The One Genre Angelina Jolie Avoided—And Why She’s Still Hesitant

Angelina Jolie, known for her powerful performances in intense dramas and action films, has largely steered clear of full-fledged comedies throughout her career. With roles in films like Girl, Interrupted, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent, Jolie has become synonymous with complex, often dark characters. But despite having occasional comedic moments in some of her projects, she has revealed why comedy has always been a genre that felt difficult for her to embrace.

In a 2005 interview with NBC News, Jolie explained why she gravitated toward darker roles, admitting that it took a lot for her to feel she had something to contribute in a lighter genre. “For a long time, I was always much more comfortable in darker roles, in pain or quieter person,” she said. “It takes a lot for me to feel that I have something to contribute in a light way, but I wouldn’t assume, yeah, I’m that fun friend that everybody feels at ease with, you know? And I would love to think I had more of that.” Her natural inclination toward heavier, more serious roles made it challenging for her to transition into comedy, where a more carefree, easygoing persona is often required.

However, motherhood played a pivotal role in changing her perspective on comedy. “Well, I think having a kid, you know what I mean, he’s really made me funny,” Jolie shared with a smile, referencing how her son helped her develop a sense of humor. While she still hasn’t pursued a full-fledged comedy film, this shift allowed her to appreciate the lighter side of life, and her role as a mother helped her discover comedic elements within herself that had previously been dormant.

Jolie also addressed why she’s still hesitant to dive into a comedy role in a more recent interview with Deadline. She explained that, for her, there’s a certain responsibility to make sure she can effectively entertain the audience. “There’s a part of me as an artist, of course, that wants to explore every different type of storytelling medium for myself,” she said. “But I’m also very conscious of where I seem to connect and where maybe somebody else would be better.” In this regard, Jolie seems to have a deep respect for the craft of comedy, acknowledging that it takes more than just wanting to be funny—it’s about giving the audience what they need, which can sometimes be a daunting responsibility.

Interestingly, despite her reservations about full-on comedy films, Jolie has played roles that incorporate comedic elements. She found that her portrayal of Maleficent, the iconic villain in Disney’s Maleficent, had aspects of romantic comedy, especially in her dynamic with the character Diaval. “I think Maleficent was the closest I got, I thought she was in love with Diaval,” she said, noting that she saw the relationship as somewhat of a rom-com, though she acknowledged that might have been her own take on the character.

Additionally, Jolie’s performance in Mr. & Mrs. Smith allowed her to tap into comedic moments, though she admits she was initially unsure about her comedic timing. “I was really uncomfortable and I was really unsure of myself, because I’ve never really done one,” she confessed in an interview with IGN. “But everybody on this panel made me feel comfortable. I got scared.” Despite her reservations, Mr. & Mrs. Smith proved that she could bring a sense of humor to her roles, especially when paired with the right material and colleagues.

Though Jolie has yet to fully embrace a traditional comedy, she has demonstrated her ability to balance both drama and humor within her varied career. Whether through her action-packed roles or her more subtle comedic moments, it’s clear that Jolie is a versatile actress who can bring depth to any genre. While her comedic journey may still be in its early stages, it’s safe to say that her evolving perspective on humor, combined with her natural talent, could one day lead to her exploring this genre more fully. Until then, fans will continue to enjoy her multifaceted performances in the more serious roles that first made her a household name.