A Timeline Of Angelina Jolie’s Career And Relationships
Angelina Jolie is most well-known for her acting career, but there is much, much more to this incredible woman. She's also a writer, director, and a humanitarian, working with the United Nations. Jolie has consistently made the list of highest-paid actresses and has an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Her success is undeniable, but her personal life isn't so put-together. Jolie has had three divorces and has had plenty more relationships on top of that.
Her Style Changes With Her Love Life
As her relationships have changed, so has her style. Angelina Jolie has dated a wide range of men (and some women) and it's clear that her personal taste evolves and aligns with whoever is in her life at the moment.
Everyone thought she had met the love of her life and would settle down with Brad Pitt. But after five years of marriage, the couple called it quits and went through with a divorce in 2019. We're all dying to know who she'll end up dating next.
Her Career Started In The Early 1990s
In 1982, Angelina Jolie got her career start. She appeared as a child actress alongside her father, Jon Voight, in Looking to Get Out. Little did her father know what an impact his daughter would end up having on the entertainment industry!
Her brother, James Haven, also got involved in the entertainment industry. He attended USC School of Cinema and had Jolie act in five of his student films. In 1993, Jolie was cast in Cyborg 2, which didn't have a lot of money in the budget but added to Jolie's resume.
Jolie Rushes Into Marriage With Her First Husband, Johnny Lee Miller
While filming Hackers in 1995, Jolie met her first husband, Johnny Lee Miller. She had recently gone through a breakup with her live-in boyfriend, and Miller caught her eye. The two shared incredible chemistry and quickly made their way to the altar the following year.
It was obvious the wedding was rushed-- Jolie didn't even wear a wedding gown. Instead, she donned her trademark black leather pants and t-shirt at the time. That's not all. Using her own blood, Jolie wrote her new husband's name on her t-shirt.
After Three Years Of Marriage, They Divorced
We all know, Angelina Jolie's first marriage wasn't made to last. After all, the couple married after only knowing each other for a short time. On February 3, 1999, the couple's divorce was finalized. It was just shy of three years after they were married.
Jolie doesn't have any hard feelings towards Lee, however. In an interview, she said, "It comes down to timing. I think he's the greatest husband a girl could ask for. I'll always love him, we were simply too young."
Angelina Makes It To The Big Screen
Jolie's career starting picking up steam in the 1990s. She was cast as Eleanor Rigby in Mojave Moon, a character who loves Al, played by Danny Aiello, who instead loves her mother Julie, played by Anne Archer.
In 1996, the same year that Mojave Moon was released, Jolie also had a part in Foxfire, playing Margret "Legs" Sadovsky. The film centered around five teenage girls who form a bond and work together to get revenge on a teacher who was sexually harassing them.
She's Not Just Interested In Men
Angelina Jolie has often fallen for her costars, and Jenny Shimizu was no exception. The two actresses met in the mid-90s on the set of Foxfire. Soon after, with Jolie recently having gone through her first divorce, they began dating.
In an interview, Jolie confessed, “I would probably have married Jenny if I hadn’t married my [first] husband.” Shimizu also dated Madonna and Rebecca Loos, and ended up marrying Michelle Harper in 2014.
Angelina Stayed Busy in the Late 1990s
By the late 1990s, Angelina Jolie was becoming a household name. In 1997 she appeared in Playing God with David Duchovny, who was a huge star due to The X-Files. The film followed a disgraced surgeon who is hired by criminals to perform an operation on Mafiosi after he is wounded.
That year, Jolie also appeared on the made-for-TV film True Women. The romantic Western drama was based on a book by Janice Woods Windle.
Angelina Dates More Co-stars
Jolie's habit of dating her co-stars continued, as she paired up with Timothy Hutton, her co-star from Playing God. The couple stayed together for three years, but it didn't last longer than that.
Jolie then moved on to her Giaco co-star, Elizabeth Mitchell. During their relationship, it seemed as though Jolie wasn't being faithful, as she continued to spend time with her ex-lover, Olivier Martinez. Mitchell said, "Angie burns through lovers more than anyone I've ever known. She has a sexual double standard."
Angie's Golden Globe Award
George Wallace (1997) won Jolie a Golden Globe award and an Emmy nomination. George Wallace is a biopic highly praised by critics. Angelina Jolie played the second wife of the segregationist Governor of Alabama who was shot and paralyzed while running for President. In 1998, Jolie starred in HBO’s Gia as supermodel Gia Carangi. This was the true life story of supermodel Gia Carangi, depicting a world of nightlife, drugs, and emotional drama.
