In a candid conversation with WSJ. Magazine for their December/January digital cover, Angelina Jolie, the 48-year-old Hollywood icon, opened up about her challenging journey, indicating a potential retirement from the film industry.
The actress, renowned for her roles in movies like Tomb Raider, shared insights into her personal healing process, especially in the aftermath of her divorce from Brad Pitt in 2018.
"We had to heal," said Jolie, emphasizing the need for emotional recovery for herself and her family. Reflecting on the impact of stress on her health, she revealed, "My body reacts very strongly to stress.
My blood sugar goes up and down. I suddenly had Bell's palsy six months before my divorce."
Discussing her relationship with Hollywood, Jolie expressed her discontent, describing it as a "shallow" industry.
"Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place," she remarked, highlighting the pressure for public visibility and the expectation to share personal details. "When I was starting out, it wasn't as much of an expectation to be as public, to share so much," she added.
The actress hinted at the prospect of stepping away from Hollywood, saying, "I wouldn't be an actress today." She underscored the importance of seeking authenticity, particularly after her divorce, which led to a shift in her perspective on living and traveling freely.
Addressing her retirement plans, Jolie shared her desire to spend more time in her home in Cambodia. Recalling her connection with the country, she mentioned falling in love with Cambodia during the filming of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2000.
The actress adopted her eldest son, Maddox, from Cambodia in 2002, and later adopted Pax from neighboring Vietnam in 2007.