Angelina Jolie, a devoted mother of six, has experienced the deep heartache of losing her own mother. Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina’s beloved mom, sadly passed away in 2007 following a diagnosis of breast cancer. This was a profound loss that left a lasting impact on Angelina, shaping much of her life and views since.
The renowned actress has cherished and honored her mother’s memory over the years, though the scars from Marcheline’s passing remain. At the Toronto International Film Festival, Angelina, now 50, spoke with emotion about a poignant memory her mother shared during her cancer battle.
Born in 1975, Angelina was blessed with parents Marcheline Bertrand and Jon Voight. Her father, a distinguished actor, met Marcheline in Los Angeles as she pursued her own acting dreams. Together, they had Angelina and her brother, James. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce when Angelina was just three years old.
Marcheline, a devoted single mother, raised Angelina and James with unwavering strength and love, fostering a deep bond that lasted until her final days in 2007. The journey through her battle began in 1999 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By January 27, 2007, heartbreak struck as she passed away at age 56.
Angelina’s connection with her mother was one of profound love and admiration. In the wake of Marcheline’s passing, she has strived to keep her mother’s legacy alive. Reflecting on how the tragedy affected her perspective on motherhood and life, she shared her thoughts with Vanity Fair in 2008. Angelina, who shares her six children with Brad Pitt, learned invaluable lessons in motherhood from her mother’s example.
“When my mom died,” Angelina confessed, “it made me realize that someone who dedicates their life to their children is partaking in the noblest of acts. Her death crystallized what truly matters in this world — nurturing these little beings you are raising and putting them before yourself.”
Angelina Jolie’s Preventative Measures
Actively working to raise cancer awareness and protect her own health, Angelina has been a beacon of courage and advocacy. In 2013, she boldly chose to have a preventative mastectomy to diminish her own high risk of contracting cancer.
In a heartfelt op-ed for The New York Times, she explained her choice after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which dramatically increased her chances of developing breast cancer. Angelina wanted others to benefit from her experience, drawing attention to cancer’s ramifications and emphasizing the importance of taking charge of one’s health.
“Cancer is a terrifying word, evoking a sense of helplessness,” she wrote. “Yet today, we have the means to understand our risks through a simple blood test. If you’re predisposed to breast or ovarian cancer, you can take preventative action.”
Angelina eloquently shared that her decision to undergo surgery was not an easy one but ultimately invaluable. Post-surgery, her risk plummeted from 87% to under 5%. “I can assure my children that fears of losing me to breast cancer are unfounded,” she conveyed, hoping her story would elevate awareness.
“For any woman absorbing this message, remember that you have choices,” she emphasized. “Especially if your family history includes breast or ovarian cancer, find the right information and medical guidance. Make informed, personal decisions.”
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
Angelina’s openness about her mastectomy fueled the “Angelina Effect,” a significant boost in awareness and action. Her public bravery earned praise from many, including breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow, acknowledging the positive surge in public knowledge.
According to UK charity Prevent Breast Cancer, Angelina’s actions made a powerful impact. A 2014 report highlighted a twofold increase in genetic counseling requests following her announcement.
Doctors noted this increased awareness potentially saved lives, with Los Angeles-based surgeon Dr. Jay Orringer admitting, “The ‘Angelina Jolie effect’ likely preserved many women’s lives.”
Over the years, Angelina has candidly discussed her preventative efforts and the profound grief of her mother’s disease. In a touching 2019 piece for Time, Angelina wrote about living without her mother for over a decade.
A Life Lived to Honor Her Mother’s Legacy
“My existence without a mother has shaped me,” she reflected in 2019. “Her grandchildren met her, but illness often barred her from truly being with them. It’s hard not to feel life is divinely guided when pondering the void left by her absence.”
During a public appearance, an audience member who had recently lost someone to cancer questioned what message of hope Angelina had for survivors. Moved by the inquiry, Angelina shared a tender memory of her mother’s sentiments during her cancer fight.
“I recall my mom lamenting that everyone only asked about her cancer during conversations,” Angelina recounted, her eyes welling with tears. “She reminded me of the broader spectrum of life — that we are whole people, and each day is still an opportunity to live fully.”
Angelina Jolie’s bravery in sharing her journey through her mother’s cancer story and her personal health decisions is truly inspiring. Her willingness to discuss these intimate experiences has undeniably made a difference.
We celebrate Angelina’s strength and hope that her story provides inspiration for others. May it offer courage and comfort to those facing similar hardships, reminding us all of the power in awareness and understanding as we look toward a brighter tomorrow.