Angelina Grew Up In New York Before Moving to Los Angeles
In 1976, when she was still a child, Jolie's parents divorced. Her mother, actress and humanitarian Marcheline Bertrand, raised Jolie and her brother in Palisades, New York. Her mother quit working to take care of the kids. She often took them to the movies, which is how Jolie said she was inspired to become an actress.
When she was eleven-years-old, Jolie's family relocated to Los Angeles, and she decided for certain that she wanted to become an actress.
School Life
It's hard to imagine that Angelina Jolie was bullied for her looks growing up, but that's exactly what happened. Jolie was made fun of for her voluptuous lips and eyes. Also for how thin she was and for a while, because she wore glasses and braces.
While the kids made fun of her appearance, Jolie's mom tried to help her get into modeling. Their first few attempts were unsuccessful, and Jolie became depressed and turned to self-harm.
At 14-Years-Old, She Lived With Her Boyfriend
Jolie had an unconventional upbringing, and at just 14-years-old, her mother allowed Jolie's boyfriend to move into the house with them. Jolie recalls that she shared a bedroom with her boyfriend, with permission from her mother.
Apparently, her mother believed that by having Jolie's boyfriend at the house, the two would stay out of trouble and spend more time at home. This didn't prove to be a winning formula, however, as Jolie found herself getting into drugs anyway.
Jolie Was Better Suited For Acting
Jolie proved to be more suited to act, rather than a model, and after a few failed auditions, she was getting her foot in the door. In 1995, she played Kate "Acid Burn" Libby in Hackers, which was her most prominent role at the time.
In 1996, she appeared in the comedy Love Is All There Is, which was written as a modern day Romeo and Juliet featuring two Italian families at each others' throats in the Bronx.
Becoming a Serious Actress
The beginning of 1998 seemed to be a good year for Jolie, as she became recognized as a serious actress. That year she appeared as Gloria McNeary in the sequel to Hell's Kitchen, the film Playing By Heart. The cast of the film was staked with big names, including Sean Connery, Gillian Anderson, and Ryan Phillippe.
Jolie was praised for her acting in the film, with film critic Peter Stack commenting, "Jolie, working through an overwritten part, is a sensation as the desperate club crawler learning truths about what she's willing to gamble."
Her Next Performance Wasn't Stellar
Later in 1998, coming off the high of Playing By Heart, Jolie didn't seem to get the ball rolling. She appeared in Pushing Tin, a comedy-drama which she co-starred with John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cate Blanchett. Jolie's character was the wife of Thornton's, and things started heating up between the two of them.
While Jolie's performance wasn't highly-rated by critics, she ended up falling for Thornton. The two were married on May 5, 2000. It was her second marriage.
The Couple That Kept People Guessing
It was becoming apparent that Angelina Jolie had a rather unique personality. She would often do and say unexpected things, and there's a good chance that her quirks were what drew Thornton to her.
A wild card himself, the two only dated for two months before they decided to get married. Once again, Jolie's marriage would last for three years before calling it quits. But some weird things happened in between that time.
Another Divorce
Jolie and Thornton had a special connection-- that much was evident. They frequently showcased their affection for each other on the red carpet and at events. Again, Jolie had the inkling to make a connection with her lover with blood.
They each carried around a vile of each others' blood, which they openly shared. And while they decided to end their marriage, Jolie said that it wasn't over a blow-up fight or a misunderstanding. "We had a great marriage," she said. "I chickened out because I didn't feel good enough. That's all that happened. It was no big deal, we never hated each other."
Their Love Fizzled Out
Many people wouldn't be surprised that a marriage that began after just two months of dating didn't last. In an interview with Vogue, Jolie said that at the time, she was still figuring out who she was as a person, and that played a role in the failed relationship.
"It took me by surprise, too. Because overnight, we totally changed. I think one day we had just nothing in common. And it's scary but... I think it can happen when you get involved and you don't know yourself yet."
Jolie Adopts Her First Child From Cambodia
While she was still married to Thornton, Jolie was in Cambodia filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. That's when she witnesses the humanitarian crisis in the country first-hand. Her experience inspired her to pursue humanitarianism, and it also inspired her to adopt her first child.
She adopted Maddox Chivan from an orphanage in Battambang. Just one month later, the U.S. banned adoptions from Cambodia, as too many children were being trafficked. Just before the ban, Jolie brought Maddox home to California, having full custody of her first son.
