Childhood and Education Journey of Angelina Jolie in Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Angelina Jolie. From birth to education, explore key events.
Angelina Jolie is a highly acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Recognized as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, she has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Beyond her acting career, Jolie is known for her humanitarian work, focusing on refugee rights and conservation.
1917: Birth of Louis Zamperini
In 1917, Louis Zamperini, the subject of Angelina Jolie's 2014 film Unbroken, was born. He survived a plane crash and spent two years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.
June 4, 1975: Angelina Jolie Born
On June 4, 1975, Angelina Jolie Voight was born. She is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian.
1976: Parents' Separation
In 1976, Angelina Jolie's parents separated, and she and her brother lived with their mother.
1992: Start of Bosnian War setting for directorial debut
The 1992-1995 Bosnian War is the setting for Angelina Jolie's 2011 directorial debut: In the Land of Blood and Honey.
1993: Girl, Interrupted based on memoir
In 1993, Susanna Kaysen released the memoir that Girl, Interrupted was based on.
1995: Romance with Jonny Lee Miller during Hackers Filming
In 1995, during the filming of Hackers, Angelina Jolie began a romance with actor Jonny Lee Miller.
March 1996: Marriage to Jonny Lee Miller
In March 1996, Angelina Jolie married Jonny Lee Miller in a unique ceremony.
1996: Relationship with Jenny Shimizu on Foxfire set
In 1996, Angelina Jolie began a relationship with model and actress Jenny Shimizu on the set of Foxfire.
1997: Public statements about Jenny Shimizu
In 1997, Angelina Jolie publicly expressed her deep affection for Jenny Shimizu, suggesting she would have married her if she hadn't married her husband.
1997: Reported dating Timothy Hutton
In 1997, Angelina Jolie was reportedly dating actor Timothy Hutton, her co-star in Playing God.
February 1999: Divorce initiated from Jonny Lee Miller
In February 1999, Angelina Jolie initiated divorce proceedings from Jonny Lee Miller, which were finalized the next year.
1999: Meeting Billy Bob Thornton
In 1999, Angelina Jolie met Billy Bob Thornton on the set of Pushing Tin, though they did not pursue a relationship at the time.
May 5, 2000: Marriage to Billy Bob Thornton
On May 5, 2000, Angelina Jolie married Billy Bob Thornton in Las Vegas after a two-month courtship.
2000: Statement on outspokenness
In 2000, Angelina Jolie stated that artists should throw things out there, not be perfect, and not have answers for anything, and see if people understand.
February 2001: Field Visit to Sierra Leone and Tanzania
In February 2001, Angelina Jolie went on her first field visit as part of her work with the UNHCR, embarking on an 18-day mission to Sierra Leone and Tanzania. During this trip, she witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by refugees, an experience that deeply shocked her and motivated her further in her humanitarian efforts.
August 5, 2001: Birth of Maddox Chivan
On August 5, 2001, Maddox Chivan, Angelina Jolie's first adopted child, was born in a local village in Cambodia.
August 27, 2001: Named UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
On August 27, 2001, Angelina Jolie was officially named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva. This appointment recognized her dedication and contributions to humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to support refugees worldwide.
November 2001: Visit to Cambodia with Billy Bob Thornton for adoption
In November 2001, Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton visited Cambodia, where they met Maddox and subsequently applied to adopt him.
2001: Field Visits
In 2001, Angelina Jolie started her field visits to learn more about the conditions in international trouble spots.
March 10, 2002: Adoption of Maddox Chivan
On March 10, 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, seven-month-old Maddox Chivan, from an orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia.
March 2002: Adoption announcement of a child from Cambodia
In March 2002, Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton announced their plans to adopt a child from Cambodia.
August 2002: Inaugural Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service
In August 2002, Angelina Jolie received the inaugural Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service's Immigration and Refugee Program, recognizing her humanitarian work.
September 12, 2002: Legal name change
On September 12, 2002, Angelina Jolie legally removed her surname, Voight, in favor of her middle name.
2002: Advocacy for Refugees
In 2002, Angelina Jolie articulated her goal to raise awareness about the plight of refugees, emphasizing their resilience and deservingness of commendation rather than disdain.
May 27, 2003: Divorce from Billy Bob Thornton finalized
On May 27, 2003, Angelina Jolie's divorce from Billy Bob Thornton was finalized, marking the end of their marriage.
October 2003: Citizen of the World Award
In October 2003, Angelina Jolie was the first recipient of the Citizen of the World Award by the United Nations Correspondents Association, acknowledging her global impact.
October 2003: Publication of 'Notes from My Travels'
In October 2003, Angelina Jolie's book, "Notes from My Travels," was published, chronicling her field visits from 2001-2002. It was released in conjunction with her humanitarian drama "Beyond Borders."
November 29, 2003: Birth of Pax Thien
On November 29, 2003, Pax Thien, Angelina Jolie's fourth child, was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
2003: Became patron of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation
After filming Beyond Borders (2003) in Namibia, Jolie became patron of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation, a wildlife orphanage and medical center in the Kalahari Desert.
