Angelina Jolie has opened up about her journey as a mother of six, highlighting her commitment to prioritising her children above all else. In a recent interview with L’Officiel, the celebrated actress and director spoke candidly about her children’s budding interests in the film industry and the joys and challenges of parenting as they transition into adulthood.
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At 51, Jolie is the proud mother of six children—Maddox, 25, Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and 18-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. While she maintains a prominent career in Hollywood, she emphasises that her role as their mother takes precedence. Even when working alongside her sons, Maddox and Pax on film sets, she insists that she is “just Mum” to them.
Jolie encouraged her children to immerse themselves in the film industry by gaining hands-on experience. She remarked, “If you have any interest in working on film, you need to be a part of the crew and do the hard work and know all the different departments.” Maddox is currently pursuing a career in aviation, while Pax has developed a keen interest in photography, though he still shows enthusiasm for film.
Reflecting on her children’s individual personalities, Jolie expressed immense pride in their unique identities. “They’re definitely individuals,” she noted, affirming her belief in fostering their autonomy. As a parent, she acknowledged the importance of supporting their journeys without imposing her own desires upon them. “You want to make sure that you support them,” she said, highlighting the delicate balance between guidance and independence.
The actress also discussed the exciting new phase of life she is entering now that her children are becoming adults. With a transformative sense of freedom, Jolie commented on her aspirations to foster greater community connections and dive into global experiences. “I’m not somebody who vacations or shops… I envision more field work, more travel, and just being out in the world,” she explained.
Her ambitions continue as she longs to reclaim her adventurous spirit, expressing a desire to dust off her motorcycle and aviation expertise. “That’s definitely what my kids want! They had Mom when Mom needed to be Mom,” Jolie stated, sharing that her children are enthusiastic about her exploring the world and engaging with different cultures. “They’d like me to call them from Tunisia after just landing a plane to meet with local artists.”
Earlier this year, Jolie shared how her children have been a source of strength during a challenging period in her life. In an interview with Variety, she revealed that her “fighting spirit” was rekindled, largely thanks to the support from her children, who are now maturing into young adults. “I lost it for a bit…I think my kids, who are almost all over 18 now, want me to get out and do things,” she disclosed.
With a profound sense of gratitude, Jolie remarked on how her children know her better than anyone else, and their encouragement contributes significantly to her journey of self-discovery. As her life evolves and she embraces new opportunities, she continues to find solace in the steadfast bond she shares with her family.
Throughout her illustrious career and personal challenges, Angelina Jolie remains steadfastly committed to her role as a mother. As her children carve their own paths, she balances the act of supporting their dreams while also taking steps towards her own aspirations.