In a rare interview, Angelina Jolie has opened up on her experience of motherhood and family life following her split from Brad Pitt in September 2016. 

Speaking to VOGUE, the 48-year-old reflected on the impact that her six children have had on her life. “I was 26 when I became a mother. My entire life changed. Having children saved me and taught me to be in this world differently.”

“I think, recently, I would’ve gone under in a much darker way had I not wanted to live for them. They’re better than me, because you want your children to be.”

 WATCH: Angelina Jolie and Her Kids Attend the Dumbo Premiere. Article continues after video.  

Prior to her marriage with Brad, Angelina became a mother in 2001 after adopting her first child Maddox. Brad and Angelina then went on to adopt their children Zahara and Pax in 2005 and 2007 respectively, with the couple welcoming their first biological child Shiloh in 2006 and twins Vivienne and Knox in 2008.

As a now-single mother to her six children, Angelina shared that she has ensured that her children remain highly involved in her life, with the entire family taking part in the creation and design process for her new fashion venture, Atelier Jolie.

“I find it slightly funny that we are involved in fashion. I don’t think any one of us is overly fashionable, but because we live in our clothes, it so so much part of who we are, and something that’s important to explore, especially for young people,” she told VOGUE. 

“I’ve always wanted to take my family to a place where I can say, ‘Does your clothing really represent you? Absolutely you? And do you love it?’… I think part of this has been therapeutic for me – to work in a creative space with people you trust and to rediscover yourself.”

L-R: Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina, Vivienne, Maddox, Knox. (Credit: Getty)
In a slight segue from her conversation surrounding her style, Angelina shared a glimpse into her life following her split from her ex-husband over seven years ago.

“Now I wonder if I don’t know what my style is because I’m still understanding who I am at 48. I guess I’m in transition as a person. I feel a bit down these days. I don’t feel like I’ve been myself for a decade, in a way, which I don’t want to get into,” she shared, adding her family “had a lot of healing to do” following her divorce from Brad Pitt.

How did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie meet?

Angelina Jolie first met Brad Pitt in 2004 on the set of the action blockbuster Mr & Mrs Smith. 

During the film’s production, Brad was married to Friends star Jennifer Aniston, with Aniston filing for divorce from Pitt on March 25, 2005.

The new couple confirmed their relationship via a spread in W Magazine, with the article coining the moniker Brangelina.

Speaking on Brad’s new relationship with Angelina, Jennifer told Vanity Fair, “I would much rather everyone move on. I am not defined by this relationship. I am not defined by the part [the media is] making me play in the triangle. It’s maddening to me.”
(Credit: Getty)

When did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie get married?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt married in August 2014.

In April 2012, a representative for Brad confirmed the couple were engaged, telling CNN, “Yes, it’s confirmed. It is a promise for the future, and their kids are very happy. There’s no set date [for the wedding] at this time. Brad designed the ring.”

The couple tied the knot two years later at their palatial estate Chateau Miraval in Correns, France.

Who are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children?

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Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt

Angelina Jolie’s eldest child, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, was born on August 5, 2001, in Cambodia.

Born Rath Vibolbut, Maddox was adopted by Angelina during her marriage to Billy Bob Thornton, however, the actor was the sole adopter of her first child.

Now 22 years old, Maddox has also tried his hand at the film industry as a producer for the 2017 film First They Killed My Father. In 2019, Maddox moved from the United States to South Korea to study at Yonsei University in Seoul.

 
(Credit: Getty)

Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt

Born November 29, 2003, Pax Thein Jolie-Pitt is Angelina and Brad’s third adopted child.

The couple adopted their second-eldest son on March 15, 2007, with Angelina previously announcing that the couple had been planning to adopt their son following a visit to the Tam Binh orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Pax, now 19, graduated from university in 2021, with Page Six reporting that he has since been working as an artist under the pseudonym Embtto.
(Credit: Getty)

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt

Born Yemsrach on 8 January 2005, Zahara Marley was the second child to be adopted by Angelina Jolie.

Although Brad and Angelina were together throughout the adoption process, Angelina adopted Zahara as a single parent, with the couple changing their children’s surnames to Jolie-Pitt in January 2006.

Following Zahara’s adoption, a report by Reuters revealed that Zahara’s birth mother, who was previously believed to have passed away, went to visit Zahara in the orphanage after her mother placed her up for adoption.

“I think my daughter is a very fortunate human being to be adopted by a world-famous lady. I wish them both the success they deserve,” Zahara’s mother told the publication.
(Credit: getty)

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt 

Angelina and Brad welcomed their first biological child Shiloh Nouvel on May 27, 2006, in Namibia.

Shiloh’s birth made headlines after her baby photos were reportedly sold to People for $4 million USD, with the profits being donated by Angelina and Brad to charity

The 17-year-old has also made a name for herself in the film industry, starring alongside her father in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and voicing the character of Shuai Shuai in Kung Fu Panda 3. 

After garnering media attention for her androgynous style, Angelina defended her daughter’s freedom of expression.

“I would never be the kind of parent to force somebody to be something they are not. I think that is just bad parenting. Children should be allowed to express themselves in whatever way they wish without anybody judging them because it is an important part of their growth,” Jolie told Reuters. 

 
Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt & Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt (Credit: Getty)

Vivienne Marcheline & Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt

Twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline were born on July 12, 2008.

Angelina announced her pregnancy at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, with the actor debuting her baby bump on the red carpet.

Angelina and Brad again sold the first photos of the twins to media outlets, with the couple donating their $14 million USD image fee to charity.