Angelina Jolie: The Journey Of A Hollywood Icon From 1975 To Present

Latest News: Angelina Jolie Stars as Opera Singer in Maria

Angelina Jolie is set to portray the legendary Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic Maria. The film premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, receiving an impressive eight-minute standing ovation, which brought Jolie to tears. This role showcases Jolie's ability to tackle challenging characters, as she immerses herself in the complexities of Callas's life.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie expressed her apprehension about learning opera for the role, describing it as a “scary” experience that required months of rigorous singing and Italian classes. She shared that her first class was emotionally overwhelming, reflecting the physical and mental challenges of embodying such a significant figure.

However, once she grasped the technique of breathing and singing in the operatic style, everything started to fall into place for her. Jolie emphasized the emotional investment required for opera, stating, “It requires your whole heart, body, and mind.” Maria is set to hit select theaters on November 27 and will stream on Netflix starting December 11.

Who Is Angelina Jolie?

Angelina Jolie has become one of Hollywood's most recognizable names since her rise to fame in the late 1990s. She gained significant recognition after her breakout role in the 1998 HBO biopic Gia, followed by her Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted. Over the years, Jolie has starred in a variety of successful films, including Wanted, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Aside from acting, Jolie has also ventured into directing, with notable works like In the Land of Blood and Honey and Unbroken. Her ability to navigate both sides of the film industry highlights her multifaceted talent and dedication to storytelling. As she continues to work on new projects, including Maria, Jolie remains a prominent figure in entertainment.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Angelina Jolie
BORN: June 4, 1975
BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, California
SPOUSE: Jonny Lee Miller (1995-1999), Billy Bob Thornton (2000-2003), and Brad Pitt (2014-2019)
CHILDREN: Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, Knox, and Vivienne
PARENTS: Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Gemini

Young Angelina Jolie

Born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, Angelina Jolie Voight is the daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Her parents' separation when she was young profoundly impacted her upbringing, leading her and her brother, James, to be primarily raised by their mother. This early instability in her family life contributed to her later passion for acting as a form of expression.

Jolie began her acting career at a young age, appearing in her father's film Lookin' to Get Out. As a teenager, she attended the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and even tried her hand at modeling. Despite facing bullying during her school years, she persevered and graduated early to pursue her dreams in acting.

Movies That Shaped Angelina's Career

Jolie's film career took off with her role in Hackers in 1995, where she played a teenage hacker. This was quickly followed by her performance in the television miniseries George Wallace, which earned her her first Golden Globe Award. Her portrayal of Gia Marie Carangi in Gia solidified her status as a leading actress, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe win.

She continued to gain recognition with her role in Girl, Interrupted, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This was a significant turning point in her career, paving the way for leading roles in major films such as Wanted, Salt, and Maleficent, where she captivated audiences with her powerful performances.

Directing Endeavors

In addition to her acting career, Jolie has made significant strides in directing. Her debut film, In the Land of Blood and Honey, explores the impact of war on love and relationships. Following this, she directed Unbroken, a biopic based on the life of Olympian Louis Zamperini, which received positive reviews and commercial success.

Jolie's passion for directing is evident in her attention to storytelling and character development. She has recently directed the war drama Without Blood, showcasing her commitment to telling impactful stories that resonate with audiences.

Personal Life: Marriages and Children

Jolie's personal life has often been a topic of public interest. She has been married three times, first to Jonny Lee Miller, then to Billy Bob Thornton, and finally to Brad Pitt. Her relationship with Pitt, known as "Brangelina," captured headlines for years, especially following their marriage in 2014 and subsequent divorce filing in 2016.

Jolie is also a dedicated mother to six children, both adopted and biological. Her commitment to her family is a significant part of her life, and she has often spoken about the joys and challenges of parenting. Following her split from Pitt, she has focused on maintaining a healthy and supportive environment for her children.

Humanitarian Efforts

Jolie has been a lifelong advocate for humanitarian causes, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency since 2001. Her efforts to provide aid to refugees in countries such as Cambodia, Tanzania, and Jordan have garnered international attention. In 2005, she received the Global Humanitarian Action Award for her activism.

Her commitment to humanitarian work extends beyond recognition; she actively engages in initiatives that support displaced individuals and advocate for their rights. Even after stepping down from her UN ambassadorship in 2022, Jolie continues to champion important causes, urging international organizations to address pressing humanitarian issues.

Health Issues and Cancer Prevention

Jolie's journey has not been without personal challenges. After losing her mother to cancer, she took proactive measures regarding her health. In 2013, she revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy after learning she carried a gene increasing her risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Her openness about her health decisions has empowered many women to make informed choices about their well-being.

Jolie emphasizes the importance of understanding one's health options and encourages other women to seek information and support. Her advocacy for cancer prevention and awareness has made a significant impact, as she shares her story to inspire others to take charge of their health.

Financial Success and Net Worth

As of August 2024, Angelina Jolie boasts an estimated net worth of $120 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. Her career spans acting, directing, and producing, with an average earning of $20 million per film. She is also involved in sustainable fashion through her collective, Atelier Jolie.

Jolie's financial success reflects her diverse talents and business ventures, solidifying her status not only as an actress but also as a savvy entrepreneur. Her ability to navigate the film industry while advocating for important causes makes her a unique figure in Hollywood.

Powerful Quotes from Jolie

• "My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman. Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could."
• "We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

Angelina Jolie's life story is one of resilience, talent, and compassion. As she continues to evolve, her contributions to film and humanitarian