Angelina Jolie, born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian renowned for her versatility and dedication both on and off the screen.
She is the daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, which immersed her in the world of cinema from an early age.
Jolie’s breakthrough role came with her portrayal of Gia Carangi in the 1998 HBO film “Gia,” earning her critical acclaim and showcasing her depth as an actress.
In 1999, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lisa Rowe in “Girl, Interrupted,” solidifying her status in Hollywood.
Beyond her acting career, Jolie has directed and produced several films, including “In the Land of Blood and Honey” (2011) and “Unbroken” (2014), demonstrating her multifaceted talent in the film industry.
Her role as Lara Croft in the “Tomb Raider” series not only garnered her international fame but also sparked her interest in humanitarian work after filming in Cambodia.
In 2001, Jolie was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a role she held for over a decade.
She was later promoted to the position of Special Envoy in 2012, allowing her to represent UNHCR and the High Commissioner at a diplomatic level.
Throughout her humanitarian career, Jolie has conducted more than 60 field missions to various countries, advocating for refugees and displaced individuals.
In December 2022, after over 20 years of service, she stepped down from her role as Special Envoy to engage directly with refugees and local organizations.
Jolie is also known for her advocacy in women’s health; in 2013, she publicly shared her decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.
She has six children, three of whom are adopted from Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, reflecting her commitment to multiculturalism and global awareness.
In 2023, Jolie founded Atelier Jolie in Lower Manhattan, a creative space and gallery that offers residencies for artists and designers, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement.
The Atelier also serves as a platform for upcycling clothing and hosts workshops, lectures, and cultural events, aligning with Jolie’s vision of fostering creativity and social responsibility.
In 2025, Jolie continues her humanitarian efforts, focusing on global advocacy and expanding initiatives aimed at addressing critical global issues.
She remains actively involved in supporting refugees, recently visiting displaced individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for international assistance.
Jolie is set to portray opera singer Maria Callas in an upcoming biopic directed by Pablo Larraín, showcasing her dedication to challenging and diverse roles.
She has been recognized with numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Global Humanitarian Award by the United Nations Association of the USA in 2005.
Jolie’s philanthropic efforts extend to environmental conservation, having purchased land in Cambodia to create a wildlife reserve named the Maddox Jolie Project, after her eldest son.
Her commitment to education is evident through the establishment of schools and funding of educational programs, particularly for girls in countries like Afghanistan and Kenya.
Angelina Jolie’s multifaceted career and unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes continue to inspire and impact lives globally, making her a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and philanthropic circles.
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