2003: Lobbying in Washington D.C.
From 2003 onwards, Angelina Jolie started lobbying for humanitarian interests in Washington D.C.
2003: Purchase of Property in Cambodia
In 2003, Angelina Jolie purchased a property in Cambodia for her adopted son, later expanded to a wildlife reserve.
2003: Custody of Maddox in Namibia
In 2003, Angelina Jolie took custody of Maddox in Namibia, where she was filming Beyond Borders, after the adoption process was finalized.
2003: Statement on bisexuality
In 2003, when asked if she was bisexual, Angelina Jolie confirmed it, expressing her openness to relationships with both men and women.
2004: Started Flying Lessons
In 2004, Angelina Jolie began taking flying lessons with the aim of being able to fly aid workers and food supplies around the world.
2004: Describes herself as a 'punk kid with tattoos'
In 2004, Angelina Jolie referred to her high school period with the observation, "I am still at heart—and always will be—just a punk kid with tattoos."
2004: Offer of Cambodian Nationality
In 2004, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen offered Angelina Jolie Cambodian nationality due to her humanitarian work in the country.
January 8, 2005: Birth of Zahara Marley
On January 8, 2005, Zahara Marley, Angelina Jolie's second adopted child, was born in Awasa, Ethiopia.
July 6, 2005: Adoption of Zahara Marley
On July 6, 2005, Angelina Jolie adopted her second child, six-month-old Zahara Marley, from an orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
October 2005: Accusations of causing Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's divorce
In October 2005, Angelina Jolie was accused of causing the divorce of actors Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
October 2005: Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA
In October 2005, Angelina Jolie was awarded the Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts.
2005: Supported the launch of similar initiative
From 2005 to 2007, Angelina Jolie funded the launch of a similar initiative, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants' National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children.
2005: Opened a school and boarding facility for girls
In 2005, Angelina Jolie funded a school and boarding facility for girls at Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya.
2005: Granted Cambodian Citizenship
In 2005, King Norodom Sihamoni granted Angelina Jolie Cambodian citizenship through a royal decree, completing the process.
January 2006: Confirmation of pregnancy with Brad Pitt
In January 2006, Angelina Jolie confirmed that she and Brad Pitt were expecting their first child together, publicly acknowledging their relationship.
January 19, 2006: Legal change of surname to Jolie-Pitt
On January 19, 2006, Angelina Jolie filed a petition to legally change her children's surname from Jolie to Jolie-Pitt, which was granted, reflecting Brad Pitt's intention to adopt them.
February 2006: Opened Maddox Chivan Children's Center
In February 2006, Angelina Jolie opened the Maddox Chivan Children's Center, a medical and educational facility for children affected by HIV, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
May 27, 2006: Birth of Shiloh Nouvel
On May 27, 2006, Angelina Jolie gave birth to her first biological child with Brad Pitt, Shiloh Nouvel, in Swakopmund, Namibia.
September 2006: Established Jolie-Pitt Foundation
In September 2006, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to support various causes.
November 2006: Expanded Maddox Jolie Project
In November 2006, Angelina Jolie expanded the scope of the Maddox Jolie Project, renaming it the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation (MJP), to create Asia's first Millennium Village.
January 27, 2007: Mother's Death
On January 27, 2007, Angelina Jolie's mother, Bertrand, died from ovarian cancer, leading to a reconciliation with her father.
March 15, 2007: Adoption of Pax Thien
On March 15, 2007, Angelina Jolie adopted her fourth child, three-year-old Pax Thien, from an orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
June 2007: Joined Council on Foreign Relations
In June 2007, Angelina Jolie joined the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and hosted a symposium on international law and justice.
September 2007: Co-Chaired the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict
In September 2007, Angelina Jolie co-chaired the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, aiming to support education programs in conflict-affected regions, at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting.
November 2007: Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee
In November 2007, Angelina Jolie received the Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee, celebrating her contributions to humanitarian causes.
2007: Millennium Village Progress
By mid-2007, approximately 6,000 villagers and 72 employees were residing and working at the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation (MJP) in Cambodia, supported by Jolie's funding.
2007: Funded the launch of a similar initiative
From 2005 to 2007, Angelina Jolie funded the launch of a similar initiative, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants' National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children.
2007: Death of Jolie's mother.
In 2007, Angelina Jolie's mother passed away, which later influenced Jolie to appear in fewer films.
February 21, 2008: Pitt adopts Pax
On February 21, 2008, Brad Pitt formally adopted Pax.
July 2008: Birth of twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline
In July 2008, Angelina Jolie gave birth to twins Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt in Nice, France.
October 2008: Co-Chaired Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Since October 2008, Angelina Jolie has co-chaired Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), providing legal aid to unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings.
March 2010: Opened primary schools in Afghanistan
In March 2010, Angelina Jolie opened two primary schools for girls in Afghanistan.
