Angelina Jolie’s fighting spirit is finally back, and she’s crediting her six children for helping her find it. In a new interview, the actress opened up about overcoming a difficult chapter in her life, revealing that the years following her split from Brad Pitt left her feeling “taken down a little bit.” Now, with the divorce finalized, Jolie says she feels a renewed sense of purpose and freedom.
For Jolie, the return to her old self didn’t happen overnight. The 51-year-old shared that she had been through a dark period but is now emerging on the other side. The Eternals actress was candid about her children’s role in her recovery, noting that now that they are older, they are actively encouraging her to get back out into the world and to find herself again.
Jolie explained that her decision to return to acting in recent years was driven by her children. While she had “kind of quit acting” before the divorce to focus on directing and humanitarian work, she found that acting jobs allowed her to be home more often. By taking projects that were short, close to home, or allowed her to bring her kids, Jolie prioritized being present for her family while maintaining her career.
She reveals that her kids are the ones pushing her to travel and explore life. “They know me more than anybody, and they still like me, which says a lot,” she shared, making a pointed reference to the close relationship she maintains with them.
The interview arrives amid reports that all six of the children have chosen to distance themselves from Brad Pitt’s surname. Recently, daughter Zahara filed legal documents to drop “Pitt,” making her the third child to do so after Maddox and Shiloh. Vivienne and Knox have also publicly left the surname off of professional credits and graduation certificates.
While Jolie did not mention her ex-husband by name, her comments about the unwavering support of her children paint a vivid picture of a family standing united. The Oscar winner’s reflections come just months after the finalization of what was a grueling eight-year legal battle with Brad Pitt. However, with that chapter now closed, Jolie appears ready to move forward and embrace the future.
