In a surprising revelation, Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie has hinted at the possibility of bidding adieu to her acting career for good. The 48-year-old actress opened up about her desire to leave behind the glitzy but “unhealthy” Los Angeles lifestyle, expressing a longing to “spend more time” in her beloved Cambodia. Her candid statements come amidst a bitter and protracted divorce battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt, which has left her feeling trapped and unable to travel freely.
Jolie, renowned for her philanthropic efforts and roles in iconic films, spoke exclusively to WSJ. Magazine in their latest December/January issue. In a candid interview, she didn’t mince words when discussing her disillusionment with the Hollywood industry. She described it as “shallow” and admitted that if she were starting her career today, she might have never chosen acting as her path.
“I grew up in quite a shallow place. Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place. So you seek authenticity,” Jolie lamented. Born into a family of actors, with her father Jon Voight and mother Marcheline Bertrand both in the industry, she never held Tinseltown in high regard. “I never bought into it as significant or important,” she added.
One of the key factors fueling her contemplation of quitting acting is the changing landscape of celebrity life. Jolie confessed that the pressure to share intimate details of her personal life, which has become an expectation for famous individuals, doesn’t sit well with her. She noted, “When I was starting out, it wasn’t as much of an expectation to be as public, to share so much.”
Her circle of friends has also transformed over the years. The actress, whose humanitarian efforts are well-known, now finds her closest companions among refugees. Jolie’s work with the UN Refugee Agency for over two decades has taken her to numerous refugee camps worldwide, including those in Cambodia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan. She spoke passionately about her connection with people who have faced hardship and adversity, emphasizing the strength and humanity that emerge from such experiences.
“It’s part of what happened after my divorce – I lost the ability to live and travel as freely,” Jolie revealed, hinting at the constraints imposed by her ongoing custody battle with Brad Pitt. The couple, who began dating in 2005 and married in 2014, have been embroiled in a seven-year divorce proceeding over the custody of their six children.
Jolie’s connection with Cambodia runs deep, as she adopted her eldest son, Maddox, from the country. Her commitment to the nation is evident in her desire to live there permanently. However, she acknowledges that her departure will have to wait until her legal battle with Pitt concludes.
But don’t expect Angelina Jolie to disappear from the public eye entirely. Even if she steps away from acting, she’s far from done with her mission to make a positive impact. Her focus has shifted towards her new sustainable fashion brand, Atelier Jolie. The actress turned entrepreneur is opening a store in New York City, which will also feature a café run by refugee and immigrant chefs. Furthermore, the space will host educational events centered on techniques like silk-screening, studding, and embroidery.
“I’ll probably lose money, maybe even for a while,” Jolie said about her new venture. “If I can eventually put into practice some things that I think are improvements and I just break even, that’s a huge victory.” She emphasized the need to avoid causing harm, both to the environment and to garment workers, in the fashion industry.
As for her acting career, Jolie insists she can’t stop working altogether. “I always think there’s a fight coming,” she remarked cryptically. While she may be saying goodbye to Hollywood, she’s gearing up for new battles and adventures on her own terms.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s story, filled with love, controversy, and now a lingering legal battle, has been one of the most captivating in Hollywood. Their relationship began amidst controversy, with rumors of infidelity, but they emerged as the industry’s “it” couple, tying the knot in a secret ceremony in 2014 and expanding their family with three biological children and three adopted ones.
In 2016, their love story took a dark turn when an alleged physical altercation during a private flight led to their highly publicized breakup. Jolie accused Pitt of abusive behavior, claims that were vehemently denied by the actor. Their seven-year legal fight for custody finally concluded in 2021 when they were granted joint custody of their children, only to have the judge’s decision overturned a month later.
The couple’s legal wrangling didn’t end with their children. They also battled over a winery they co-owned, adding another layer of complexity to their already tumultuous separation.
As Angelina Jolie contemplates her future, it’s clear that her journey will continue to captivate and inspire, no matter where her path leads. Whether it’s through her humanitarian work, her commitment to fashion with a purpose, or her potential return to the silver screen, Jolie’s unwavering pursuit of authenticity and her dedication to making a difference will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world.
