Angelina Jolie has always been known for her fierce independence, humanitarian work, and powerhouse performances on screen. But in a candid new interview with Variety, the 51-year-old star revealed that her greatest source of strength comes from an unexpected, deeply personal place: her six children. Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17, have become her anchors amid the storms of life.
“They encourage me enormously,” Jolie said, her voice filled with emotion. “I had lost my fighting spirit for a while, but it’s coming back—largely thanks to them.” The actress, who is currently promoting her latest film Coutures (directed by Alice Winocour), opened up about the profound impact her children have had on her emotional recovery. She described how they push her to step out of her comfort zone and enjoy life to the fullest.
“They want to see me travel the world, they want me to go out and do things. They know me better than anyone, and they love me anyway—that means everything,” she said. Jolie’s children have witnessed her navigate a cascade of challenges over the past decade, from her highly publicized split from Brad Pitt in 2016 to her preventive double mastectomy in 2013 and the removal of her ovaries in 2015. Through it all, they have remained her most steadfast supporters.
A Decade of Trials
The years following Jolie’s divorce from Pitt were marked by a grueling legal battle over custody of the children and division of assets—a process that finally concluded in December 2024. The actress admitted that she had been “a bit down for a while” during that period, but credited her children with pulling her through. “They encourage me enormously to rediscover certain facets of myself that I no longer felt free enough to express or explore,” she explained.
Jolie’s health struggles have also been a significant part of her narrative. In 2013, she revealed in a New York Times op-ed that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which dramatically increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Two years later, she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. These decisions were made not only for her own well-being but also for the sake of her children. “I wanted to be around to see them grow up,” she has said in the past.
The Children’s Unique Roles
Each of Jolie’s children has carved out their own identity, and their mother’s pride in them is evident. Maddox, adopted from Cambodia in 2002, has pursued studies in biochemistry and even worked as a production assistant on Jolie’s film First They Killed My Father. Pax, adopted from Vietnam in 2007, is an artist and has shown interest in filmmaking. Zahara, adopted from Ethiopia in 2005, recently made headlines when she filed a petition to drop “Pitt” from her surname, signaling her independence. Shiloh, Jolie’s first biological child with Pitt, is known for her love of dance and has been seen supporting her mother at red carpet events. The twins, Knox and Vivienne, are now teenagers finding their own paths—Vivienne even appeared as a young princess Aurora in Maleficent alongside her mother.
Jolie often speaks of the mutual learning that occurs within her family. “They teach me so much,” she said. “They are wise in ways that surprise me. They have their own opinions, their own passions, and they challenge me to be better.” This dynamic has been especially important as Jolie has shifted her focus from acting to directing and humanitarian work. Her role as a UNHCR Special Envoy has taken her to conflict zones around the world, and she has brought her children along on many trips, exposing them to global issues. “I want them to see the world, to understand that there is so much beyond Hollywood,” she has explained.
The Film ‘Coutures’ and a Creative Renaissance
In her new film Coutures, Jolie plays a fashion designer grappling with loss and redemption—a role that resonates with her own journey of reinvention. Directed by Alice Winocour, the drama has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of resilience. Jolie noted that her children were instrumental in her decision to take on the part. “They read the script and said, ‘Mom, you have to do this. It’s you.’ Their belief in me gave me the confidence to say yes.”
The timing of the film’s release coincides with a broader creative resurgence for Jolie. She recently directed the war epic Without Blood and is set to star in a sequel to Maleficent. Beyond film, she continues her advocacy for women’s rights and refugee causes. Her children remain by her side, offering both emotional support and practical advice. “They are my toughest critics and my biggest fans,” she laughed.
The Power of a Supportive Family
Jolie’s story is a testament to the healing power of family bonds. In an industry often defined by fleeting connections, she has built an unshakeable foundation with her children. “They keep me grounded,” she said. “When I start to take myself too seriously, they remind me to laugh. When I feel overwhelmed, they remind me to breathe.”
Her children have also inspired her to embrace life’s simple pleasures. Traveling together, cooking meals, or just sitting in the garden talking—these moments, she says, are what truly matter. “I’ve learned that success isn’t about awards or box office numbers. It’s about the people you love and who love you back unconditionally.”
As Jolie continues to navigate the complexities of fame, aging, and parenthood, one thing is clear: her children are not just her legacy; they are her lifeline. “They give me hope,” she said softly. “And that is the most precious gift of all.”
In a world that often scrutinizes every move of celebrity families, Jolie’s openness about her vulnerabilities and her children’s role in her recovery offers a refreshing counterpoint. She reminds us that even the most glamorous lives are shaped by the quiet, steadfast love of those closest to us. As she prepares for future projects—both professional and personal—Angelina Jolie carries her children’s encouragement with her, a constant reminder that she is never alone.
Source: CNEWS News