Renowned for her multifaceted career as a humanitarian, actress, and mother, Angelina Jolie has chosen to prioritize her family over social engagements. In an interview with WSJ. Magazine in 2023, she revealed that she dedicates most of her time and energy to her six children rather than pursuing romantic relationships. This decision reflects her commitment to nurturing her close-knit family unit, which she describes as her closest friends and source of strength. Despite her focus on family, Jolie's past romantic life has been well-documented, from her early marriages to high-profile Hollywood figures to more recent rumored relationships.
Jolie's first significant relationship was with British actor Jonny Lee Miller, whom she met on the set of "Hackers" in 1995. The couple married in 1996 but separated after just one year due to the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship amid their demanding careers. Despite the divorce in 1999, Jolie and Miller have maintained a friendly relationship over the years. In fact, during a Q&A session at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2025, Jolie expressed her appreciation for Miller, noting their shared experiences as parents.
In 1996, Jolie also developed a close bond with model Jenny Shimizu while working together on the film "Foxfire." Although little is known about the nature of their relationship, Jolie has openly discussed her deep feelings for Shimizu in interviews. She reflected on this period as a time when she was exploring her own identity and sexuality, adding that Miller supported her through this journey.
Jolie's next major relationship was with actor Billy Bob Thornton, whom she met on the set of "Pushing Tin" in 1999. Their whirlwind romance led to a surprise Las Vegas wedding in 2000, despite Thornton being engaged to Laura Dern at the time. The couple became known for their unconventional displays of affection, including matching tattoos and wearing vials of each other's blood. However, their marriage ended in 2003, with Thornton later attributing the split to their differing lifestyles—Jolie's global activism versus Thornton's more reclusive nature.
Jolie's most publicized relationship began in 2005 when she met Brad Pitt on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Their partnership evolved from friendship to romance, leading to a highly publicized union that lasted until 2016. During their decade together, they adopted three children and welcomed three biological children. The couple's engagement in 2012 culminated in a private wedding at their French estate in 2014. However, their relationship faced significant challenges, ultimately resulting in Jolie filing for divorce in 2016. The separation was reportedly triggered by a contentious incident on a private flight, which led to investigations by the FBI and child welfare authorities. Both investigations concluded without charges, but the legal battles over custody and property continued for several years before their divorce was finalized in 2024.
In recent years, Jolie has kept her personal life largely private. In 2021, rumors surfaced about a potential romance with musician The Weeknd after they were seen dining together in Los Angeles. While neither party confirmed the relationship, The Weeknd's lyrics in his 2022 song "Here We Go… Again" hinted at a brief connection. Regardless of these speculations, Jolie remains focused on her children and humanitarian work, emphasizing the importance of family and personal fulfillment over celebrity gossip.
Beyond her romantic endeavors, Jolie's dedication to her children and humanitarian causes continues to define her public persona. Her decision to step back from the spotlight and prioritize her family reflects a deeper commitment to what truly matters in her life. Through it all, Jolie has remained a symbol of resilience and compassion, using her platform to advocate for important causes while fostering a strong and loving environment for her children.