In an early audition that nearly ended in disaster, Angelina Jolie faced a tense moment that ultimately set her on the path to her first major recognition. The Angelina Jolie audition disaster unfolded during her tryout for a television film, revealing both personal struggles and a turning point in her career.
An Audition Overshadowed by a Famous Parent
When Angelina Jolie was starting her career like many newcomers, she had to navigate the pressures of living in her father Jon Voight’s shadow. Despite being the daughter of academy-award winner Jon Voight, Jolie’s journey was not padded by his influence or connections. The tension between Jolie and Voight was well-known, and it played a crucial role during her audition for director John Frankenheimer’s project.
Jolie’s relationship with her father was strained, marked by periods of estrangement. This history came to the surface during her audition, when Frankenheimer steered the conversation toward her father instead of focusing on her performance. For Jolie, the moment highlighted her desire to be judged on her own talents, rather than her family connections or “nepo-baby” status, a term often used for children of famous parents.
Personal Struggles from the Past
Before gaining fame as an acclaimed Hollywood humanitarian, Jolie had experienced significant personal hardships, including battles with addiction and self-harm, as well as unconventional relationships. Acting became her refuge, providing the stability and focus she lacked in her earlier years. During her early auditions, however, she admits her approach was far less disciplined than it would later become.
The Defining Audition Incident
Reflecting on her past, Jolie shared with Backstage how things unraveled during her audition for the TV film George Wallace:
“It was so bad, in fact, my manager had to calm both me and John Frankenheimer down. I read the character was sexy, so I went in and put on bright red lipstick and a black dress. It was a period piece, in the ’60s. Now, I don’t have big issues talking about my father, but I was trying to find myself.”
– Angelina Jolie, Actor
“I walked in, and I was nervous, and I did my reading, and the first thing John Frankenheimer said was, ‘So, Jon’s your father’. And my heart just sank, and I thought, ‘He didn’t pay attention to anything I just did’.”
– Angelina Jolie, Actor
“He said, ‘How’s he doing? What’s he up to these days?’ I don’t know what it was, but I just got somewhat rude in return. I said, ‘I really don’t know; why don’t you call him? I have to go’. And I got a call from Geyer [Kosinski], saying, ‘You stormed out, and you were dressed like a geisha girl!’ I said, ‘He was rude, and he didn’t pay attention to what I was saying. He didn’t even care about me as an individual’.”
– Angelina Jolie, Actor
“Strangely enough, Frankenheimer and I ended up becoming best friends. We loved working together,”
– Angelina Jolie, Actor
Turning a Setback into Success
Despite nearly losing her chance at the role due to the emotionally charged exchange, cooler heads eventually prevailed. Jolie’s agent stepped in, asking her to reconsider her reaction, suggesting a more professional approach. Following his advice, Jolie toned down her appearance—switching the red lipstick for a more subdued look—and returned with a calmer mindset, ready to prove herself purely on merit.
Interestingly, what began as a disastrous first impression became an opportunity. Jolie not only secured the part in George Wallace but also earned her first Golden Globe for the performance. This recognition helped solidify her reputation and opened more doors in Hollywood, allowing her to move away from being simply “Jon Voight’s daughter” to becoming a respected actor in her own right.
The Lasting Impact of a Difficult Beginning
Jolie’s successful audition for George Wallace marked a turning point, teaching her invaluable lessons about professionalism and composure—skills that would serve her throughout her award-winning career. Her Golden Globe win for the role paved the way for future achievements, including more acclaimed performances, such as her breakout portrayal in the film Gia the following year.
The episode underscores not only the personal challenges Jolie overcame but also her determination to define herself beyond her famous lineage. Her experience serves as a reminder that even a disastrous beginning can lay the foundation for lasting success, shaping both personal growth and a career trajectory. The Angelina Jolie audition disaster stands as a significant chapter in the journey of a star who would ultimately become a Hollywood icon.
