The Adoption Journey
Angelina Jolie’s adoption journey began in 2002, with her first adopted child, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt. Maddox was born in Cambodia in 2001, and Jolie adopted him when he was just seven months old. At the time, she was still married to actor Billy Bob Thornton, though she adopted Maddox as a single parent. Her decision to adopt from Cambodia was influenced by her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she witnessed firsthand the dire conditions in which many children were living.
Three years later, in 2005, Jolie adopted Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt from Ethiopia. Zahara was just six months old at the time of her adoption. Jolie had recently begun a relationship with Brad Pitt, who later adopted both Maddox and Zahara, giving them the surname Jolie-Pitt. Zahara’s adoption also brought attention to the issue of HIV/AIDS in Africa, as it was initially reported that Zahara was orphaned due to her mother dying of AIDS, though this was later clarified.
In 2007, Jolie expanded her family once more, adopting Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt from Vietnam. Pax was three years old when Jolie adopted him, and like Maddox and Zahara, he was adopted as a single parent before Brad Pitt also legally adopted him. Pax’s adoption was a bit more complicated due to Vietnamese adoption laws, which initially made it difficult for a single parent to adopt. However, Jolie's dedication and determination ensured that Pax could join her growing family.
Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt
Maddox, the eldest of the Jolie-Pitt children, has grown up under the public eye and has shown a strong interest in film and humanitarian work, much like his mother. As a teenager, Maddox was often seen accompanying Jolie to various events and movie sets, where he began to develop an interest in filmmaking.
In 2019, Maddox enrolled at Yonsei University in South Korea to study biochemistry. Jolie was emotional when she dropped him off at college, and her pride in Maddox’s achievements was evident. Although there were rumors of tension between Maddox and Brad Pitt following the couple's highly publicized divorce, Maddox has continued to focus on his studies and personal growth. His future in the film industry seems promising, especially with the guidance and support of his mother.
Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt
Zahara, now a young woman, has also flourished under Jolie’s care. Known for her striking beauty and strong personality, Zahara has occasionally appeared at red-carpet events alongside her mother. She has shown an interest in fashion, with Jolie revealing that Zahara has a natural talent for designing jewelry. In fact, Zahara designed a jewelry collection in collaboration with jeweler Robert Procop, with the proceeds going to charity.
Zahara’s Ethiopian heritage remains an important part of her identity. Jolie has been open about making sure Zahara stays connected to her roots, and they have made several trips to Ethiopia together. Zahara has also been active in humanitarian work, often joining her mother in various charitable endeavors. In 2022, Zahara started attending Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Her enrollment at Spelman was a proud moment for Jolie, who has always emphasized the importance of education and cultural heritage.
Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt
Pax, the second youngest of the adopted children, has a quieter public presence compared to his siblings. He has, however, shown an interest in photography and has worked alongside his mother on several film sets, including as a still photographer for Jolie’s 2017 film First They Killed My Father, a historical thriller set in Cambodia. Pax's contribution to the film was significant, as it allowed him to connect with his Vietnamese roots while working on a project that was deeply personal to Jolie and Maddox.
Pax graduated from high school in 2021, and while he has yet to make any definitive public statements about his future plans, it is clear that he is a creative individual with a passion for the arts. Jolie has often spoken about how Pax is incredibly kind and has a close bond with his siblings, especially Maddox, with whom he shares a strong connection.
Family Dynamics and the Future
The Jolie-Pitt family has faced its share of challenges, particularly following the divorce of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2016. The divorce was highly publicized, with reports of custody battles and strained relationships between Pitt and some of the children. Despite these difficulties, Jolie has been dedicated to ensuring that her children have a stable and loving environment.
Each of the adopted children has been raised in a multicultural household, with Jolie making a concerted effort to expose them to their cultural backgrounds. The family is known for its tight-knit relationships, with the children often supporting each other in various endeavors.
In terms of their future, it is clear that each of the Jolie-Pitt children has been given the freedom to explore their interests and pursue their passions. Whether in the arts, humanitarian work, or academia, they have the advantage of having a mother who values education, creativity, and empathy.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s decision to adopt children from different parts of the world has not only given those children a new life but has also highlighted important social issues such as adoption, cultural heritage, and global humanitarianism. Maddox, Zahara, and Pax have all grown into remarkable individuals, each with their own unique talents and interests. While they continue to navigate the complexities of growing up in the spotlight, it is evident that they have a strong foundation in the values instilled by their mother. As they continue to mature and carve out their own paths, the world will undoubtedly be watching to see what they do next.
Social Plugin