Collecting Bones, But No Accolades
Jolie stepped into a more serious role for The Bone Collector, which she starred in alongside Denzel Washington. Jolie's character was a police officer named Amelia Donaghy, whose father, also an officer, committed suicide.
With two big stars, the film was a box office hit. However, once critics sat down to watch the movie, they were underwhelmed by Jolie's performance. One critic said, "Jolie, while always delicious to look at, is simply and woefully miscast."
Angie Earns An Oscar
In 1999, Jolie played sociopathic Lisa Rowe in Girl, Interrupted. Although Winona Ryder played the lead, Jolie's memorable performance shined. The film about mental patients proved to be well-fitted for Jolie's acting, and she was credited with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
She also took home a Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, cementing her as a top actress in Hollywood. Emanuel Levy of Variety proclaimed, "Jolie is excellent as the flamboyant, irresponsible girl who turns out to be far more instrumental than the doctors in Susanna's rehabilitation.
Angelina Stays Busy
After her role in Girl, Interrupted, Angelina Jolie took on a smaller role for Gone in 60 Seconds. Her part as Sarah "Sway" Wayland was far less demanding than playing a mental patient and allowed her to take a mental break before diving into another serious role.
It turned out to be a smart move for Jolie, as the film became her highest-grossing movie thus far in her career, earning an incredible $237 million at box offices around the globe.
Lara Croft Gained Jolie the Reputation of Female Action Star
After Gone in 60 Seconds, Jolie was cast as the lead in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider-- but initially, she didn't even want the role. It wasn't until she discovered all of the stunts that she would be doing that Jolie became interested.
The film would end up making her an international superstar and grossed $272.7 million worldwide. Moviegoers applauded Jolie's athletic ability, making her a top female action star. Lara Croft would prove to be a widely successful franchise.
Dating The Future 007
British actor Daniel Craig co-starred in Tomb Raider with Jolie. If you've been paying attention, it won't surprise you that Jolie's pattern of dating her co-stars would continue with her role as Lara Croft.
On set, she met Craig, and the two reportedly began hooking up. Although they were never confirmed to be dating, it's known that they reconnected after filming commenced. This would have been an action star power couple for the books.
Being An Action Star Ain't Easy
Jolie was widely praised for her athletic prowess in Tomb Raider, but she didn't complete her stunts without a few mishaps. In one scene with a chandelier, Jolie received cuts and bruises from the fixture.
The candles on the chandelier also caused some problems. In the scene, Jolie is wearing silk pajamas that accidentally caught fire while filming. The actress was taken to the hospital with minor burns and returned back to the set the next day.
Switching Over To A Serious Role
After her exciting action role, Jolie was cast as Lanie Kerrigan in Life or Something Like It. Her character was a TV reporter set-out for success when she's told that she will die in a week. Critics were wowed by her performance, as Jolie once again shows her breadth of talent.
Paul Clinton of CNN wrote, "Jolie is excellent in her role. This Academy Award-winning actress is exceedingly believable in her journey towards self-discovery and the true meaning of fulfilling life."
Jolie Shows Her Humanitarian Side
Things weren't even close to slowing down for Jolie in 2003. And this time, she selected a film that included her passion for humanitarianism. Beyond Borders tells the story of aid workers in Africa who end of falling for each other.
While it may have been a top choice for Jolie's interests, critics and viewers didn't feel the same way. They found the conditions in Africa to be too shocking to enjoy watching.
Hook Up Rumors Are Always Flying Around
In between relationships, there was plenty of buzz about who Jolie was hooking up with. At a black tie affair in 2003, Jolie was reportedly spotted kissing her Gone in 60 Seconds costar Nicholas Cage. Then in 2004, after filming Alexander, rumors spread about Jolie dating Val Kilmer.
After filming Alexander with Colin Farrell people believed the two were hooking up, if not dating. There's also a rumor that Jolie hooked up with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger after she appeared in the band's music video "Anybody Seen My Baby?"
Mixed Reviews for Taking Lives
Although she didn't receive rave reviews for her first role as a police officer, Jolie gave it a second go-around with Taking Lives. In the film, Jolie plays an FBI profiler who helps Montreal Law Enforcement locate a serial killer.
Expectedly, Jolie's performance received mixed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter proclaimed, "Angelina Jolie plays a role that definitely feels like something she has already done, but she does add an unmistakable fash of excitement and glamour."
