How Angelina Jolie Told Her Daughters About Family’s Cancer History

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Angelina Jolie isn’t shying away from the important discussions.

Over ten years after choosing to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure, the 51-year-old actress has been using her new movie, Couture, to talk with her daughters – Zahara, 21; Shiloh, 19; and Vivienne, 17 – about their family’s history of breast cancer.

She told Hello magazine in a video released on June 17th that the film will give her a way to discuss the topic with her daughters. While she’s already spoken to them about it briefly, even just letting them know the film was coming out sparked a conversation about what it’s about.

In the movie Couture, Angelina Jolie portrays a filmmaker who receives a cancer diagnosis. While filming, Jolie—whose mother, Marcheline Bertrand, passed away in 2007 after an eight-year fight with ovarian and breast cancer at age 56—chose to wear a necklace containing her mother’s ashes.

She added that this led them to discuss the related gene – whether someone might carry it, and how advancements in medicine are evolving. They also talked about potential changes to our lives and reassured each other not to worry.

You know, as a lifestyle expert, I’ve learned one thing is certain: life throws challenges at all of us. We’re all navigating something difficult, making decisions about how to face it. It’s part of being human, and how we choose to approach those moments really defines us.

Angelina Jolie, known for her role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and a mother to Maddox (24), Pax (22), and Knox (17), as well as Vivienne, has openly discussed her preventative double mastectomy. She underwent the surgery after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which significantly raises the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. She shares her experience with her children’s father, Brad Pitt.

In fact, she recently gave insight on how she views her scars from the procedure.  

In a recent interview with France Inter radio, she explained that she’s always been fascinated by the experiences that shape people – the challenges they’ve overcome and the marks they leave. She’s not interested in portraying an unrealistic, flawless life; she’s drawn to authenticity and the realities of being human.

Angelina Jolie isn’t alone in openly discussing her health challenges. Here are stories of other celebrities who have shared their experiences with cancer…

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

Even after receiving difficult news, he shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that his doctors had confirmed he was free of cancer thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a recent post from February 2025, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define who they are. He believes everyone is capable of more than their struggles and shared that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and has faced hardships, he accepts them as part of what makes him, understanding that acknowledging these things is the first step towards growth and healing.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for his condition, and that realization was incredibly difficult. He described feeling completely overwhelmed, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She later confirmed she was cancer-free.

The star of Up All Night is now cancer-free after completing treatment, which included a double mastectomy. Doctors confirmed there is no evidence of the disease remaining.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3rd, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer after battling it for several years.

I was so moved when Eva Longoria shared her story back in September 2018. She bravely revealed she’d been through anal cancer, and honestly, it was incredibly inspiring. She posted a picture and used hashtags like #cancer and #hairloss, and she said it made her feel totally liberated, free, and like she could finally be herself. It was so powerful to see her be so open and honest.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment, and his representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, received treatment for his third case of basal cell carcinoma in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has fully recovered.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering he had more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the northern hemisphere that summer was approaching and to be sure to wear sunscreen.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The British celebrity chef revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure, sharing photos of the stitches – a line from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Oh my gosh, I was SO relieved to see Gordon’s post! He shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he’s incredibly thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates – they were so quick to take care of his Basal Cell Carcinoma. And honestly, it was a perfect reminder – he even added a plea for everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend! He’s just the best, always looking out for us even while dealing with stuff like this. Seriously, wear your sunscreen, everyone!

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron faced a battle with ovarian cancer at 25, and later joyfully welcomed two children with her husband, Taran Killam.

A television personality announced he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars had successful surgery to remove thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the support! I’m home recovering and resting.”

The actress excitedly shared on Twitter that her doctor called her on a Saturday morning with incredible news: she was cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, writing, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo.”

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

I was so relieved to hear that the actress had a suspicious mole removed and thankfully, it turned out to be cancerous! She shared back in October 2011 that her husband really encouraged her to get it checked, and I’m so glad he did – it probably saved her life. It’s a great reminder for all of us to regularly check our skin.

The man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After successfully battling skin cancer and having a growth removed near his left eye in 2008, the longtime CNN journalist likely protects himself with sunscreen when he’s outdoors.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor best known for his role in 7th Heaven received a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She bravely used this experience to highlight how important it is to get regular checkups and fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming a battle with stage-four testicular cancer, this incredible cyclist went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became an advocate for others.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this woman! After going through something so incredibly tough – battling breast cancer – she took all of that pain and turned it into the funniest, most honest thing I’ve ever seen. It started as this one-woman show called God Said Ha!, and honestly, it was amazing from the very beginning. People loved it SO much, it actually ended up on Broadway! Seriously, she’s a genius; taking something so awful and making people laugh – and really feel things too. I’ve seen it like ten times!

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2026-06-17 18:48