Angelina Jolie is a mother of six, but unfortunately, her own mother is no longer with us. Marcheline Bertrand passed away in 2007 after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and this devastating loss had a significant impact on her star daughter.
Jolie has worked to keep her mother’s legacy alive for many years, but the wounds from Marcheline’s passing still linger. At a premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival, the now 50-year-old actress became emotional while recalling a poignant memory her mom shared with her during her battle with cancer.
Angelina Jolie was born in 1975 to parents Marcheline Bertrand and Jon Voight. Her father, a prominent actor, met her mother in Los Angeles while Marcheline was pursuing her own acting ambitions. The couple welcomed both Angelina and her brother, James, but sadly, they divorced when Jolie was just three years old.
Marcheline became a single mother, raising both Angelina and James by herself. Their bond was incredibly strong, lasting until the heartbreaking day Marcheline passed away. In 1999, Jolie’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. On January 27, 2007, she passed away at the age of 56.
Jolie shared a close and loving relationship with her mother, and since her passing, the actress has continued to honor her mom’s legacy. A year after her death, in 2008, Jolie spoke to Vanity Fair about how the tragedy affected her, as well as her thoughts on motherhood. Angelina has six children, whom she shares with Brad Pitt.
“When [my mother] passed, I realized that someone who lives life with such dedication to their family is the most noble,” Angelina Jolie expressed. “In her passing, she reminded me of what truly matters. And what’s most enjoyable — is to set yourself aside for these little people you’re raising.
Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative mastectomy.
Throughout the years, Jolie has made efforts to raise both awareness and funds for cancer research, while also working to reduce her own risk of developing the disease.
In 2013, she had a preventative mastectomy, which led to what is known as the “Angelina Effect.” In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Jolie shared that after discovering she carried a “faulty” gene named BRCA1, which posed an 87 percent risk of breast cancer, she chose to take proactive measures.
“I am sharing my story now in hopes that other women can learn from my experience. Cancer is a term that instills fear in many, creating a profound sense of helplessness. However, today, it is possible to determine through a blood test if you are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, allowing you to take action,” Jolie expressed, noting that she “wanted to share this to inform other women that the choice to undergo a mastectomy was not an easy one.”
The Tomb Raider actress went on to say she felt “very happy” with her decision, as her risk of breast cancer decreased from 87 percent to below 5 percent.
“I can reassure my children that they don’t have to worry about losing me to breast cancer,” Jolie stated, emphasizing her hope that her journey would help raise awareness.
“For any woman reading this, I hope it empowers you to know that you have options. I encourage every woman, particularly those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out information and consult medical professionals who can guide you through this part of your life, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Celebrated for enhancing public knowledge about breast cancer
Jolie’s choice to share her experience with a preventative mastectomy sparked what became known as the “Angelina Effect.” Celebrities like Sheryl Crow, a breast cancer survivor, commended Jolie for her bravery in addressing the issue. Numerous experts in the field also recognized the significant rise in public awareness.
In 2014, the UK charity Prevent Breast Cancer stated that the Maleficent star’s preventative mastectomy has had a “massive impact on the numbers of women in the UK being referred for preventative treatment.”
“Research conducted by our professor of clinical genetics, Gareth Evans, has indicated a two-fold increase in referrals for genetic counselling and testing for breast cancer risk across the UK in the year following the actress’s announcement of her surgery,” the charity added.
Moreover, in 2018, Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon Dr. Jay Orringer remarked: “I have personally witnessed women whose lives were likely saved due to the public awareness stemming from the ‘Angelina Jolie effect.’”
Jolie has frequently discussed both her preventative measures and the profound sorrow of losing her mother to cancer. In 2019, in a heartfelt article for Time, Jolie reflected on the grief of her mother’s absence.
“I have lived over a decade now without a mom. She met only a few of her grandchildren and was often too sick to play with them,” Jolie expressed in 2019.
Angelina Jolie shares a heartfelt story about her late mother, who passed away due to breast cancer.
“It’s challenging for me to view anything in this life as divinely guided when I reflect on how much their lives would have thrived with her presence and the comfort of her love and grace. My mother battled the illness for ten years and lived into her 50s. My grandmother passed away in her 40s. I hope my decisions will enable me to live a little longer.”
In the meantime, Jolie’s acting career continues to flourish. On Sunday, September 7, the Academy Award-winning actress attended the premiere of her new film, Couture, at the Toronto International Film Festival. During a Q&A session following the screening, Jolie became emotional while discussing her late mother’s battle with cancer.
According to People Magazine, an audience member who had recently lost a friend to cancer asked Jolie about her message of “hope” for those still facing challenges. The movie star responded, saying, “I’m very sorry for your loss,” before sharing more about her late mother, Marcheline. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, she began to cry.
“One thing I remember my mother saying during her cancer journey was, after a dinner where people were inquiring about her health, she remarked, ‘All anybody ever asks me about is cancer,’” Jolie recalled.
She continued: “So I would suggest that if you know someone going through a tough time, ask them about everything else in their life too, you know? They are a complete person and they are still living.”
Angelina Jolie shows incredible bravery by discussing her late mother’s cancer. We are so proud of her for her desire to make a positive impact. Please share this article on Facebook with your friends and family; it may help both patients and their loved ones find hope and faith in a brighter future.
