Angelina Jolie’s Heartbreaking Confession About Her Divorce From Brad Pitt
The couple was together for over 12 years before their split in 2016.
Angelina Jolie has opened up about the profound impact her divorce from ex-husband Brad Pitt had on her while filming her latest movie, Maria.
In the film, the 49-year-old actress portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, a Greek-American soprano whose personal life was as dramatic as her career. Angelina shared how deeply she connected with her character, revealing that both she and Maria experienced moments of being “consumed by sorrow.”
Finding Parallels Between Art and Life
“I think, as an artist, you go through so many things in life,” Angelina began, her voice reflective. “You wonder if parts of you are shutting down—who you are, what you have inside, and if your light is dimming.”
She continued, “You question whether you have less to contribute, or if you don’t fully understand yourself anymore. That pushes you to rediscover everything and try things you’ve never attempted before.”
Angelina’s poignant reflections come as she and Brad continue to finalize their contentious divorce. The mother of six filed for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences, following an alleged incident aboard their private plane. After more than eight years of legal battles—including disputes over their shared French vineyard—their divorce was officially finalized in December 2024.
A Love Story That Turned Sour
The Hollywood icons first met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004. They were together for over 12 years and married for two before their tumultuous split.
Despite the bitterness surrounding their separation, Angelina has found a renewed sense of purpose in her career. “It’s a tremendous gift as an artist to be pushed again at this point in life,” she shared with Times Radio. “Doing something that terrifies me and that I’m unsure I can achieve is the greatest gift of all.”
Transforming Into Maria Callas
To embody Maria Callas, Angelina had to undergo extensive vocal training, learning to perform the complex opera pieces that defined the soprano’s career.
“The idea of disappointing Maria Callas and her admirers genuinely terrified me,” she admitted to Access Hollywood ahead of the Golden Globes. “This is a huge fear, but also incredibly exciting. I mean, what’s the point of living if not to face your fears, to feel your heart race, and to try things you’re unsure of? This is the decade where I do things that scare me.”
Rising From the Darkness
Angelina previously revealed to Vanity Fair that her divorce left her in a “dark place,” leading her to take a step back from acting.
“I became very dark for reasons I don’t wish to explain, but I didn’t have much light or vitality in me. Your light dims,” she confessed to the publication.
However, Maria marked a turning point in her life. “I think Maria represents the beginning of coming back to life. I needed a lot of kind people around me to hold my hand.”
She added, “Ultimately, we’re so lucky to do what we do, and we spend so much time with profound, emotional moments. If you don’t do it with people you feel safe with, it can affect you in very damaging ways.”
While the divorce may have been one of the most challenging chapters of her life, Angelina Jolie is reclaiming her light and rediscovering herself through her art. Her portrayal of Maria Callas has already earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, proving that even in the face of sorrow, resilience can lead to triumph.
For Angelina, this role isn’t just another career milestone—it’s a symbol of rebirth. And as she steps into this new chapter, her courage and determination remind us all of the power of reinvention.
