During a recent panel at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Angelina Jolie, the renowned actress, shared some revealing insights into her children’s approach to fame and the film industry. In an age where celebrity culture often reigns supreme, Jolie stated that none of her six children have a strong desire to pursue careers in movies. “No. I don’t know, that’s not my doing,” the 49-year-old actress remarked while receiving the Maltin Modern Master Award. She further elaborated, expressing her hopes that her kids would appreciate the art of filmmaking, yet conveyed their lack of interest in the celebrity aspect of the industry.
Jolie highlighted that her children, including Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox Léon and Vivienne, do not share her affinity for the movie business. “They really don’t like any of the celebrity part of it, especially Shiloh hates it,” she stated. This perspective underscores a healthy detachment from the often glamorized and chaotic nature of Hollywood, which Jolie believes is, in many ways, “a silly thing.”
Despite their disinterest in on-screen roles, Jolie made it clear that her children have engaged with the film industry in other ways. “Yes, they’ve been on set with me,” she remarked, noting the diverse artistic pursuits each of her children has undertaken, such as dancing, painting, and theater. However, she emphasized that none of them are “dying to be on screen.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to nurturing their creative interests without the pressure of following in their mother’s famous footsteps.
Interestingly, the closest her children have come to working in films has been behind the scenes. Jolie mentioned that two of her sons, Maddox and Pax, have even taken on assistant director roles for her film, Maria. “It’s good to start them in working,” she explained, advocating for their involvement in the film process. Pax, in addition to assisting, has also engaged in photography work on set, showcasing a burgeoning interest in the technical aspects of filmmaking.
On the other hand, Jolie’s daughter, Vivienne, has not shied away from collaborating with her mother on creative projects. In early 2024, she co-produced Broadway’s The Outsiders alongside Jolie and took on a significant role as an assistant on the production team. Jolie described Vivienne’s commitment, stating, “She’ll correct me. She’ll say, ‘Didn’t you read the memo? We have to do this. We have to go through this.’ She’s been a really tough assistant,” indicating that her daughter takes her responsibilities very seriously, highlighting her dedication to the craft.
While Jolie’s children may not be keen on becoming movie stars, she stresses the importance of allowing them the freedom to discover their own passions. “I think for my children … I hope I’m giving them space to figure out who they actually are,” she reflected, emphasizing her desire for them to lead authentic lives based on their own choices rather than those imposed by fame. This approach reinforces Jolie’s role not just as a mother, but as a guardian of her children’s individuality in a world eager to place them in the spotlight.
