In a heartfelt conversation with W magazine, Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie shared how the death of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, made acting a much more challenging and emotional experience for her. Jolie, who is widely celebrated for her work in films such as Maleficent and Girl, Interrupted, opened up about the deep connection she had with her late mother and how Bertrand’s legacy shaped her own journey in Hollywood.
A Devoted Daughter and Actress
Jolie, known for her raw authenticity and commitment to her craft, revealed that acting became “harder” after her mother’s passing. She confessed that she initially hadn’t realized how much of her dedication to the art was influenced by her mother’s example.
“I realized how much of it was for her,” Jolie explained. “She was a huge part of why I ever thought about acting. When she passed, I realized how much she had shaped my perspective of the craft. She was there when I began my career, and after she left, it all felt different.”
Marcheline Bertrand, a talented actress herself, was a significant presence in Jolie’s life. Though she may not have reached the same level of fame as her daughter, Bertrand had an enduring passion for her career. Jolie often credits her mother for introducing her to the world of cinema, and it was Bertrand’s unwavering dedication to her work that left an indelible mark on Jolie’s own approach to acting.
A Mother’s Influence on Her Career
Jolie recalled how her mother’s resilience and tenacity served as a guiding force in her life. “My mother was incredibly strong, and she always had a clear sense of herself, both in her personal life and career,” she shared. “She would always tell me to stay true to myself and to be passionate about whatever I did, whether it was acting or anything else.”
In W magazine’s feature, Jolie reflected on the emotional toll her mother’s passing had on her, admitting that her grief profoundly affected her relationship with her career. It wasn’t until she understood the full extent of her mother’s impact that Jolie truly grasped how much of her dedication to acting was tied to honoring Bertrand’s memory.
Jolie’s Personal Growth and Transformation
Over the years, Jolie’s own journey in Hollywood has been marked by both personal and professional growth. Beyond her stellar film career, she has also become a noted humanitarian, advocating for human rights and taking on high-profile roles in charitable organizations, including her work with the United Nations. Despite her many accolades, however, Jolie still finds herself wrestling with the emotional complexity of losing her mother.
“Since her death, I’ve had to find my way, both in terms of acting and as a person,” Jolie admitted. “It’s been a long journey, and I know I’m still figuring it out. But there’s also beauty in that struggle, in coming to terms with who you are and who you want to be.”
A Tribute to Marcheline Bertrand
Jolie’s reflections serve as a tribute to her mother’s life and legacy, acknowledging the immense impact Bertrand had not only on her own career but also on the person she has become. The actress often speaks fondly of her mother, recalling the times they spent together, whether on film sets or during family moments, and how those memories continue to shape her every move in the public eye.
“Every time I step on set, I feel like a little bit of her is still with me,” Jolie said. “She was the one who taught me about the depth and vulnerability required in acting, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Despite the struggles, Jolie is determined to honor her mother’s memory by continuing to push boundaries in her craft and pursue projects that are meaningful to her. Whether in her on-screen performances or in her humanitarian work, the actress remains dedicated to living a life that reflects the values her mother instilled in her.