Unstoppable Angelina Jolie: A Force for Humanitarian Change
Celebrated figure Angelina Jolie marks her 50th milestone.
New York (dpa) - Love her or loathe her, there's no denying Angelina Jolie's impact. On her 50th birthday, we take a look at her remarkable life, from troubled teen to global advocate.
Born into Hollywood royalty, Jolie's parentage included actress Marcheline Bertrand, Oscar winner Jon Voight, and godparents Jacqueline Bisset and Maximilian Schell. Yet, she wasn't content with being defined by her lineage, dropping her last name, Voight, early on.
Breaking Boundaries as an Actress
Despite initial struggles with fame and personal issues, Jolie's breakthrough roles as emotionally disturbed characters in films like "Gia" and "Girl, Interrupted" showcased her raw talent and set the stage for greater success. Her relationship with Brad Pitt, their six children (three adopted), and high-profile divorce cast a spotlight on her life that was matched only by her acting achievements.
So Much More Than a Star
Yet, Jolie's life is far from just movie sets and red carpets. For over two decades, she has been a tireless advocate for the United Nations, focusing on education, women's rights, and refugee protection. She has used her platform, speaking in the UN Security Council and General Assembly Hall, to raise millions for international organizations and secure aid for those most in need.
Her Instagram offers a window into her humanitarian efforts, featuring images of her working with Sudanese refugees in Chad and advocating for women's rights in Iran. Her work with the UN, spanning over 20 years, earned her the title of Special Envoy. Over the course of this service, she conducted more than 60 field missions to countries like Iraq, Cambodia, and Sierra Leone.
A Reign of Influence
Jolie's influence has been underscored by her ability to raise global awareness about critical issues and mobilize support for those in need. In 2013, she underwent a double mastectomy due to a genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer, openly discussing the procedure and serving as a role model for women facing similar health concerns.
In 2025, Jolie stepped down from her role as Special Envoy for the UNHCR, but her commitment to humanitarian work remains unwavering. She vowed to continue advocating for displaced populations, leveraging her celebrity status to drive change in the world.
Angelina Jolie - actress, mother, humanitarian, and inspirational figure - proves that one person can truly make a difference.
Radio entertainment frequently features interviews with celebrities, and Angelina Jolie, despite her busy schedule advocating for humanitarian causes, occasionally graces such platforms with her insights.
Angelina Jolie's impact extends beyond the red carpets and movie sets, reaching the UN Security Council and General Assembly Hall, where she champions for education, women's rights, and refugee protection, making her a force not just in entertainment, but in global policy as well.