Angelina Jolie | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Update : December 10, 2024

Who is Angelina Jolie?

Angelina Jolie, born Angelina Jolie Voight on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She is the daughter of legendary actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, who divorced when she was just a toddler. Jolie's early exposure to the entertainment industry laid the foundation for her career in acting, which began with small roles in films and music videos. She gained wide recognition after her remarkable performance in the 1998 HBO film "Gia," where she portrayed the tragic life of supermodel Gia Marie Carangi. This role established her as a formidable talent, eventually leading to an Academy Award win for her role in "Girl, Interrupted."

Over her career, Jolie has captivated audiences with various performances in films such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Maleficent," and "Changeling," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Not only is she a box-office success, but Jolie is also a skilled director, having helmed critically acclaimed films like "Unbroken" and "First They Killed My Father." Beyond her film accomplishments, Jolie is known for her humanitarian efforts, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency and advocating for refugees and women's rights globally. Jolie's life is a testament to her dedication to both her craft and the causes she champions, making her an influential figure in Hollywood and the world of activism.

Early Life and Education

Angelina Jolie Voight was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of acclaimed Hollywood actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Following her parents' separation during her early childhood, Jolie was primarily raised by her mother, who sacrificed her own acting career to provide a stable environment for her and her brother, James. Growing up, Jolie spent significant time in Palisades, New York, before returning to Los Angeles at the age of 11. During her formative years, she experienced a complicated relationship with her father, which led her to adopt her middle name as her public persona.

From an early age, Jolie was drawn to the arts, quickly following in her parents’ footsteps in the acting world. She made her acting debut in her father's 1982 film "Lookin' to Get Out". Throughout her teenage years, she explored her passion further by taking acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and participating in modeling gigs. She attended Beverly Hills High School but soon transferred to Moreno High School to escape bullying, where she embraced a rebellious spirit. By age 16, she had graduated early to pursue her acting ambitions while maintaining a significant focus on her academic and personal growth.

Career Breakthrough with Gia

Angelina Jolie's remarkable career breakthrough came with her powerful performance in the 1998 HBO biopic "Gia." Portraying the life and struggles of model Gia Marie Carangi, Jolie delivered a raw and emotionally charged portrayal that captivated both audiences and critics alike. The film explored themes of beauty, addiction, and tragedy, allowing Jolie to showcase her range and depth as an actress. Her commitment to the role was so profound that she remained in character between takes, reflecting her immersive method acting style.

This performance catapulted her career, earning Jolie a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and an Emmy nomination. "Gia" marked a pivotal moment in her journey, transitioning her from a rising star to a household name in Hollywood. The acclaim she received set the stage for her subsequent breakout role in "Girl, Interrupted," where she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jolie's portrayal of Gia not only solidified her status as a talented actress but also opened doors for her to take on more complex roles, shaping her career trajectory in the years to come.

Major Success with Girl, Interrupted

Angelina Jolie's breakthrough role came in 1999 with the film "Girl, Interrupted", where she portrayed Lisa Rowe, a rebellious sociopath in a psychiatric hospital. Her remarkable performance alongside Winona Ryder captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jolie's ability to channel the troubled nature of her character resonated deeply, allowing her to showcase her depth as an actress. This role not only solidified her status in Hollywood but also marked a significant turning point in her career, establishing her as an A-list star and opening doors to future high-profile projects.

The film is an adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's memoir, and Jolie's portrayal was met with widespread acclaim. Critics praised her dynamic and fearless performance, which brought a layer of authenticity to the complexities of mental health issues depicted in the film. "Girl, Interrupted" celebrated both artistic success and commercial viability, furthering Jolie's career trajectory. This pivotal role not only defined her early acting career but also set the foundation for the diverse array of characters she would embrace in her future films, confirming that Angelina Jolie was not just another Hollywood star but a powerful force in the film industry.

Iconic Role as Lara Croft

In the early 2000s, Angelina Jolie solidified her status as a Hollywood icon by taking on the iconic role of Lara Croft in the films. Her portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist became synonymous with the character, bringing to life the fearless and skilled heroine from the popular video game franchise. The first installment, , released in 2001, showcased Jolie's strength and athleticism as she undertook thrilling stunts and engaged in high-octane action sequences. Critics noted her captivating performance, which managed to resonate with both fans of the game and general audiences alike, making Lara Croft a household name.

Jolie reprised the role in the 2003 sequel, , further cementing her association with the character. Despite mixed reviews, both films achieved significant box office success, demonstrating Jolie's ability to draw crowds. Her commitment to physically embodying Lara Croft, which included intense training regimens and mastering martial arts, showcased her dedication to the role. The character's blend of intelligence, strength, and vulnerability allowed Jolie to shine, and she remains celebrated as one of the definitive portrayals of Lara Croft in cinematic history.

Personal Life: Married Life | Children

Angelina Jolie has experienced significant highs and lows in her personal life, marked by three high-profile marriages. Her first marriage was to actor Jonny Lee Miller, which lasted from 1996 to 1999. Following their split, she married Billy Bob Thornton in 2000, a union that captured media attention with their intense public displays of affection, including wearing necklaces filled with each other's blood. However, this marriage ended in divorce two years later. Jolie's most notable relationship was with actor Brad Pitt; their romance began in 2004 and led to their marriage in August 2014. The couple's glamorous yet tumultuous partnership, known as “Brangelina,” ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2016.

Jolie is a dedicated mother to six children, both adopted and biological, whom she shares with her ex-husband Brad Pitt. Her eldest son, Maddox, was adopted from Cambodia in 2002, followed by her daughter Zahara, adopted from Ethiopia in 2005. Their first biological child, Shiloh, was born in Namibia in 2006, while Jolie adopted her son Pax from Vietnam in 2007. Finally, she welcomed twins Knox and Vivienne in July 2008. Despite the challenges of co-parenting after her separation from Pitt, Jolie has remained committed to providing a stable and nurturing environment for her children, three of whom have chosen to take her last name.

Net Worth and Earning: $120 million

As of August 2024, Angelina Jolie boasts an impressive net worth estimated at $120 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. Over her extensive career, she has commanded an average salary of $20 million per film, contributing significantly to her wealth. Jolie's earnings stem not only from her acting roles but also from her work as a director and producer, alongside her various endorsements and projects in fashion, including her sustainable fashion collective, Atelier Jolie. This diverse portfolio underscores her multifaceted talent and appeal in the entertainment industry.

Jolie's financial success is attributed to her consistency and longevity in film, which began in the late 1990s and continued through blockbuster hits like "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Maleficent". Additionally, her ventures into directing have allowed her to expand her income streams, leading projects that resonate with audiences worldwide. From critically acclaimed films like "Unbroken" to her recent biopic "Maria", Jolie remains a pivotal figure in cinema, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful storytelling while maintaining financial independence and growth throughout her illustrious career.