Angelina Jolie has long been at the center of Hollywood’s spotlight, but her recent comments and actions suggest she is preparing to leave the industry that shaped her life. Jolie, known for her storied film career and humanitarian work, has voiced intentions to step away from Hollywood, seeking a more private and fulfilling life abroad with her children.
"Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place," Jolie said last year as she reflected on her life and career following a protracted divorce and custody battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt. For Jolie, a departure from Los Angeles may finally be on the horizon once her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18.
Jolie's six children—Maddox, 23; Pax, 20; Zahara, 19; Shiloh, 18; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16—have reportedly expressed little interest in following in their parents’ famous footsteps. "No, I think they're especially shy, very private people," Jolie shared with E! News, emphasizing their desire to avoid the glare of the Hollywood spotlight. According to sources, Jolie has been "planning her escape" for years, envisioning a more grounded lifestyle for herself and her children.
The actress and humanitarian has already embraced a nomadic lifestyle, spending extended periods of time overseas. This year, she resided in New York City while producing The Outsiders on Broadway alongside Vivienne and furthering her Atelier Jolie artists’ collective, with Pax heavily involved. Jolie's recent film Maria, shot in Budapest, Milan, and Paris, also saw her sons Pax and Maddox working as assistants.
"She was happiest when she and the children traveled and lived in various locations, soaking up the culture, learning from local tutors, and experiencing different ways of life," a source close to the family revealed. Jolie has long maintained a home in Southeast Asia and plans to spend significant time in Cambodia. She is also considering establishing a home base in England, where she has close friends, including rumored romantic interest, rapper Akala.
Jolie has always emphasized raising her children to be "citizens of the world," encouraging them to pursue their passions wherever they lead. "She's raised them to seek out authenticity and humanity that can’t be found in LA," the source explained. With all of her children born outside the U.S., Jolie believes their upbringing aligns with this ethos of global awareness and cultural exploration.
However, Jolie’s Hollywood chapter may not be entirely closed. Her recent appearances at film festivals promoting Maria have ignited whispers of another Oscar campaign—25 years after her win for Girl, Interrupted. At the Venice Film Festival, Jolie was moved to tears by an eight-minute standing ovation for Maria. "She does seem to be courting awards voters," a source noted, though acknowledged that industry biases tied to her public battles with Pitt could make such ambitions challenging. "Many of them could be Team Brad, which makes her chances a bit of a long shot," the source added.
Amid this complex mix of public acclaim and private challenges, Jolie remains committed to her children’s well-being and her pursuit of meaningful projects. "She wants the children to follow their passions and go wherever they like," said a close friend. For Jolie, leaving Hollywood may be more than an escape—it could be a pathway to a more authentic, global existence.