The Roles That Almost Ended Angelina Jolie’s Career—And the One That Saved It
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Angelina Jolie’s path to superstardom was not without its challenges. From early career struggles to personal battles, her rise to the top of Hollywood was shaped by numerous lows that would have derailed many other actors. However, Jolie’s resilience, willingness to take risks, and ability to learn from her experiences allowed her to not only survive but thrive in the highly competitive world of film.
Early Career Challenges: The Initial Struggles
Jolie’s entry into the film industry was a complex one, marked by both familial connections and personal struggles. She first appeared on screen as a child in Lookin’ to Get Out (1982), a film featuring her father, actor Jon Voight. However, it would be more than a decade before she returned to acting with a notable role in Cyborg 2 (1993), a low-budget production that failed commercially. Her follow-up, Hackers (1995), despite gaining cult status later on, also struggled at the box office.
In addition to professional setbacks, Jolie faced significant personal challenges during these early years. She battled mental health issues, including insomnia, eating disorders, and drug use. By the time she was 19, she had attempted suicide twice, including a particularly dark period where she even considered hiring a hitman. These personal demons seemed to seep into her professional life, making her feel like an outsider, as she later described in interviews, struggling to find her place on many film sets.
These early struggles are reflected in the table below, summarizing her filmography during this period, where she was faced with underwhelming reception but slowly began to build recognition:
| Film | Year | Reception |
|---|---|---|
| Cyborg 2 | 1993 | Commercial failure, low-budget, struggled to gain attention |
| Hackers | 1995 | Box office failure initially, later cult classic, met first husband Jonny Lee Miller |
| George Wallace | 1997 | TV movie, Golden Globe win, critical acclaim, breakthrough role |
| Gia | 1998 | TV movie, Golden Globe win, further established her talent |
Strategies for Overcoming Career Lows
Despite these early setbacks, Jolie began turning her career around with key roles that showcased her undeniable talent. Her breakthrough came with George Wallace (1997), where she played Cornelia Wallace, earning her first Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. This role marked a turning point, opening doors to more significant opportunities.
The following year, Jolie cemented her reputation with Gia (1998), portraying the troubled supermodel Gia Carangi. The film earned her another Golden Globe, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award, and highlighted her ability to take on emotionally challenging roles. These performances were crucial in earning her the respect of both critics and industry professionals.
In interviews, Jolie reflected on her approach to her early career, acknowledging the risk she took in accepting roles that others may have considered beneath her. She was focused on learning and growing in the industry, stating, “As a young woman, there are parts I’ll look at that may not be in the best projects, but I’m starting out in this business and trying to figure out how I can make it work.” Her willingness to take on diverse roles was instrumental in her ascent, and she was determined not to be typecast. “I’m having to do a lot to keep my clothes on and not be cast in girlfriend roles,” she said, emphasizing her drive to challenge the limits of her image.
In 1999, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted, further solidifying her place in Hollywood. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, as she transitioned from struggling actress to one of the industry’s most respected talents.
Later Career Lows and Resilience
Even after her rise to fame, Jolie faced challenges in the early 2000s. Films such as Pushing Tin (1999) and Original Sin (2001) were critical and commercial flops. Pushing Tin garnered a meager 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Original Sin fared even worse, with a dismal 12% rating. However, these missteps did not derail Jolie’s career trajectory. She proved her resilience by bouncing back with films like The Bone Collector (1999), where she starred alongside Denzel Washington, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), which became a major commercial success and further elevated her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Jolie’s ability to navigate these lows and pivot toward more successful ventures speaks to her adaptability and perseverance in an unforgiving industry. Despite facing setbacks, she continued to take on a wide range of roles that showcased her versatility, from action-packed thrillers to emotionally charged dramas, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and respected actresses.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s career has been marked by a series of challenges, both personal and professional. From her early struggles with commercial failures and personal turmoil to her eventual rise as an Academy Award-winning actress, Jolie’s journey has been anything but easy. However, her ability to overcome these obstacles—by taking risks, diversifying her roles, and remaining determined in the face of adversity—has allowed her to carve out a lasting and impactful career. Today, Jolie is not only known for her acting prowess but also for her humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for global issues. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming career lows.
