Today Angelina Jolie turns 40. While the American mother, director, Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian is celebrating her big day, we’re throwing back to five times where the star did something wonderful.
By Jemma Walker
1. Inspired Children Everywhere
At the 2015 Kids’ Choice Awards Angelina Jolie took home the prize for best villain for her role as Maleficent – the tale of a revenge-driven fairy’s realisation that her kingdom’s and her own happiness lies in the child of her betrayer. Ever the inspiration, she used the moment to encourage children everywhere. She said: 'Different is good. So, don't fit in. Don't sit still. Don't ever try to do less than you are. When somebody tells you you're different, smile and hold your head up high and be proud. And as your villain, I would also say — cause a little trouble. It's good for you.'
2. Supported an Entire Country
Known for her role as the tough Lara Croft, while filming Tomb Raider she became besotted with Cambodia. The romance began her humanitarian work that’s seen her visit refugees and internally displaced people in more than 20 countries, donate millions of dollars in aid globally and adopt two children from Cambodia itself. Her dedication to the area and love of the people saw her awarded a Cambodian citizenship by order of royal decree from King Norodom Sihamoni himself.
3. Made her Wedding Day a Family Day
Arguably the most anticipated wedding of the last decade, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie tied the knot in a secret ceremony at the couple’s Château Miraval in September. Although the actress’s choice of gown from her go-to brand Versace was expected, the sentimental detail was a moving surprise. Her everlasting silk train was decorated with her children’s drawings - the mother of six making sure they were involved in every part of the big day - and they even helped to write their parents' vows.
4. The Angelina Jolie Effect
After Jolie’s heartfelt letter penning the intimate details of her double mastectomy, the world’s focus turned to learning more about the cancer BRAC1 gene. The star’s selfless revelation has doubled the amount of women being tested for the mutation and sharing her preventative measures – as she later went on to have a Oophorectomy - has helped to raise awareness on a global scale.
5. Her work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Visiting volatile areas, the devoted Goodwill Ambassador has used her status to increase awareness of suffering all over the world, her wealth to offer aid and her time getting to know refugees and the displaced. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Jordan are but a few of the areas involved in conflict that she’s visited – even reaching out to help the victims of the devastating Haiti earthquake.
