Angelina Jolie, a beloved actress and devoted mother of six, carries with her the sorrow of losing her own mother, Marcheline Bertrand, back in 2007. Marcheline’s battle with breast cancer and her subsequent passing left a deep impact on Angelina, casting a long shadow over her life.
Throughout the years, Jolie has kept her mother’s memory alive, though the pain of losing her still lingers. At a recent Toronto International Film Festival event, the 50-year-old Angelina was moved to tears as she recounted a poignant memory of her mother that has stayed with her during Marcheline’s cancer journey.
Born in 1975 to Marcheline Bertrand and actor Jon Voight, Angelina was raised in Los Angeles. Although her parents welcomed Angelina and her brother James into the world, their marriage ended in divorce when Angelina was just three. This left Marcheline to raise the two on her own, fostering a strong and enduring bond with her children until her passing. Marcheline was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and sadly passed away on January 27, 2007, at the age of 56.
Angelina’s connection with her mother was deep and loving, a bond that has influenced Jolie’s outlook on life and motherhood. In 2008, she opened up to Vanity Fair about how her mother’s death shaped her perspective on raising her own six children, whom she shares with Brad Pitt.
“When my mother passed, she taught me how noble it is to devote yourself to family,” Angelina reflected. “She reminded me of what truly matters in life—taking care of these little people and keeping their needs ahead of yours.”
Angelina Jolie’s Preventative Health Decision
In 2013, Angelina took a profound step in her health journey by opting for a preventative mastectomy, hoping to inspire others to be proactive in their cancer prevention. Her decision, inspired by knowing she had a BRCA1 gene mutation with an 87% risk of breast cancer, led to what became known as the “Angelina Effect.”
Through a candid op-ed in The New York Times, she shared her experience, writing, “I hope sharing my story will help others. There’s still a fear that comes with cancer, but now there are ways to assess your risk and take preventive action.” Jolie noted the mastectomy decision wasn’t easy but brought relief as her cancer risk fell dramatically.
Angelina stressed the importance of available options and the need for women, especially those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek guidance from medical professionals to make informed health decisions.
Impact of Jolie’s Advocacy
Jolie’s transparency about her health choices brought about the “Angelina Effect,” credited with boosting public awareness and encouraging women worldwide to explore preventative healthcare measures. Celebrated figures like breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow commended Jolie, while experts noted the surge in genetic testing awareness.
In the UK, organizations like Prevent Breast Cancer reported a significant rise in women seeking genetic counseling following Jolie’s disclosure. Dr. Jay Orringer, a respected Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon, remarked on how Jolie’s openness potentially saved lives by increasing awareness.
Jolie has spoken extensively about her preventative measures and the profound loss of her mother. She conveyed a heartfelt message in a 2019 emotional letter for Time, expressing how she navigates life without her mother’s presence.
Finding Hope After Loss
Angelina expressed the ongoing challenge of living without her mother’s guidance, lamenting how her children miss out on their grandmother’s love and wisdom. “Her fight with the disease kept her with us till her 50s, while her mother passed in her 40s. I hope my choices will help me stay longer with my loved ones,” she shared.
An attendee at a speaking event recently asked Jolie about hope for those enduring grief, recalling the loss of a friend. Through her tears, Angelina shared a moving memory, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond cancer and valuing the person’s whole life.
“My mother often said during cancer treatment how everyone only asked about her illness, forgetting the rest of her life. If you know someone going through this, ask about more than their health—they’re still living, and worthy of joyful attention,” Jolie advised, filled with emotion.
By sharing her family’s story, Angelina Jolie demonstrates remarkable courage, aiming to aid others in finding strength amidst their own battles. We encourage sharing her journey with your loved ones to spread this message of hope and resilience.
