Angelina Jolie recently shared an unexpected facet of her life on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Her audience learned that before becoming one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, she once considered a career as a funeral director. It’s not the most common aspiration for a young actress, but Jolie’s reasoning is profoundly touching.
Reflecting on a personal tragedy, Angelina recalled how the death of her grandfather impacted her deeply. She was not pleased with the way his funeral was conducted. Instead of mourning, she felt the event should have celebrated his life. This realization sparked her interest in a profession many consider morbid or eccentric.
Wouldn’t it be intriguing to think about how death is often shunned in society? It’s a topic many shy away from, yet life and death are inescapably intertwined. Most people avoid discussing death at all costs. But for Jolie, a comfort with mortality led to a thoughtful consideration of how to improve this often-taboo subject.
During the show, she humorously remarked, “Doesn’t it make sense though?” when asked about her interest in funerals. Her desire to bring a more personal touch to such a solemn field reflects her compassionate nature. Such personal insights from celebrities can feel relatable and grounding in our often celebrity-obsessed culture.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Angelina has broached this topic. Back in 2011, she appeared on 60 Minutes and expressed similar sentiments about the death of her grandfather. She indicated she’d have pursued that path if acting hadn’t worked out. It’s a striking thought—how many of us have alternate aspirations that reveal deeper facets of our personalities?
Jolie’s future plans seem undeterred by her past interests. Currently, she’s promoting her upcoming Netflix biopic, Maria, which explores the life of opera singer Maria Callas. This film, directed by Pablo Larrain, delves into the emotional landscape of a woman who lived both in the limelight and in shadows.
Set to release on December 11, Maria has already created buzz, especially after debuting at the Venice International Film Festival. Hypothetically, if acting had not panned out for Jolie, would she still have remained in the limelight due to her unique views on death?
Her children played significant roles on set, serving as production assistants, which speaks volumes about Jolie’s parenting style. Raising six children in the public eye is no easy task. She balances her film career while navigating the complexities of co-parenting with ex-husband Brad Pitt. It’s a scenario that many readers may find both resonant and relatable.
While speaking about her children, she expressed excitement for their growing independence. This new phase in her life seems to bring her joy, a refreshing contrast to her past stresses. Isn’t it wonderful to see parents evolving alongside their children?
Yet, behind Jolie’s film successes loom shadows of her public divorce with Pitt. Divorces can be a tough topic, especially when kids are involved. Recently, reports emerged about Pitt missing his children and wishing to rebuild relationships with them, particularly during the holiday season. This mixed bag of professional successes and personal struggles enhances our understanding of her resilience.
As she embarks on a new chapter, Jolie reflects on the work-life balance she’s achieving. With her children older, she has more freedom to take on various roles in Hollywood. Although life comes with its ups and downs, she continues to thrive. But does that complex tapestry of experiences complete her, or is each new project a piece she adds?
By discussing her past career aspirations, Jolie invites us to view celebrities differently. They are not just stars on screen, but also individuals with rich backstories that influence their creative choices. So, the question remains: What would your “back-up plan” be? In answering that, perhaps we can connect more with the very human experiences behind the curtain.
