Angelina Jolie Details "Very Dark" Period Away From Hollywood

As I delve into the remarkable lives of the Jolie-Pitt brood, I am struck by their unique blend of talent, compassion, and individuality that sets them apart from the average family. Each member has carved out a niche for themselves, showcasing their strengths and passions in various fields.

Angelina Jolie is stepping back into the spotlight after a dark era.

The Oscar winner took a break from acting from a couple of years before filming her latest movie, Pablo Larrain‘s biographical film Maria, for which she has received a 2025 Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for her performance as real-life late opera star Maria Callas.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, published on December 19th, I shared that for personal reasons, I found myself dwelling in quite a shadowy place. The spark and vitality within me had diminished significantly during this time.

In simpler terms, she stated, “Being 49 years old and having children such as Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Vivienne and Knox (16) with my ex Brad Pitt, I found it necessary to be at home more. Consequently, I couldn’t dedicate extensive periods to projects as the decision of what to work on and when was not always a creative choice but rather a practical one in recent years.

Angelina Jolie is stepping back into the spotlight after a dark era.

In an interview with Vanity Fair on December 19th, Angelina Jolie expressed that she had experienced a period of profound darkness, one she prefers not to delve into. She further mentioned that this phase left her feeling somewhat devoid of life and light. Essentially, she conveyed that her spirit seemed dim at the time.

In simpler terms, the individual aged 49, who has children Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Vivienne and Knox (16) with ex-partner Brad Pitt, explained that she felt compelled to spend more time at home due to familial obligations. Consequently, she was unable to dedicate extensive periods to her work, and the decision of what projects to undertake and when was often not driven by creativity but rather practicality in recent years.

Jolie, who has been embroiled in legal disputes with Pitt over the past eight years concerning their divorce, child custody, and Château Miraval (their former shared vineyard and winery in France), expressed that for her, meeting Maria was the catalyst for reawakening.

The actress shared that she found solace in having many compassionate individuals by her side during challenging times. She emphasized that being part of this profession is a great privilege, as it involves dealing with intense emotions. If one doesn’t share these feelings with trusted people, it can have detrimental effects on their well-being.

Prior to her recent onscreen appearance in Marvel’s “Eternals” (2021), Jolie took a break from acting. During this time, she collaborated as a producer for the Broadway musical “The Outsiders”, which debuted in April, and directed the war drama film “Without Blood”, which made its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Jolie mentioned that for a while she wasn’t her usual self, which meant she couldn’t contribute as much to her work for several years. She expressed how it felt liberating to work again, communicate effectively, and interact with kind individuals. A significant aspect of her job is collaborating with other artists; when this partnership thrives, it’s like co-creating something together. Surrounded by thoughtful and creative people, she learns a great deal about herself and life in general.

Simultaneously, several of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children have ventured into the entertainment world similar to their parents. Vivienne aided her mother on the set of The Outsiders, while Maddox and Pax served as production assistants on Maria.

Read on to find out more about the former couple’s children…

After developing a deep affection for Cambodia during the filming of 2001’s Tomb Raider, Angelina Jolie made a trip to an orphanage in Battambang, a rural town, with the intention of adopting her first child.

Later on, she shared with Vanity Fair that she didn’t feel a connection with any of them, until she encountered Maddox, born on August 5, 2001, suspended from the ceiling in a box. The moment she saw him, she felt an immediate bond and started crying profusely.

Initially, when she was 26, the woman legally became her oldest son’s mother on her own. However, once she started dating Brad Pitt later, he took over the adoption process for their son too.

Because of his curiosity about his mother’s profession, when Angelina took charge of the 2017 film First They Killed My Father, which was an adaptation of her friend Loung Ung’s book detailing the Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime, Maddox decided to participate as an executive producer. “I wanted to contribute in any way I could,” he shared with People. Regarding his supervisor, well, she’s “entertaining, humorous, and a pleasure to collaborate with,” he added. “She’s remarkable.

Following his biochemistry education at Yonsei University in South Korea, a decision that made his mother incredibly proud, Maddox was invited to a White House state dinner in April 2023. This event was graciously hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

In 2003, on the 29th of November, “He lived for three-and-a-half years in a single location, a solitary room, on a small iron bed shared with twenty other children, without any personal choices or freedom,” Angelina shared with MSN in 2007. This is how she described Pax’s early life at an orphanage situated outside Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Being in the same house as Maddox, Zahara, and Shiloh, it feels like I’ve stumbled upon a family treasure trove! Here I am, surrounded by these beautiful souls, experiencing a whole new world of brotherhood and sisterhood. He, the youngest, is finding his footing in this free environment with new siblings, parents, and learning English. His affectionate nature is evident, yet he’s also wild and free, reveling in this newfound freedom. A bit mischievous and energetic, but oh, what a resilient and extraordinary little individual!

In regards to his passion for the family enterprise, Pax lent his voice to the character Yoo in Angelina’s 2016 animated movie “Kung Fu Panda 3” and worked as a set photographer on “First They Killed My Father”. Later, he accompanied his mother to the 2018 Golden Globes.

