Video: Angelina Jolie: How I Avoided Leading a "Shallow, Horrible Life"
When audiences first met Angelina Jolie in the mid-'90s, she was a wild child with a penchant for drugs, sex and vials of blood. How times have changed!
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Once the actress, director and mother-of-six decided to become more globally aware in 2001 while filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in Cambodia, Jolie's entire life changed.
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"Without the balance of doing things that actually matter in the world -- and being part of the real world -- then I would have been left in a bubble," the 36-year-old said at the Berlin Film Festival Friday. "That would have felt very empty and I probably would have just had a very shallow, horrible life."
Jolie -- who's been with Brad Pitt, 48, since 2005 -- feels fortunate to have been "welcomed into areas of the world where I see people and work with people who are survivors of war."
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"I have a real view of the real world," Jolie added. "I'm very touched and very moved by people and what they overcome. They have always reminded me to just wake up in the morning and be grateful that your children are healthy. Nothing else matters."
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32Wonderful article. Don't know what the Biblical verses are all about. The whole world is not Christian, but I guess if it makes others feel good to use theirreligious texts to bash, so be it. Glad AJ is doing what she is doing and what others who are not doing anything will all ways have something to say. It is easy to say: "I do, but don't brag". True. But, she's a celebrity and is bringing ATTENTION to these things as a CELEB. The industry is what it is. Contrary to what some here are saying... Meryl Streep *does* speak up at awards shows and the like. But, if she did not... that's cool, too. I love AJ and what she is doing. I find her quite genuine. That is all.
No one, but no one beats this woman for phoniness. She is a self absorbed self centered fake, and has done nothing unless it benefits her. She needs to concentrate on motherhood. Anti American skank.
LMAO at Marti who is a brand new poster to FB. A just created account. No you are supposed to help the most needed NOT your own first? What is my own? To me my own is all mankind but to you what is it? Why the hate Marti? I think anyone he deovotes not just money but time to Human causes is not worthy of any hate but you seem all just one sided. Lots of Farmville action on the last 3 days of your BRAND NEW ACCOUNT
i wonder why ANY of you really care what she does. she's a celebrity. she's goes to bed at night with brad pitt. she's a beautiful genetic mutant. so what if she wants to be photographed in cambodia with starving children?
@Jacqui: You think AJ is charitable? What she is doing is called a tax write-off and it's how the wealthy keep their money. If she wanted to be truly charitable, go into the Appalachian Mountains on the US East Coast where anything beyond 3rd grade is considered higher education, where people can't even spell "dentist" never mind going to one, where there are no cameras and where no one knows who she is and give. AJ supposedly hates Thanksgiving? Really? What white settlers did to the American Indian once they landed here was horrific but the 1st Thanksgiving was a friendly exchange and celebrated a successful harvest. iBut, if it bothers AJ so much, go to an American Indian reservatoin and give. The people and the living conditions there would rival any 3rd world country. AJ and Brad hate human rights violations so much and the brutalities practcied by governments against their citizens in foreign countries? Really? They didn't seem to mind it when the men who passed for authorities in Namibia were assaulting the press taking pictures but I guess when it suits their purpose that's different. As for the "chances" that some posters think AJ takes, have you ever heard of a staged photo or film? The cameras everywhere is just a bit too "convenient" for me. And for those who think the AJ/JA/BP is inconsequential, it speaks to character when somebody is a serial cheater and has no problem laying down with whatever she wants. As for this idea of "AJ could be giving to charities in the US and staying safe" she SHOULD be giving here more than anywhere else. She is what she is and has what she has primarily because of the US and you're supposed to help your own first. As for who cares what AJ's reasons are, the needy are getting attention, the ends do not justify the means.
@cheryl Hoong I have traveled the world, I do charity work I just don't feel the need to tell the world. I gather my friends and their friends and ask them to cooperate and help the needy. I don't get them together and tell them how great helping others make me feel. Reading and writing your opinion or a bible's quote on a magazine's column is everyone's right. I posted the bible quote and if the shoe fits...
@jacqui who the heck are you to be "stfu" to people on here? My husband hasn't "upgraded" me if that's the new definition of cheating. Like I mentioned before I don't care about the aniston-jolie mess. How dare you? LOL cucu cucu LOL
we all live in the real world....
Marliz STFU!!! How dare you even quote the bible. The more attention she brings to her charities the more chances people will help out, what part of that dont you understand. I suggest therapy because you have serious issues. Or did your husband upgrade you to?????
Seriously! Quoting a verse from the bible and then casting judgment. That's so hypocritical. Angelina goes on secret visits in war torn countries and was doingbthis before she even met Brad. She is very active with the UN and women's plights in war torn countries. She is using her fame to bring attention to these issues.. She could have chosen to go the easy route and supported charities for children in the US where she could 'stay in the safety of her own country' but she doesn't. Start traveling the world to see how bad it really is out there before you demonstrate such ignorance. This article has got nothing to do with Jennifer Aniston or making movies or oscars. This is about how she could have remained shallow and ignorant about world issues but she hasn't.... And just for you @Mariliz "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12
Yeah right she is so down to earth and not shallow at all with her $1k dollar purses and her $35million a month mansions. Instead of spending that kind of money on "shallow" things maybe she should donate some of the dough to, I don't know, orphanages in the US or homeless shelters. She toots her own horn so much its annoying, other celebrities do the same but don't shout it from the roofs, like George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Mel Gibson, George Lucas, Meryl Streep who donate and don't want notoriety. She has this holier than thou attitude that is truly annoying.
Anyone can be foolish and shallow in youth, but to overcome that and become so much more than most people will ever aspire to, is amazing growth.
I cant even watch pitt on the acting studio. Some People HERE turn a blind side to the fact they threw their new relationship where the public could see emabarrassing Aniston. Thats something two people who actuallly have class would never have done to anyone. Laura Dern was also disrespected by her without Brad. Dumped is NOT word, BETRAYAL is. I guess its okay though right, since those of your jump on her/ his side. Betcha wouldnt like it if It were your husband or livin boyfriend.
Love this - Angelina sharing her heart is just great!
she stll is living in that shallow horrible life, nothing has change mangelina. am sorry about this but it is what it is
@Elizabeth Aspen Even if they do their charity work for publicity, does it matter? The people in need are getting helped and attention is being brought to important issues. The fact that you said his ex wife is a fabulous actress and said he can't act for sh*t speaks for itself. Everyone loved Moneyball and it's nominated for multiple awards. I don't remember even one of Jen's movies being an Oscar contender. The fact that you even have to mention Jen in this article proves that the Jen fans are insane.
Matt 6:1-4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matt 6:1-4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4 ESV / 46 helpful votes “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.