Born in Los Angeles on June 4, 1975, Jolie grew up in a family of actors and musicians. Her father, Jon Voight, was a well-known actor, and her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was an actress and humanitarian. Jolie’s parents divorced when she was a child, and she was raised primarily by her mother.
Jolie began her acting career in the mid-1990s with small roles in films such as “Hackers” and “Foxfire.” However, it was her role in the 1997 film “George Wallace” that garnered critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award. She followed up with a standout performance in the 1998 film “Gia,” which earned her another Golden Globe.
Jolie gained international fame with her portrayal of Lara Croft in the 2001 film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” The role solidified her status as a Hollywood star and later led to her becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. She continued to receive critical acclaim for her roles in films such as “Girl, Interrupted,” for which she won an Academy Award, and “Changeling.”
In addition to her acting career, Jolie is also a humanitarian and has dedicated much of her life to philanthropic work. She has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, visiting refugee camps around the world to bring awareness to their plight. She was named a UNHCR Special Envoy in 2012, and has used her platform to advocate for refugee rights and raise funds for humanitarian aid.
In 2013, Jolie announced that she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy after learning that she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which greatly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She later had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed for the same reason. Jolie’s decision to share her story publicly inspired many women to learn more about genetic testing and take proactive steps to reduce their cancer risk.
Jolie has also been vocal about her support for gender equality and women’s rights. In 2014, she hosted a global summit to end sexual violence in conflict, bringing together advocates, survivors, and government officials to develop strategies for addressing this issue. She has also been a strong advocate for education for girls, traveling to countries such as Pakistan and Kenya to meet with students and teachers and encourage greater investment in girls’ education.
In recent years, Jolie has shifted her focus to directing. Her debut film, “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” was released in 2011 and explored the Bosnian War. She went on to direct “Unbroken,” a biographical war drama, and “By the Sea,” a romantic drama starring herself and her husband, Brad Pitt.
Despite her many accomplishments, Jolie has faced personal struggles in her life. Her divorce from Pitt in 2016 was highly publicized, and she has been open about her struggles with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. However, she has continued to use her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others facing similar challenges.
Angelina Jolie has left an indelible mark on the film industry and the world at large. Her talent, compassion, and dedication to humanitarian causes have made her a true icon and an inspiration to many.