Apart from that, he was instrumental in adorning Atelier Jolie, an artistic fashion cooperative and tailoring enterprise Angelina launched in New York City. Additionally, he took on a role within the assistant director team during the Italian production of her upcoming movie titled “Without Blood.

In an interview with People, Angelina expressed that when she works alongside Pax and Maddox, it’s as if the film crew becomes one large, loving family. This environment made her collaboration feel entirely organic.

At the age of three, Maddox joined Angelina as they visited an orphanage in Hawassa, Ethiopia. It was here that Angelina met her eldest child, Zahara, who was born on January 8, 2005. Later, the actress expressed to Anderson Cooper, “Mad adores her.” When Zahara arrived home, she was older, about seven months old. So for Maddox, it felt like having a tiny pet he could just cradle and observe.

Similar to her brothers and sisters, Zahara has shown a keen interest in various aspects of her mother’s professional endeavors. She’s accompanied her mother on high-profile events such as red carpets, launched a charitable jewelry line called the Zahara Collection in partnership with jeweler Robert Procop back in 2019, and has even joined her mom on trips to Syrian refugee camps as part of their joint work with the UNHCR.

In August 2022, Angelina felt emotional as she sent Zahara to Atlanta’s Spelman College (she mentioned in an Instagram video that she hadn’t cried yet but was hoping she could keep it together). Later, she came back for the homecoming celebrations at this Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

In 2023, Zahara became a member of the school’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Not only that, but she has traveled with an actress on multiple occasions to Washington, D.C. She stood alongside Angelina Jolie during a heartfelt speech advocating for the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act in February 2022 and later when they met with legislators to support the passage of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2022.

Approximately half a year following the announcement of their pregnancy, Angelina and Brad gave birth to Shiloh at Cottage Hospital in Swakopmund, Namibia on May 27, 2006. In an interview with MSN, Angelina described Shi as “radiating light and love, she’s like a sweet drop of honey, and extremely amusing.” She added that she sees some of herself in her child, hinting at potential mischief ahead!

At her first-ever red carpet event for the movie “Unbroken” in 2014, Shiloh subsequently attended functions for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, “The Breadwinner”, “Dumbo”, the 2018 National Board of Review Awards Gala, and the 2021 premiere of “Eternals”. On that last red carpet, she donned a Dior gown that belonged to her mother.

Angelina said on the Daily Pop of TopMob, “Wow, go ahead and wear it, even if you do a better job than me! That’s my motto when it comes to letting my kids rummage through my wardrobe. ‘Take whatever you want, it’s your turn now!’ I’m that kind of mom.

Apart from expressing an interest in Angelina’s charitable work, it appears that Shiloh has dipped her toes into the world of entertainment, often visiting Los Angeles’ Millennium Dance Complex.

When Shiloh Jolie-Pitt turns 18 in 2024, she will file a petition at the Los Angeles Court to officially drop the “Jolie-Pitt” portion from her surname, choosing instead to be known as just Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. A source close to the situation has revealed to TopMob News that Shiloh has retained her own attorney and is covering the costs herself.

At the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards, Angelina Jolie made her pregnancy public. Later, on July 12, 2008, in Nice, France, she gave birth to her sons, Knox and Vivienne. Afterwards, they moved into their Château Miraval, where Angelina shared that despite the chaos, they were enjoying themselves immensely. Not long after, she told People magazine that Shiloh and Zahara loved picking out clothes for their new siblings, helping change them, and even holding them.

Named after Brad’s grandfather, Hal Knox Hillhouse, Angelina pointed out that “Knox shares many similarities with Brad, both emotionally and physically.” In fact, they looked remarkably alike at the 2015 British motorcycle Grand Prix.

Similar to their elder siblings Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh, Knox also made a small appearance in the 2016 film “Kung Fu Panda 3,” lending his voice to the character Ku Ku. As Jolie shared with ET, they were initially quite reserved, expressing little interest in acting. However, she didn’t want them to miss out on the experience. They stepped up, had a great time, and ended up enjoying the process.

In a statement given to TopMob News, Angelina described Knox’s younger fraternal twin as having characteristics similar to her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who was not self-centered but rather dedicated to supporting other creative individuals. She mentioned that this sibling is thoughtful and deeply committed to theater, working diligently to determine the best ways to contribute.

Despite delivering an impressive performance as the younger Aurora in the 2014 film “Maleficent”, for which Angelina Jolie remarked she was surprised by her skill, the high schooler has since shifted her focus towards roles behind the scenes.

Angelina mentioned that Vivienne was the one who motivated her to aid in adapting Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film “The Outsiders” for Broadway. Consequently, the teenager wound up volunteering as an assistant to her producing mother on the Tony-winning production.

Angelina shared with People that Vivienne, known as Vivienne Jolie in the playbill, will correct her. “She’ll remind me, ‘Haven’t you seen the memo? We need to do this, we have to go through this,'” said Jolie, expressing that Vivienne has been a very dedicated and serious assistant.

2024-12-19 20:49

Angelina Jolie Details “Very Dark” Period Away From Hollywood

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