Shark Tale Was Her First Animated Film
2004 was a busy year for the actress, as she took on several roles. Jolie was cast in the science fiction adventure film Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and also Alexander.
As rumors continued to swirl about Jolie and Farrell, she moved on to an animated film, DreamWorks' Shark Tale. Jolie voiced the character of Lola, an angelfish. It was her first family film and something that she could watch with Maddox.
Jolie Earned $20 Million for Mr. & Mrs. Smith
In 2005, Angelina Jolie co-starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a film that would notoriously become the start of her relationship with Brad Pitt. But the film did more than that for Jolie. She was the third actress to officially join the $20 Million Club; her salary for her role. (Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz are the other two women.)
The film was a huge hit and earned over $478 million internationally. It was one of the biggest movies of the year 2005.
Once Again, Jolie Falls For Her Co-star
We know the theme of Angelina Jolie's relationships by now- more often than not, they begin as co-stars. If Brad Pitt's wife Jennifer Aniston had any worries about her husband starring alongside Jolie, they were valid.
It wasn't long before rumors spread like wildfire that there was chemistry between Jolie and Pitt. And of course, the media was incredibly invested in finding out what exactly was going on between the two top actors.
Jolie Denies Having An Affair With Brad Pitt
Mr. & Mrs. Smith turned out to be a huge hit, and plenty of eyes were on Jolie and Pitt. Moviegoers recognized the chemistry between the two actors and quickly raised the question as to whether there was something going on off-screen.
When asked about a possible fling between the two, Jolie insisted that she could never have an affair with a married man, because she saw how much her mother was hurt by her father's affair.
Falling In Love Isn't Cheating
Although she denied having an affair with her co-star, Brad Pitt, Jolie did admit that she was falling in love with him at the time. On October 16, 2008, Jolie admitted at a press conference that she was romantically interested in Pitt while he was still married to Aniston.
"Not a lot of people get to see a movie where their parents fell in love," Jolie said, referencing her children being able to watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Jolie and Pitt Adopt Zahara
After starting her relationship with Pitt, Jolie decided that it was time to add to her brood. She internationally adopted her second child, Zahara, in 2005, from an orphanage in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. In the beginning, Jolie believed Zahara may have an AIDS orphan, but it was later found untrue.
Pitt and Jolie together agreed to adopt Zahara, and Pitt later officially adopted both Maddox and Zahara in 2006.
The Couple Welcomes Their First Biological Child
When word spread that Jolie was pregnant with Brad Pitt's child, the media had a heyday. Their first biological child was due in May of 2006, and the couple decided that it would be best if they left the states in order to gain some peace and privacy.
Jolie and Pitt traveled to Namibia, where Jolie gave birth to Shiloh on May 27, 2006. The couple sold the first pictures of Shiloh through Getty Images and gave the $7.6 million proceeds to UNICEF.
Angelina Jolie Takes On The Director Role
In 2006, Jolie appeared in Robert De Niro’s The Good Shepherd, a film about the history of the CIA. Matt Damon plays the lead of Edward Wilson, while Jolie played Wilson’s neglected wife.
The following year in 2007, now the mother of three children, Jolie decided to try her hand at directing a film. She directed the documentary A Place in Time, which features one week around the world in 27 different locations.
Jolie Gives Mighty Heart In A Mighty Heart
After taking a shot behind the camera with a documentary, Jolie acted in A Mighty Heart in 2007, directed by Michael Winterbottom. The movie was documentary-style; the story of a reporter named Daniel Pearl who is kidnapped and killed while reporting from Pakistan.
The premiered at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival. Jolie received positive reviews of her performance in the role of Mariane Pearl, which was described as "well-measured and moving."
Jolie Appeared in Three Films in 2007
Back to a busy schedule, Jolie appeared in three different films that were all released in 2007. She played the role of Grendel's mother in the animated epic Beowulf, directed by Robert Zemeckis. Jolie also voiced a character in the DreamWorks animated film Kung Fu Panda and played a seductive assassin in Clint Eastwood's Changeling.
Jolie received several award nominations for her performances, including an Academy Award for Best Actress, A Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Leading Female Actor.
The Couple Adopts Pax From Vietnam
In 2008, Jolie and Pitt decided to adopt another child. This time they traveled to Vietnam, where they adopted Pax, a three-year-old orphan. However, since the couple wasn't legally married, adopting him together would violate Vietnam's child adoption laws.
So Jolie adopted Pax on her own. After the couple returned to the U.S., Pitt was able to file papers and legally adopted Pax, too. They were now a family of five!
