She has since directed several other films, including “Unbroken” (2014) and “First They Killed My Father” (2017), further establishing herself as a multifaceted artist in the industry.
6. Impact Beyond Acting: Beyond her acting career, Angelina Jolie’s influence extends to her work as a filmmaker, humanitarian, and advocate. She has used her platform to raise awareness about pressing global issues and has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly as it relates to refugees and vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, Angelina Jolie’s journey from a troubled youth to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and respected figures is a testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication to making a positive impact in the world. Through her acting, activism, and humanitarian efforts, Jolie has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and continues to inspire audiences around the globe.

12 Prominent movies

1. Girl, Interrupted (1999) – In this drama based on Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, Jolie portrays Lisa Rowe, a charismatic and rebellious patient in a psychiatric hospital. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking a breakthrough moment in her career.
2. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) – Jolie takes on the iconic role of Lara Croft, a fearless archaeologist and adventurer, in this action-packed film based on the popular video game series. Her portrayal of the strong and resourceful heroine helped solidify her status as an action star.
3. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) – Jolie stars opposite Brad Pitt in this action-comedy as Jane Smith, a married couple who are both secretly assassins hired to kill each other. The film’s blend of humor, romance, and high-octane action contributed to its commercial success.
4. Changeling (2008) – Directed by Clint Eastwood, this historical drama features Jolie as Christine Collins, a mother whose son goes missing in 1928 Los Angeles. Jolie’s nuanced performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
5. Wanted (2008) – In this action thriller, Jolie plays Fox, a skilled assassin who recruits a young man (played by James McAvoy) into a secret society of killers. Jolie’s magnetic presence and action sequences contributed to the film’s success at the box office.
6. Salt (2010) – Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent, in this espionage thriller. Her performance received praise for its intensity and physicality, solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading action stars.
7. Maleficent (2014) – Jolie portrays the title character in this fantasy film inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty. Her portrayal of the misunderstood fairy Maleficent earned praise for its depth and complexity, and the film was a commercial success.
8. By the Sea (2015) – Directed by Jolie herself, this romantic drama stars Jolie and Brad Pitt as a troubled married couple who travel to France and become involved with the inhabitants of a seaside town. The film explores themes of love, loss, and forgiveness.
9. Unbroken (2014) – Directed by Angelina Jolie, this biographical war drama tells the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who becomes a prisoner of war during World War II. Jolie’s direction and the film’s powerful narrative received critical acclaim.
10. The Bone Collector (1999) – In this crime thriller, Jolie stars alongside Denzel Washington as a rookie police officer who teams up with a paralyzed forensics expert to solve a series of grisly murders. Jolie’s performance added depth to the film’s suspenseful storyline.
11. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) – Jolie appears as Sara “Sway” Wayland in this action thriller about a group of car thieves tasked with stealing 50 cars in one night. Her chemistry with co-star Nicolas Cage and her portrayal of the enigmatic Sway contributed to the film’s success.
12. A Mighty Heart (2007) – Based on a true story, this biographical drama features Jolie as Mariane Pearl, the wife of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan. Jolie’s performance earned her critical praise for capturing the strength and resilience of Mariane Pearl.

5 similar artists

here are five artists who share similarities with Angelina Jolie in terms of their acting prowess, versatility, and impact on the entertainment industry:

1. Scarlett Johansson: Scarlett Johansson, like Angelina Jolie, is known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to portray strong and complex female characters. Both actresses have excelled in a variety of genres, from action films to dramas, and have earned critical acclaim for their performances. Additionally, Johansson, like Jolie, has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts.
2. Charlize Theron: Charlize Theron shares similarities with Angelina Jolie in terms of her transformative performances and dedication to her craft. Both actresses have portrayed a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity, earning critical acclaim and accolades throughout their careers. Additionally, Theron, like Jolie, has been involved in humanitarian work and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
3. Emily Blunt: Emily Blunt, like Angelina Jolie, is celebrated for her versatility as an actress and her ability to tackle diverse roles with skill and nuance. Both actresses have portrayed strong and independent female characters in a variety of genres, from action films to dramas and comedies. Additionally, Blunt, like Jolie, has garnered critical acclaim for her performances and has established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
4. Cate Blanchett: Cate Blanchett shares similarities with Angelina Jolie in terms of her talent, versatility, and impact on the entertainment industry. Both actresses have delivered powerful and memorable performances in a variety of roles, showcasing their range and skill as performers. Additionally, Blanchett, like Jolie, has been involved in humanitarian work and has used her platform to advocate for important causes.
5. Nicole Kidman: Nicole Kidman, like Angelina Jolie, is known for her talent, versatility, and ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. Both actresses have received critical acclaim for their performances in a variety of genres, from dramas to thrillers and biopics. Additionally, Kidman, like Jolie, has been involved in humanitarian efforts and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.