Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, known not only for her award-winning performances in films such as Girl, Interrupted, Maleficent, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, but also for her humanitarian work, directing, and personal life. Among the most talked-about aspects of her life is her role as a mother. Angelina Jolie has six children—three adopted and three biological—whom she shares with her ex-husband, actor Brad Pitt.
Her family has been under media scrutiny for years, but Jolie has always prioritized privacy and protection for her children. Despite the public nature of her career, she has managed to give her kids a relatively grounded upbringing, filled with global experiences, education, and social awareness. This article offers an in-depth look at Angelina Jolie children, their lives, personalities, and the values Jolie has instilled in them.
The Jolie-Pitt Family: An Overview
Angelina Jolie children include:
- Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt (born August 5, 2001)
- Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt (born November 29, 2003)
- Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt (born January 8, 2005)
- Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt (born May 27, 2006)
- Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt (born July 12, 2008)
- Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt (born July 12, 2008)
The children come from a diverse range of backgrounds—Cambodia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Namibia, and the United States—reflecting Jolie’s global perspective on family and love.
Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt
Maddox was the first child adopted by Angelina Jolie. She adopted him from a Cambodian orphanage in 2002 when he was just seven months old. At the time, Jolie was married to actor Billy Bob Thornton, but she adopted Maddox as a single parent. Later, when Jolie and Brad Pitt began their relationship, Pitt also adopted Maddox.
Now in his 20s, Maddox is known to be intellectual, independent, and deeply loyal to his mother. He has shown interest in international relations and studied at Yonsei University in South Korea, majoring in biochemistry. Jolie has spoken proudly about Maddox’s academic curiosity and emotional maturity. He has occasionally accompanied her on humanitarian trips and served as an executive producer for her 2017 film First They Killed My Father, based on the Cambodian genocide.
Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt
Pax was adopted from Vietnam in 2007 when he was three years old. His adoption was a significant event, as Jolie had to go through the process as a single mother due to Vietnam’s laws regarding unmarried couples. Brad Pitt later adopted Pax as well.
Pax has generally stayed out of the spotlight and is known to be artistic and musically inclined. He is reported to enjoy DJing and photography. In recent years, Pax has also started working behind the scenes on film projects with his mother, helping on set and exploring the craft of filmmaking. Jolie has described Pax as brave and kind, qualities she admires deeply.
Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt
Zahara was adopted from Ethiopia in 2005. She was just six months old at the time, and Jolie has often spoken about how strong and wise Zahara is. After her adoption, Zahara underwent medical treatment for a series of health issues, but she thrived under Jolie’s care. Like Maddox and Pax, she was later adopted by Brad Pitt as well.
Zahara has blossomed into a confident young woman with a strong presence. Jolie has said that Zahara is often the “rock” of the family, admired by her siblings for her calm and wise demeanor. Zahara started attending Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, in 2022. Jolie has expressed immense pride in her daughter’s academic achievements and cultural identity.
Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt
Shiloh is Angelina and Brad’s first biological child, born in Namibia in 2006. Her birth was an international event, with media outlets scrambling to secure the first photos. Jolie and Pitt decided to sell the first pictures of Shiloh and donated the proceeds—reportedly millions of dollars—to UNICEF.
From a young age, Shiloh has been known for her strong personality and sense of style. She has expressed herself authentically and confidently, often challenging gender norms in fashion. Jolie has always supported Shiloh’s freedom to express herself, stating that she wants all her children to be exactly who they are.
In recent years, Shiloh has developed a passion for dance, and several clips of her dancing to popular songs have gone viral. Her grace, rhythm, and talent have impressed many fans, and it’s clear she has inherited some of her parents’ creative talents.
Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt
Knox and Vivienne are the youngest of the Jolie-Pitt children and are fraternal twins born in 2008 in Nice, France. Their birth also drew significant media attention, with their first photos selling for a reported $14 million, which was donated to charity.
Vivienne had a brief foray into acting, playing a young Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014), opposite her mother. Jolie explained that casting Vivienne was mostly practical since other child actors were scared of her costume. Despite this early start, Jolie has said she doesn’t encourage her kids to go into acting unless they’re truly passionate about it.
Both Vivienne and Knox enjoy a relatively private life compared to some of their older siblings, though they are occasionally spotted with their mother at events or traveling.
Parenting Philosophy
Angelina Jolie’s parenting style emphasizes global awareness, education, empathy, and freedom of expression. Her experience as a UNHCR Special Envoy has undoubtedly shaped her worldview, and she has tried to instill a deep sense of responsibility and compassion in her children.
In interviews, Jolie has expressed her belief in the importance of diversity, culture, and history in raising children. She encourages her kids to understand their own cultural roots and has taken them to their countries of origin to foster that connection. Jolie also stresses the importance of open communication, honesty, and individuality.
She has spoken candidly about the challenges of parenting, especially through the public scrutiny of her high-profile divorce and custody battle with Brad Pitt. Yet she continues to prioritize her role as a mother above all else.
Public Life vs. Privacy
Despite being born into one of the most famous families in the world, the Jolie-Pitt children have grown up with a balance of privacy and selective public exposure. Jolie has made a conscious effort to keep their lives as normal as possible, homeschooling them for a period and later encouraging a mix of formal education and experiential learning.
The children are multilingual, have traveled the globe, and have been exposed to diverse cultures. Jolie believes that this global education has shaped them into compassionate and thoughtful individuals. She has often described her children as her best friends and greatest teachers.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie children are a unique blend of cultures, talents, and personalities. Each child brings something special to the family, and together, they form a unit built on love, respect, and understanding. Jolie’s commitment to raising socially conscious, empowered individuals is evident in how her children carry themselves—gracefully navigating life under the public eye while maintaining their independence and identity.
As they grow older, the world continues to watch with curiosity and admiration. Whether they choose paths in the arts, academics, activism, or something entirely different, one thing is clear: they are being raised to make a meaningful impact on the world, just like their mother.
