Angelina Jolie Reflects on Her Late Mother’s Influence and Her Acting Career

In a heartfelt interview with W magazine, Angelina Jolie, 49, opened up about the profound influence her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, had on her decision to pursue acting — and how her passing made continuing her career more challenging.

Jolie revealed that her mother always dreamed of acting and encouraged her to follow that path as a child. "I did it in the beginning because it was my mother's dream," she shared. Bertrand, who tried to pursue a career in theater and film before focusing solely on motherhood after her divorce from actor Jon Voight, wanted the best for her children.

"I don’t remember making the choice to be an actress," Jolie explained. "I remembered it made my mom happy." Acting also became a way for Jolie to support her family, with Bertrand managing her career. "We were a team," Jolie recalled. "I always wanted to buy her a house and things like that."

The bond between mother and daughter remained strong, even as Bertrand fought ovarian and breast cancer before passing away in 2007 at 56. Jolie admitted that her mother’s death made it harder to continue acting. “I realized how much it was for her,” she said.

In previous interviews, Jolie has spoken about the impact of Bertrand's passing, emphasizing how her mother’s dedication to family inspired her. "Somebody who lives life with that kind of dedication to their family is the most noble," Jolie said in 2008. More recently, she reflected on how her mother's love for theater and literature shaped her career.

Jolie also shared insights into her current role as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Maria, a biographical film now streaming on Netflix. The actress expressed her desire to offer empathy and understanding to Callas, who faced immense criticism and loneliness in her final years. "My goal was for the audience to please give her life a second look," Jolie said.

As Maria continues to receive attention, Jolie’s personal journey and her connection to her late mother remain a central part of her life and career.