Angelina Jolie has opened up about her feelings of loneliness and emotional challenges she faces following her tumultuous split from Brad Pitt. The 49-year-old actress, known for her powerful performances and complex personal life, shared her reflections during an interview held at an upscale hotel in London, where she candidly discussed the impact of solitude on her life.
Nearly eight years after her highly publicized split from Pitt, which occurred on September 20, 2016, Jolie continues to navigate the rocky terrain of her emotional well-being. With six children to care for—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne—she finds herself often alone. "I have my children I love but as an adult I’m often alone. I find myself identifying with the solitude and loneliness [Maria Callas] has," Jolie revealed during the interview, referring to her upcoming role as the famous opera singer Maria Callas in the biopic titled Maria.
Jolie elaborated, saying, "I also haven’t quite figured out how to live life in a way where I’m on my own. Maybe a lot of artists feel we’re in an open space as a person. We don’t quite settle. So it leaves us in a strange way sometimes." This sentiment captures the complex emotions swirling within her since her split from Pitt, which has played out publicly amid vicious legal battles.
The actress and Pitt are currently embroiled in legal disputes over their shared French vineyard, Chateau Miraval. The court case, which is generating considerable media attention, is set to go to trial in 2025. This battle not only highlights the couple's bitter separation but also reignites public interest as both parties continue to navigate their complicated post-marital lives.
While Jolie dedicates much of her time to her children, the loneliness she describes resonates deeply, especially as she prepares for the upcoming trial. "When I’m up there crying, that's my pain, that's my grief," she shared, showcasing the emotional depth of her role as Callas, who also faced significant struggles both personally and professionally.
The film Maria, written by Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders fame, marks Jolie's return to film after more than three years and is poised to be released on January 10, 2025. Portraying Callas, who died young and lonely, has compelled Jolie to reflect on her own life experiences of solitude, making the role particularly poignant for her.
Despite the criticism and speculations about her personal life, including rumors surrounding her relationships since the split, Jolie remains focused on her children and her craft. Observers note her lack of new romantic partnerships, contrasting sharply with Pitt's post-divorce public appearances with various companions.
Jolie's reflections emerge not only from her artistic endeavors but also from her personal life, as she continues to address the emotional impact of her past. She acknowledges how playing Callas is somewhat therapeutic for her, allowing her to draw parallels with Callas’s tumultuous existence, where loneliness and loss were prevalent themes. "I had to spend seven months learning to sing and felt faint. I didn't realize when I first took the job how demanding it would be," Jolie admitted, emphasizing the preparation required for the role.
The singer's struggles with fame and identity resonate with Jolie, who has faced her own hurdles since her rise to stardom. With high-profile relationships and significant personal losses—including the death of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, and the high stakes of her public divorce—Jolie portrays her emotions directly through her acting.
Eyeing her future projects, Jolie is also set to work on Maleficent 3 among other films, indicating her desire to balance work and motherhood as her children grow older. While she treasures her time with them, she candidly reflects on her need for companionship, offering insight alongside her artistic impressions.
With each passing year, Jolie finds herself more reflective and grounded, using her experiences—both personal and professional—to fuel her art and connect with her audience. The upcoming legal battles, alongside the vivid portrayal of Maria Callas, exemplify the resilient nature of Jolie as she charts her path through the tumult of her personal life.
Angelina Jolie's life post-split from Brad Pitt continues to be fraught with challenges; yet through her work and reflections, she strives to keep moving forward, resilient against the ups and downs life throws her way, constantly seeking artistic expression amid solitude.
