Angelina Jolie is a renowned American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, she is widely recognized for her acting talent, striking beauty, and philanthropic efforts. Jolie has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, among others.
Early Life and Family
Angelina Jolie Voight was born to actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand. She comes from a prominent acting family, with her father being an Academy Award-winning actor. However, her parents separated when she was just a year old, and she was primarily raised by her mother. Jolie had a passion for acting from a young age and attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute during her teenage years to hone her skills.
Acting Career
Jolie’s breakthrough in the acting industry came with her portrayal of the video game heroine Lara Croft in the action-adventure film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” in 2001. The movie catapulted her to international fame and established her as a leading lady in Hollywood. She continued to take on diverse and challenging roles in films such as “Girl, Interrupted” (1999), for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005), where she met her future husband, actor Brad Pitt.
Over the years, Jolie has demonstrated her versatility as an actress by successfully portraying a wide range of characters. Some of her notable films include “Changeling” (2008), “Salt” (2010), “Maleficent” (2014), and “By the Sea” (2015), which she also directed.
Directorial Career
In addition to her acting career, Jolie has ventured into directing. Her directorial debut came with the documentary film “A Place in Time” (2007), followed by the Bosnian War drama “In the Land of Blood and Honey” (2011). Her third directorial project, “Unbroken” (2014), received critical acclaim and further showcased her skills behind the camera.
Humanitarian Work
Angelina Jolie is widely recognized for her extensive humanitarian efforts. She has been involved with various charitable organizations, focusing on issues such as refugee rights, women’s rights, education, and child advocacy. Jolie has travelled to numerous countries, including war-torn regions, to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced people. She has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and later became a Special Envoy. Jolie’s commitment to humanitarian causes led to her being awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2013.
Personal Life
Angelina Jolie’s personal life has been the subject of media scrutiny. She has been married three times, first to actor Jonny Lee Miller, then to actor Billy Bob Thornton, and finally to Brad Pitt. Jolie and Pitt, known collectively as “Brangelina,” were considered one of Hollywood’s most glamorous and influential couples. They have six children together, three of whom were adopted internationally.
In recent years, Jolie and Pitt’s marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce, which was finalized in 2019. Jolie continues to focus on her acting and humanitarian work while maintaining her role as a dedicated mother.
Legacy and Influence
Angelina Jolie’s impact on the entertainment industry and humanitarian causes is undeniable. She has been lauded for her talent, beauty, and philanthropy, and she continues to be an influential figure in Hollywood. Jolie’s dedication to raising awareness about global issues has inspired many, and her films have entertained and captivated audiences worldwide.
As an accomplished actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie’s contributions to the arts and her commitment to making a positive difference in the world have solidified her status as an iconic figure in contemporary culture.
References
Angelina Jolie | Biography, Movies, Children, & Facts | Britannica
