Angelina Jolie, the Academy Award-winning actress and mother of six, recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand. Marcheline passed away in 2007 at the age of 56 after a long battle with breast cancer, an experience that left a lasting impact on Jolie’s life.
At the premiere of her new film during the Toronto International Film Festival, the 50-year-old actress became emotional while recalling a memory her mother shared during her illness.
Jolie was born in 1975 to Marcheline Bertrand and actor Jon Voight. After the couple divorced, Marcheline raised Angelina and her brother James as a single mother. Their bond remained strong until her passing in 2007, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999.
Speaking about her mother, Jolie once told Vanity Fair:
“When my mother passed, I realized that someone who lives life with dedication to their family is the most noble. In her passing, she reminded me what truly matters.”
Jolie’s Preventive Health Choice
In 2013, Jolie revealed that she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which gave her a very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. To reduce the risk, she made the decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy.
Her decision sparked what became known as the “Angelina Effect”, encouraging many women worldwide to seek genetic testing and advice about preventive health options.
In her op-ed for The New York Times, Jolie explained:
“I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear, but today it’s possible to know your risks and take action.”
A Message of Compassion
During the film festival premiere, Jolie was asked by an audience member what message of hope she would share with those facing cancer. Fighting back tears, she recalled her mother’s words:
“One thing I remember my mother saying when she had cancer was, ‘All anybody ever asks me about is cancer.’ So if you know someone going through something, ask them about everything else in their life as well. They’re a whole person and they’re still living.”
Angelina Jolie continues to honor her mother’s legacy through her advocacy work, raising awareness about cancer research, prevention, and the importance of family support.
