Angelina Jolie Reveals the Struggles That Forced Her Into Isolation—And How She Fought Back

Angelina Jolie, known for her remarkable acting career and humanitarian work, has always been a figure of public interest. However, in a recent interview with IMDb, the actress revealed a personal and challenging period in her life that many may not be aware of. Reflecting on her role as the iconic opera star Maria Callas in the upcoming film Maria, Jolie shared how she could relate to the opera singer’s reclusive existence due to a similar experience in her own life.

A Period of Isolation and Reflection

When asked if she could relate to Callas’ later years, when the legendary singer was unable to perform and lived much of her life in seclusion, Jolie opened up about a difficult phase in her life. “In some way—I went through a few years where I was unable to leave my home as much,” she said. “I needed to be more with my family. You had to turn off certain aspects of yourself to be other things you need to be, at times.”

Jolie’s words reflect a deep and personal understanding of Callas’ struggles, as she navigated her own journey of balancing fame, family, and personal well-being. During this time, the actress found herself disconnecting from the public eye and focusing more on her family, something she described as a necessary step. “So I was reminded of how much being a creative person and having the connection to other creatives fed so much of my life and how important it was, and how much I missed it,” she added, highlighting how the lack of creative stimulation affected her.

A Key Difference: Building a Life Outside of Art

While Jolie acknowledged the similarities in their experiences, she was quick to point out a significant difference between herself and Maria Callas. “I think I’ve built a life very full separate from being an artist, and she wasn’t able to,” she explained. “So if it was all gone tomorrow and I was just a mom and I was just working in the field, I would be very happy.” This sentiment speaks to Jolie’s perspective on life and career. While she has achieved immense success as an actress, director, and humanitarian, she also values her role as a mother and her connection to her children above all else.

Jolie is a proud mother to six children—Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (20), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (16). Over the years, she has chosen to slow down her acting career in favor of prioritizing her family. This shift has come in the wake of significant personal challenges, including her highly publicized divorce from actor Brad Pitt in 2016.

The Divorce and Its Impact

The divorce from Pitt, which had been an ongoing legal process for several years, was finally settled in December 2024, bringing a long chapter of turmoil to a close. The legal battle, which involved not only the couple’s separation but also the well-being of their children, had weighed heavily on Jolie for years. A lawyer representing the actress commented at the time, “More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family.”

The lawyer added, “This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.” This exhaustion is palpable in Jolie’s own reflections, as she navigated the complex emotions tied to her personal life and the responsibility of being both a mother and a public figure.

A Focus on Healing and Family

Despite the hardships, Jolie has remained steadfast in her commitment to her children and their well-being. The actress and her family have faced challenges, but her focus has always been on healing and creating a stable environment for her kids. As she continues to prioritize her family, Jolie has also begun to reengage with her acting career, taking on roles that resonate with her personal experiences and beliefs.

Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is not just an artistic endeavor but a reflection of her own journey through isolation, family dynamics, and self-discovery. As she takes on this complex role, it is clear that the personal experiences she shares with her character have shaped her perspective on both her career and her life outside of the spotlight.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Angelina Jolie

While Jolie’s journey through isolation and personal growth may have been difficult, it has clearly led to a deeper understanding of herself and her priorities. As she continues to explore new roles and pursue creative projects, her focus on family and healing remains at the forefront of her life. With her divorce now behind her, Jolie is navigating this new chapter with the same grace and resilience that has defined her career and personal life for years.