“Hollywood Isn’t Always Healthy”: Angelina Jolie Gets Real About Fame
Angelina Jolie is no stranger to the complexities of Hollywood, but she’s opening up about the importance of staying grounded and living a full life outside of the spotlight.
During an interview with Variety’s Clayton Davis at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, Angelina shared advice she often gives to young artists. “…It’s really important to live a very full life,” the Maria star emphasized.
“There’s a lot of focus on just having a career — if you love theater, you can do readings at home in your pajamas. You don’t have to land the big job. Find the ways to just live as an artist, be around artists, but also live a very full life. It’s sometimes not a healthy business,” she added.
The Oscar-winning actress and director further stated, “It’s not the easiest business. It’s not the healthiest place to give everything if you want to live a balanced, meaningful life.”
Angelina, 49, was at the festival to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her stunning portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic Maria. Despite her accolades, she admitted to facing doubts when preparing for the role — especially when it came to singing.
Revealing that she had never sung before, she shared, “I had somebody once tell me I couldn’t sing or be a little dismissive when I was singing once, and it really shut me down. I never told anybody, but it was part of my life that I just blocked.”
When Pablo Larraín asked her if she could sing, she confessed, “I lied.”
The actress’ hard work has paid off, earning her nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards and the upcoming Critics Choice Awards.
The Hollywood icon also reflected on the relationships that matter most to her. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in August 2024, she touched on the importance of trust and intimacy in her life.
Admitting that she doesn’t have many close relationships to lean on,” the mother of six stated, Maybe it’s losing your parent young. Maybe it’s working. Maybe it’s being somebody who’s been betrayed a lot.”
“I don’t have a lot of those warm, close relationships as much that I lean on. But I have a few, and a few is enough. My mother [the late Marcheline Bertrand] was very close to me. I lost her. I’ve had a few friends over the years not be there for my family in their hour of need,” she added.
