In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine, Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie expressed doubts about pursuing an acting career if she were starting in the industry today. The intense public scrutiny, particularly after her divorce from Brad Pitt seven years ago, has taken a toll on Jolie. The stress manifested physically, leading to changes in her voice and even Bell's palsy.
Jolie, under the constant gaze of tabloids, revealed that living in Los Angeles has limited her social life due to unwarranted attention. Despite not paying much attention to media coverage, she acknowledged the impact of being in the public eye for an extended period.
Expressing her plans to leave Los Angeles and spend more time in Cambodia, Jolie mentioned the shift after her divorce, losing the freedom to live and travel as she once did. Reflecting on her upbringing in Hollywood, she remarked, "Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place. So you seek authenticity."
Jolie shared in a Vogue interview in September that she started taking on fewer film projects seven years ago, opting for roles with shorter shoots, citing the need for healing after her divorce. While not delving into specifics, she acknowledged feeling somewhat down and not like herself for a decade.
After leading Disney's successful "Maleficent" in 2014 and co-starring in "By the Sea" with Pitt in 2015, Jolie took a significant pause in her film output. In recent years, she had two lead roles, supporting roles in "Eternals" and "Come Away," and lent her voice to projects like "The One and Only Ivan." Jolie recently wrapped production on Pablo Larrain's "Maria," portraying opera singer Maria Callas.
As Jolie contemplates leaving Los Angeles and seeking authenticity, her journey reflects the challenges and transformations that come with a life in the spotlight.
