Angelina Jolie was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, and is known as one of the most influential and popular people in the world. From hit movies as well as Academy Award-winning performances and humanitarian work in conflict areas, Jolie's story goes way beyond Hollywood.
Over all the years, she is still an international icon who continues to be a world icon, and her life, career and advocacy work still receive international attention.
Growing Up in a Famous Family
Angelina Jolie was born in a family that is very much into the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand.
Jolie was born and brought up in Hollywood and began her life in public as someone alone and very isolated.
Rise to Stardom
Jolie first came up in the 1990s with a series of bold and memorable performances. Her breakthrough came with acclaimed projects like Gia and Girl, Interrupted (the latter winning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress).
She would eventually become a huge box office superstar with films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs Smith, Wanted and Maleficent.
It is not hard to see why she is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
Jolie's personal life has often attracted intense public interest. She has had affairs with the actor Billy Bob Thornton and, later, Brad Pitt in a long list of celebrity marriages.
Her separation and subsequent divorce from Brad Pitt had huge media attention and became one of Hollywood’s most high-profile celebrity breakups.
Jolie remained focused on her career, family and humanitarian role through all the scrutiny.
A Humanitarian Outside of the Screen
But Jolie is a humanitarian person, and probably one of her most important contributions to life that you can think of is her humanitarian work. She has travelled around the world with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in refugee camps and conflict zones.
She was a fighter for refugees, women and children, and her public image made her world famous, from movie star to humanitarian.
She has used her platform to raise awareness about displacement, education, human rights and public health issues affecting vulnerable communities.
Courage and Public Health Awareness
Jolie also received international praise for talking about her preventive medical procedures after learning of her genetic risk of cancer. She brought into public consciousness that cancer awareness, early detection and preventive care are important things.
Many health organisations attributed her openness to helping to educate people all over the world about hereditary health risks.
Filmmaker, Producer and Advocate
In addition to acting, Jolie has also carved out a successful career as a director and producer. Through her production work and advocacy efforts, she has continued to tell stories that focus on social problems and human experiences that mainstream cinema tends to ignore.
She has also supported numerous charitable projects and campaigns focusing on women’s rights, education and humanitarian relief.
Looking Ahead
Jolie is still a great storyteller and advocate for people in the world for human rights, and more of her own work as a filmmaker and fighter now is that she is still doing that.
A Lasting Legacy
Angelina Jolie’s life is a story of change and resilience, of purpose (and a lot of hard work, persistence and hope). She has changed so much: from the time she became a Hollywood superstar to her current position as a humanitarian and filmmaker who has done so much to define what it means to be a global celebrity.
Jolie is more than an award-winning actress; she is a model of courage, compassion and determination, and so far, the influence of this is felt in every aspect of her life beyond the silver screen.