December 2010: Established Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation
In December 2010, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt established the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation to support conservation efforts by the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia.
2010: Facilitated Child Protection Efforts in Haiti
In wake of the 2010 earthquake the Jolie Legal Fellows, facilitated child protection efforts in Haiti
January 2011: Established the Jolie Legal Fellowship
In January 2011, Angelina Jolie established the Jolie Legal Fellowship, a network of lawyers advocating for human rights.
October 2011: Recognition as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
In October 2011, Angelina Jolie was presented with a gold pin by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recognizing her decade as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
2011: Inspired Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative
Angelina Jolie's Bosnian war drama In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) inspired Foreign Secretary William Hague to campaign on the issue of sexual violence.
April 2012: Engagement announcement to Brad Pitt
In April 2012, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt announced their engagement, marking a significant step in their long-term relationship.
April 17, 2012: Promoted to Special Envoy to High Commissioner
On April 17, 2012, Angelina Jolie was promoted to the rank of Special Envoy to High Commissioner António Guterres, marking the first appointment to such a position within the UNHCR. This promotion expanded her role, granting her authority to represent Guterres and the UNHCR at the diplomatic level, with a specific focus on major refugee crises.
May 2012: Launched Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI)
In May 2012, Angelina Jolie launched the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) with Foreign Secretary William Hague.
November 2012: Opened primary schools in Afghanistan
In November 2012, Angelina Jolie opened two primary schools for girls in Afghanistan.
February 16, 2013: Preventive Double Mastectomy
On February 16, 2013, Angelina Jolie underwent a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she had a high risk of developing breast cancer due to a defective BRCA1 gene.
April 2013: Proceeds from Style of Jolie Collection Benefited the Partnership
Since April 2013, all proceeds from Angelina Jolie's high-end jewelry collection, Style of Jolie, have benefited the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict's work.
November 2013: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In November 2013, Angelina Jolie received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Academy Award, from the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
2013: KIND Became Principal Provider
By 2013, KIND had become the principal provider of pro bono lawyers for immigrant children.
2013: Campaign Against Sexual Violence
In 2013, Angelina Jolie fronted a campaign against sexual violence in military conflict zones by the UK government.
2013: The Angelina Effect
In 2013, Angelina Jolie's announcement of her mastectomy led to a significant increase in BRCA gene testing, dubbed "The Angelina Effect."
2013: Redefining Beauty
In 2013, Jeffrey Kluger opined that Jolie's frank discussion of her double mastectomy redefined beauty.
May 2014: Ownership of Aircrafts
As of May 2014, Angelina Jolie owns a Cirrus SR22 aircraft and a Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft.
June 2014: Co-chaired Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict
In June 2014, Angelina Jolie co-chaired the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, resulting in a protocol endorsed by 151 nations.
June 2014: Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
In June 2014, Angelina Jolie was appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) for her services to the UK's foreign policy and campaigning to end sexual violence in war zones.
August 14, 2014: Legal marriage to Brad Pitt
On August 14, 2014, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were legally married, solidifying their commitment.
March 2015: Preventive Salpingo-oophorectomy
In March 2015, Angelina Jolie underwent a preventive salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of an ovary and its fallopian tube) due to a high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
2015: Founded Jolie Pitt Dalton Helic
In 2015, Angelina Jolie founded Jolie Pitt Dalton Helic, a partnership dedicated to women's rights and international justice.
May 2016: Appointed Visiting Professor at London School of Economics
In May 2016, Angelina Jolie was appointed a visiting professor at the London School of Economics to contribute to a postgraduate degree program on Women, Peace and Security.
September 15, 2016: Separation from Brad Pitt
On September 15, 2016, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separated, marking the beginning of the end of their marriage.
April 12, 2019: Declared legally single from Brad Pitt
On April 12, 2019, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were declared legally single, finalizing the legal end of their marriage before all terms were agreed upon.
September 2020: Donation to Yemen Fundraiser
In September 2020, Angelina Jolie donated to two young boys who were running a lemonade stand in London to raise money for the people of Yemen.
September 2, 2021: Release of 'Know Your Rights and Claim Them'
On September 2, 2021, Angelina Jolie and Amnesty International released a children's rights book titled "Know Your Rights and Claim Them", co-authored with Geraldine Van Bueren.
February 2022: Visited Washington, D.C. for Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
In February 2022, Angelina Jolie and her daughter Zahara visited Washington, D.C. for the Senate introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
March 2022: Visited Ukrainian Children at Vatican Hospital
In March 2022, Angelina Jolie visited Ukrainian children at the Vatican Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù and expressed her hope for an end to the war.
May 2022: Visited Lviv, Ukraine
In May 2022, Angelina Jolie visited Lviv, Ukraine to meet with displaced and hospitalized children.
December 2022: Resigned from UNHCR Ambassadorship
In December 2022, Angelina Jolie resigned from her role as UNHCR ambassador, while pledging to continue advocating for refugees.
