Angelina Jolie, born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian known for her diverse career and impactful personal life. Over the years, Jolie has transcended her Hollywood beginnings to become a global icon, recognized not just for her beauty and talent, but for her significant contributions to humanitarian causes and her advocacy for social justice.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Angelina Jolie Voight was born to actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Her early exposure to the entertainment industry influenced her career choice, leading her to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Jolie's acting career began in earnest in the mid-1990s, with notable early roles in films like "Hackers" (1995) and "Foxfire" (1996).
Her breakout performance came with the HBO film "Gia" (1998), in which she portrayed supermodel Gia Carangi. The role earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. This success was followed by her Academy Award-winning performance in "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), where she played the troubled Lisa Rowe.
Hollywood Stardom
Jolie's career took a significant turn with her role as Lara Croft in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001). The film's success established her as an international star and action heroine. She continued to take on diverse roles in films such as "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (2005), "A Mighty Heart" (2007), and "Changeling" (2008), the latter earning her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Her directorial efforts began with the documentary "A Place in Time" (2007), followed by the critically acclaimed "In the Land of Blood and Honey" (2011), a war drama set during the Bosnian War. Jolie continued to direct and produce films, including "Unbroken" (2014), "By the Sea" (2015), and "First They Killed My Father" (2017).
Humanitarian Work
Parallel to her film career, Jolie has been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. Her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) began in 2001, and she was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2002. Jolie's dedication to refugee issues took her to over 30 countries, where she met with displaced persons and advocated for their rights.
In 2012, she was promoted to the rank of Special Envoy to the UNHCR, focusing on major crises that result in mass displacement. Her humanitarian efforts have earned her numerous awards, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and the Global Humanitarian Action Award.
Personal Life
Jolie's personal life has often been in the spotlight. She was married to actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton before her high-profile marriage to Brad Pitt in 2014. The couple, often referred to as "Brangelina," were together for over a decade and have six children, three of whom are adopted internationally. Their separation in 2016 was widely covered in the media.
Jolie's personal experiences have also influenced her public advocacy. In 2013, she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried a gene that increased her risk of breast cancer. Her openness about the procedure and subsequent surgeries has been praised for raising awareness about genetic testing and women's health.
Legacy and Impact
Angelina Jolie's legacy is multifaceted. She is celebrated as a talented actress and filmmaker, a devoted mother, and a passionate humanitarian. Her advocacy for refugees, women's rights, and health issues has left an indelible mark on global consciousness. Jolie's ability to leverage her celebrity status to effect positive change exemplifies the potential for public figures to influence social and political issues meaningfully.
In the landscape of Hollywood and beyond, Angelina Jolie stands out as a figure of resilience, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice. Her life story continues to inspire millions, showcasing the power of using one's platform for the greater good.
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