Angelina Jolie's journey through Hollywood is intricately woven with the influence of her famous parents, Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. While Jon is globally acclaimed for his roles in films like Midnight Cowboy and Pearl Harbor, Marcheline, too, had a noteworthy career as an actress and humanitarian. Here are the captivating details.
Marcheline Bertrand, an American actress born in Illinois, embarked on her acting career with guidance from renowned theatre director Lee Strasberg. After her debut in the 1971 episode of Ironside, she graced the screen in productions like Lookin' to Get Out and The Man Who Loved Women before shifting her focus to producing in 1983.
Beyond her Hollywood pursuits, Marcheline was a committed humanitarian. She founded the All Tribes Foundation, dedicated to supporting the cultural and economic survival of Native peoples, and collaborated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Angelina's connection with her mother was profound. Despite her parents' separation in 1976, with Marcheline citing Jon's infidelity as the cause, Angelina and her brother James Haven were primarily raised by their mother, who inspired them to pursue acting. Despite being estranged from their father for years, the siblings maintained a close bond with their mother.
Describing her late mother, Angelina expressed, "A great listener, and a great friend — she was my best friend — and so I could talk to her about everything." In a 2011 interview for 60 Minutes, Angelina praised Marcheline's parenting, stating, "I will never be as good a mother as she was. She was just grace incarnate. She's better than me."
In a 2017 interview with HELLO!, Angelina reflected on Marcheline's simplicity and elegance, highlighting her mother's natural demeanor. She shared memories of Marcheline's special items, like her Guerlain powder, associating them with femininity. The legacy of Marcheline Bertrand extends beyond the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on her daughter's life and career.
