How Angelina Jolie Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Angelina Jolie—a timeline of influence.

Angelina Jolie is a highly acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and dedicated humanitarian. Her illustrious career has garnered her an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. With her films grossing over $6.9 billion globally, she is recognized as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses. Jolie's work extends beyond entertainment, as she actively engages in humanitarian efforts and advocacy on various global issues.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1991: Reference to Christie Brinkley

In 1991, model Christie Brinkley represented the American beauty ideal, but in 2011, the survey by Allure found that Angelina Jolie most represented the American beauty ideal.

2000: Statement on Outspokenness

In 2000, Angelina Jolie stated, "I say things that other people might go through. That's what artists should do—throw things out there and not be perfect and not have answers for anything and see if people understand."

2002: Public Attraction Across Orientations

In 2002, Sarah Warn, founder of AfterEllen, observed that Angelina Jolie generated overwhelming interest and attraction across genders and sexual orientations, marking a new development in American culture.

2004: Punk Kid with Tattoos

In 2004, Angelina Jolie referred to her high school period, saying, "I am still at heart—and always will be—just a punk kid with tattoos."

2007: "The Gold Standard of Beauty"

By 2007, Angelina Jolie was considered "the gold standard of beauty", with her full lips becoming the most imitated celebrity feature well into the 2010s, influencing cosmetic surgery trends among western women.

2011: Representing the American Beauty Ideal

In 2011, a repeat survey by Allure found that Angelina Jolie most represented the American beauty ideal. Writer Elizabeth Angell credited society with having branched out beyond the Barbie-doll ideal and embraced something quite different.

2013: "The Angelina Effect": Increased BRCA gene testing

In 2013, Angelina Jolie's announcement of her mastectomy led to a significant increase in BRCA gene testing, a phenomenon dubbed "The Angelina Effect" by a Time cover story. Referrals for testing tripled in Australia and doubled in the United Kingdom, parts of Canada, and India, with increases also seen in other European countries and the United States.

2013: Redefining Beauty

In 2013, Jeffrey Kluger of Time opined that Angelina Jolie had symbolized the feminine ideal for many years, and her frank discussion of her double mastectomy redefined beauty standards.

2013: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

In 2013, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Angelina Jolie with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her humanitarian work.

2015: Most Admired Woman

In 2015, Angelina Jolie was recognized as the most admired woman in the world in a global survey conducted by YouGov, a recognition she would retain the following year as well.

2016: Most Admired Woman

In 2016, Angelina Jolie was again recognized as the most admired woman in the world in a global survey conducted by YouGov, cementing her status as a respected and influential figure.