Why Angelina Jolie Says Being a Mom Helped Her Survive Filming Maria!

Angelina Jolie’s commitment to her craft is well-known, and for her latest role as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas in Maria, she went above and beyond to prepare. For seven months, the actress immersed herself in Italian, piano, and singing classes to authentically portray the legendary figure. But despite the exhaustive preparation and the emotional weight of embodying a music legend, Jolie shared in a recent interview with W that it’s her children who keep her grounded through the intense process of filming.

Jolie, a mother to six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and fraternal twins Vivienne and Knox—revealed that being a mom provides a natural balance to her work. She explained, “I was very ‘in it’ when I was in it,” referring to her dedication to the role. The film’s director, Pablo Larraín, and the entire team, she said, treated her as a singer, which was incredibly important to her. But even amidst the pressure of constant rehearsals and performances, Jolie found solace in stepping away from it all when she was with her kids.

Her children helped her navigate the mental and emotional demands of the role. “I had pianos wherever I went, my coaches, my exercises, and every night I was practicing for the next performance,” Jolie shared. “But I’m different because I’m a mom, so I was able to step away from a heavy day at work and think about something else.” That escape into family life allowed her to stay focused on her craft while maintaining a sense of balance and stability.

While her role as a mother is vital to her personal life, Jolie also opened up about her character’s complexity. She described Maria Callas as a “classic Gemini,” showcasing the nuanced and multifaceted nature of her portrayal. In the interview, she also reflected on how her mother’s influence guided her into acting, her secret skill as a pilot, and revealed one of her pet peeves: dishonesty. Jolie said, “So many things. But my pet peeve is somebody who is a liar. Somebody who feels a need to not say the truth or what they want, what they feel.” For her, authenticity is key, both in her personal life and her professional work.

As Jolie continues to navigate her illustrious career, it’s clear that her ability to balance her demanding roles with her devotion to her children is what truly keeps her grounded. Despite the challenges, her family remains her anchor, helping her stay true to herself amid the chaos of Hollywood.