How an 11-Year Acting Hiatus Led Angelina Jolie to an Oscar-Winning Career

Angelina Jolie, a name synonymous with acting excellence, activism, and humanitarian efforts, had her first taste of the film industry at a tender age. Born into a family steeped in Hollywood royalty, it was clear that the world of film would be part of her destiny. Her father, Jon Voight, is an Academy Award-winning actor, while her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, also had a career in the industry. With Oscar-winning godparents like Maximilian Schell and Jacqueline Bisset, Jolie’s cinematic path seemed almost preordained.

However, unlike many second-generation stars, Jolie did not rush headlong into acting. Though she made her debut early, her journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars was anything but immediate. She initially stepped back from the limelight, only to return later with a career-defining performance. Today, with an Oscar, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award to her name, her star has remained unshakably bright.

The First Onscreen Appearance: Lookin’ to Get Out (1982)

At just eight years old, Angelina Jolie made her onscreen debut in the 1982 film Lookin’ to Get Out, where she played the role of Tosh, the daughter of her real-life father, Jon Voight. The film, a comedy-drama written and directed by Hal Ashby, marked the start of her film career. Though her role was a small one, it was the first step in what would become an illustrious journey in Hollywood. However, after this early appearance, Jolie would step back from acting for over a decade, focusing instead on other pursuits.

A Long Break and a Humble Return

After taking an 11-year break from film, Angelina Jolie returned to the industry in the mid-1990s, but her comeback was far from glamorous. Her second role, Cyborg 2 (1993), a low-budget straight-to-video science fiction action sequel, was a far cry from the star-studded productions she would later headline. Though the film failed to make an impact, it served as a stepping stone for Jolie, marking the moment she re-entered the world of acting and eventually gained momentum.

Though her career took off after Cyborg 2, it wasn’t until later that Jolie was given her first true leading role in a major production. Remarkably, despite numerous movies under her belt, including notable performances alongside heavyweights like Denzel Washington in The Bone Collector (1999) and Nicolas Cage in Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), Jolie had never before been top-billed in a film.

The First True Leading Role: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Jolie’s first real leading role came in 2001 with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, an action-packed adaptation of the wildly popular video game. The film not only put her at the forefront of the movie’s marketing but also marked her official arrival as a bona fide action star. Jolie’s portrayal of the titular character, Lara Croft, a fearless adventurer, garnered global attention and solidified her place in the industry.

The success of Tomb Raider was remarkable, with the film grossing nearly $375 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game adaptation at the time. The role also catapulted Jolie into the global spotlight, marking her first time being the primary draw for audiences, a pivotal moment in her career.

A Career of Versatility: Acting, Directing, and Activism

While her acting career continued to flourish, with critically acclaimed roles such as her Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999), Jolie also made strides behind the camera. Her directorial debut came in 2007 with the documentary A Place in Time. The film, which explored the daily lives of people from more than 20 countries, marked a departure from her narrative filmmaking, giving her an opportunity to focus on human stories and highlight global issues.

Jolie’s directorial career truly took flight with her 2011 war drama In the Land of Blood and Honey. The film, which she wrote, directed, and produced, explored the harrowing backdrop of the Bosnian War, blending a love story with the brutal realities of war. The film’s raw, emotional intensity was reflective of Jolie’s deep personal connection to the subject matter, an approach that would become a hallmark of her directorial work.

Subsequent projects, such as First They Killed My Father (2017), further solidified her status as a director with a unique voice, focusing on poignant, real-world issues, such as the Cambodian genocide. Jolie’s creative journey behind the camera continues to evolve, with each project delving into personal and humanitarian themes.

Conclusion

Angelina Jolie’s journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most revered stars began with a small role at the age of eight in Lookin’ to Get Out, but it was her breakout role as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider that truly marked her ascent to global stardom. Despite a brief early setback, Jolie’s determination, combined with her undeniable talent, led to a career that now spans acting, directing, and activism. With a string of award-winning performances and a legacy built on using her platform to advocate for global causes, Jolie’s path to success proves that her early debut was only the beginning of a much larger story.