Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Vulnerability and Strength Amid Brad Pitt Divorce Battle

Angelina Jolie, the renowned Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian, shared rare insights into her personal life and emotional resilience during an interview at the Gotham 34th Annual Film Awards. Speaking to Extra’s Mona Kosar Abdi, Jolie revealed how she navigates vulnerability, especially in front of her six children, amidst her ongoing divorce battle with Brad Pitt, now stretching into its eighth year.

Angelina Jolie’s Commitment to Protecting Her Kids

Jolie, 49, emphasized her careful approach to expressing emotions around her children—Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. She admitted that showing vulnerability, such as crying or appearing scared, is something she rarely does.

“When we were working on Maria, they saw me terrified,” Jolie said, referring to her role as opera singer Maria Callas. “You don’t usually share so much vulnerability in front of your children, but they were very protective.”

The Gia actress, who filed for divorce from Pitt in September 2016, has previously disclosed that she cried alone in the shower during the most challenging moments of their separation to shield her children from her pain.

Jolie’s Transformation Through Maria

Jolie’s latest project, Maria, pushed her to confront her fears, particularly around singing and embodying the legendary opera singer. She spent seven months in opera and Italian language training to prepare for the role. Despite her rigorous preparation, Jolie confessed she felt deeply anxious on the day of filming her singing scenes.

“I was so nervous that morning I was out of my mind,” she admitted. However, working under director Pablo Larraín’s guidance gave her confidence. “Pablo is a kind and supportive person, and I knew that if I gave my best, he would make it work.”

The experience of portraying Maria Callas allowed Jolie to explore artistic fears and express emotions in a safe environment. “As an artist, you love things that scare you because it’s a gift,” she reflected.

Her Children’s Support and Pride

Jolie shared that her children were proud of the dedication she showed while working on Maria. “They don’t talk about awards or accolades,” she said. “They say, ‘She works so hard.’ Hearing that from them makes me very happy.”

Her kids’ acknowledgment of her work ethic has been a source of strength for Jolie, who expressed gratitude for their health and support after Thanksgiving.

While Jolie has endured significant personal and professional challenges, she remains focused on growth and resilience. Reflecting on her artistic journey, she said, “We’re lucky as artists to explore emotional life and pain in a way that many people don’t have the chance to express. I’ve always felt fortunate to have that outlet.”

Angelina Jolie’s Legacy of Strength

As Jolie continues to balance her demanding career with raising her children, she exemplifies resilience and grace. Her commitment to shielding her family from negativity while embracing the challenges of a transformative role in Maria underscores her strength as both a mother and an artist.

With Maria poised for critical acclaim and Jolie’s unwavering dedication, Angelina Jolie proves she is as much a powerhouse off-screen as she is on-screen. Fans eagerly anticipate her performance in the film and admire her continued evolution as an artist and mother.