Angelina Jolie is a name that needs no introduction in Hollywood. She’s not just an actress but also a director, humanitarian, and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. While many of us are familiar with her public persona, there are numerous intriguing facts about her life that often go unnoticed. Let’s delve into 20 lesser-known facts about Angelina Jolie that might surprise you.
1. Her Real Name: Angelina Jolie’s birth name is Angelina Jolie Voight. She dropped her surname “Voight” in 2002, which was a decision to establish her own identity separate from her father, actor Jon Voight.
2. Early Ambitions: Before stepping into the world of acting, Angelina Jolie had aspirations of becoming a funeral director. She was fascinated by the field and even studied embalming.
3. Languages: Jolie is multilingual. Apart from English, she is fluent in French and proficient in German.
4. Family Ties: She comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Besides her father, Jon Voight, her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was an actress. Her brother, James Haven, is also involved in the film industry.
5. Oscar Winner: Jolie won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in “Girl, Interrupted.” She portrayed the character of Lisa Rowe, a troubled but charismatic patient in a mental institution.
6. Tattoos: Angelina Jolie is well-known for her extensive tattoo collection. Each tattoo has a special meaning, including coordinates indicating the birthplaces of her children and a Buddhist prayer for protection and blessings.
7. Humanitarian Work: Beyond her acting career, Jolie is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. She has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since 2001 and was later promoted to the rank of Special Envoy.
8. Adoption Advocate: Jolie has three adopted children from different parts of the world: Maddox (Cambodia), Pax (Vietnam), and Zahara (Ethiopia). Her advocacy for adoption and children’s rights has been widely recognized.
See also: Jennifer Lopez
9. Martial Arts Skills: Jolie is trained in various forms of martial arts, including kickboxing and Krav Maga. She showcased these skills in action-packed roles such as Lara Croft in “Tomb Raider.”
10. Directorial Debut: In 2011, Angelina Jolie made her directorial debut with the film “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” The movie, set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War, received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling.
11. First Marriage: Jolie’s first marriage was to actor Jonny Lee Miller in 1996. They met on the set of the film “Hackers” and famously wore each other’s blood in vials around their necks.
12. Charitable Contributions: Alongside her humanitarian work, Jolie has made significant financial contributions to various causes, including donating $1 million to the United Nations Refugee Agency in 2001.
13. Academic Pursuits: Despite her busy schedule, Jolie has always valued education. She attended New York University and the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
14. Health Battles: Angelina Jolie underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 after discovering she carried a gene mutation that significantly increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
15. Animal Rights Activist: Jolie is an advocate for animal rights and has supported organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
16. Global Traveler: Due to her humanitarian work and film projects, Jolie has traveled extensively around the world, visiting refugee camps and war-torn regions to raise awareness about various issues.
17. Second Marriage: Her second marriage was to actor Brad Pitt in 2014. The couple, famously known as “Brangelina,” shared a blended family before their highly publicized divorce in 2016.
18. Film Producer: In addition to acting and directing, Jolie has also ventured into film production. She co-produced the animated film “The Breadwinner” in 2017, which received an Academy Award nomination.
19. Political Advocacy: Jolie has been vocal about her political views, especially concerning human rights and refugees. She has met with world leaders and policymakers to advocate for humanitarian causes.
20. Philanthropic Legacy: Angelina Jolie’s philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes have earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Academy Awards.
Angelina Jolie’s life and career reflect a blend of artistic passion, activism, and compassion. Beyond her glamorous image on the silver screen, she continues to inspire many through her advocacy work and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.