Unstoppable Angelina Jolie: Actress, Activist, and Agent of Change
Angelina Jolie, renowned figure and activist, marks her 50th anniversary.
New York (dpa) - Love her or loathe her, you can't deny that Angelina Jolie disrupts the status quo. Born on June 4, 1975, the Hollywood megastar turned 50 this year – a woman who's more than just a pretty face. From advocating for the downtrodden to breaking barriers onscreen, Angelina has solidified her place as a leading celebrity activist and a global powerhouse.
Born into privilege with acting talent running through her veins, Angelina was the spitting image of her mother, the talented Marcheline Bertrand. With Oscar-winning father Jon Voight and illustrious godparents, it seemed destiny had decked the cards in her favor. Yet, the young actress, now known simply as Jolie, refused to be defined by her famous genes.
Breaking Boundaries
While her A-list contemporaries hawk beauty products and party snaps, Jolie has made a name for herself by putting her voice where her convictions are. Despite having psychological issues, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts in her youth, Jolie found her calling as a powerhouse actress.
Her breakthrough roles, as the heroin-addicted model Gia Carangi in "Gia" (1998) and the sociopathic Lisa in "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and paved the way for a distinguished career. Of course, her dynamic duo with Brad Pitt, “Brangelina,” catapulted her to super-stardom.
Though some criticized her for allegedly breaking up the heartwarming union between Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, she and Pitt found love amidst the controversy. Their six children, three of whom are adopted, have brought a new level of purpose to Jolie's life.
So Much More Than Stardom
Actress, actress, mom – but that's not all. Jolie is also a successful director, directing films like the critically acclaimed "Unbroken" and "First They Killed My Father," which highlighted the brutal massacres during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Her latest role, portraying opera legend Maria Callas, earned her praises for one of the most riveting performances of her career.
Yet, it's her work as a humanitarian that sets Jolie apart. As a Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, she’s dedicated over two decades to championing crucial causes like education, women's rights, and refugee protection. Her speeches in the UN Security Council and General Assembly Hall have made an indelible impact, bringing global attention to the struggles of refugees, women in war zones, and victims of conflict.
A Force to Be Reckoned With
With a rigorous schedule that includes speaking engagements, field missions, and fundraising events, Jolie has raised substantial funds for international organizations, leveraging her celebrity status to fuel a movement for change. Her commitment to raising awareness about crucial issues is evident in her social media, where she shares updates on women's rights in Iran, images from her encounters with Sudanese refugees in Chad, and thoughtful reflections on the effects of colonialism.
There's no slowing down for Angelina Jolie as she continues to use her platform to shed light on injustice, fueling change with every word and action. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to us all. Here's to many more years of breaking barriers, smashing stereotypes, and making the world a better place.
- Jolie's family, including her children, has added a new level of purpose to her life and brought about a more humanitarian side of her, as she is dedicated to championing crucial causes like education, women's rights, and refugee protection.
- In addition to her successful acting and directing career, Angelina Jolie has used her platform as a celebrity to fuel a movement for change, raising substantial funds for international organizations and advocating for various social issues on social media.
