Sometimes, the connection between actors working closely together on set extends into their personal lives, as we’ve seen happen many times before.
For instance, take the once-famous couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who are now divorced.
Back in 2004, when they started working on “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. However, that didn’t stop him from falling in love with Jolie, which gave birth to the iconic “Brangelina” couple.
“Because of the film, we ended up being brought together to do all these crazy things, and I think we found this strange friendship and partnership that kind of just suddenly happened. I think a few months in I realized, ‘God, I can’t wait to get to work.’ … Anything we had to do with each other, we just found a lot of joy in it together and a lot of real teamwork. We just became kind of a pair,” Jolie mentioned.
Throughout their 12-year relationship, they welcomed six children: the twins Vivienne and Knox, and their three biological children, Maddox, Zahara, and Pax, alongside Shiloh.
The media frenzy surrounding Jolie’s pregnancy was intense. Paparazzi followed them everywhere, and magazines were willing to pay a fortune for a photo of the soon-to-be-famous baby.
New York Magazine even said, “Not since Jesus has a baby been so eagerly anticipated.”
Shiloh was born on May 27, 2006. The couple made a staggering $14 million from the sale of her picture, which they generously donated to UNICEF.
“While we celebrate the joy of the birth of our daughter, we recognize that 2 million babies born every year in the developing world die on the first day of their lives. These children can be saved, but only if governments around the world make it a priority,” the couple stated.
Shiloh, who’s about to turn 16, has been in the public eye practically since birth. She’s inherited the best from her famous parents and is undeniably beautiful. But there’s something about her, especially her style, that has caught people’s attention. She also prefers to be called John by her parents and siblings.
During a conversation with Oprah, Pitt admitted, “She only wants to be called John. John or Peter. So it’s a Peter Pan thing. So we’ve got to call her John.” He later added, ‘Shi, do you want …’ – ‘John. I’m John.’ And then I’ll say, ‘John, would you like some orange juice?’ And she goes, ‘No!’ So, you know, it’s just that kind of stuff that’s cute to parents, and it’s probably really obnoxious to other people.”
Jolie also mentioned her daughter’s preference for dressing like a boy to Vanity Fair:
“She wants to be a boy. So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.”
However, neither Pitt nor Jolie seemed to have an issue with it. They supported their daughter in whatever choices she made.
Shiloh held a special place in Jolie’s heart, so it was a bit challenging for her to stop using that name. Nonetheless, she respected her daughter’s wishes.
Thanks to the custody arrangements put in place after the couple’s separation, all the children get quality time with both of their parents. Pitt and Jolie are both devoted parents who go above and beyond for the well-being of their children.
In 2021, Shiloh made headlines when she joined her famous mother at the premiere of Marvel’s “Eternals.” She wore the same Dior gown that Angelina had donned in 2019 at a press conference for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” Shiloh had her long hair in a bun and looked absolutely stunning.
For the Rome premiere, she opted for a little black dress paired with yellow and black sneakers.
My father was boasting about financing my college education even though he hadn’t contributed financially, so I corrected his false claims with the truth
During my childhood and teenage years, I felt the weight of my father’s strict expectations. Instead of being supportive, he focused on control. His voice often echoed in my mind, reminding me of his “random checks” of my room and school bags, which felt more like an interrogation than genuine concern.
His high standards didn’t just apply at home; they spilled into my school life too. He insisted that I must earn at least a B in every subject, always pushing me to do better. This constant pressure built up a lot of anxiety in me and drove me to succeed, but mostly out of fear rather than passion.
As I got older, I became determined to break free from his tight grip, especially when it came to my college education. I decided to fund my own schooling, so my father couldn’t use financial control against me. In contrast, my cousin had a much different experience. His parents, my aunt and uncle, were involved in his life but respected his independence. They supported his education without making him feel pressured. This difference in our upbringings made me acutely aware of the heavy burden I carried.
When I graduated from high school, I made the choice to pay for my college myself. I took on part-time jobs and student loans, accepting the debt rather than risking my father’s influence over me. Interestingly, during this time, my father never offered financial help. He seemed unconcerned about my struggles, yet he painted a different picture to others.
He liked to present himself as the supportive dad who was investing in my future. At social gatherings, he would boast about how much he was contributing to my education, enjoying the praise he received for being a caring father. This false story was something he maintained without a hint of shame.
This charade continued until one summer evening at a family barbecue. During a relaxed conversation, my uncle, unaware of the truth, asked my father how much my education was costing him. Without hesitation, my father responded with pride, claiming it was a significant investment for my future.
Hearing this blatant lie ignited a fire in me. I knew I couldn’t let this continue. While I didn’t confront him then, I began planning how to reveal the truth in a way that left no doubt about my actual journey through college. I waited for graduation day, knowing it would be the perfect time to set the record straight. I invited my family, including my father, making sure they would all be there for what I had planned.
On graduation day, I felt a mix of nerves and determination. As I prepared to speak, I understood the weight of this moment. It represented not just my academic achievement but also a personal declaration. When it was my turn, I approached the podium, heart racing. The audience quieted, and I began: “Today, I want to thank the person who truly made this possible… myself. I financed my college education through hard work, determination, and countless hours of part-time jobs”.
The reaction was immediate. Gasps and murmurs filled the room as images of my college experience appeared on the screen behind me, pictures of late nights studying, work schedules, and tuition checks, all from my own earnings.
“Every dollar I earned and every exam I passed was done without any financial aid from my father”, I continued, glancing at my father’s shocked expression. The atmosphere shifted as my words sank in. The images contrasted sharply with my father’s claims, creating a powerful moment of personal vindication and public clarification.
After the ceremony, family reactions varied. Some were surprised, while others admired my independence. My aunt approached me, looking regretful. “We had no idea you did this all on your own”, she said, her tone apologetic. I wasn’t seeking sympathy but rather acknowledgment of my hard work. This recognition was more fulfilling than any comforting words could offer.
Later, my uncle, clapping me on the back, remarked with respect: “You really showed him. You took control and told the truth”. “Yes, I suppose I did”, I replied, feeling a sense of freedom that went beyond just graduating. “But more importantly, I showed myself what I’m capable of.”
That day marked the end of my college journey and the beginning of a new chapter in my life, free from my father’s oppressive expectations. I had proven to myself and others that I could face significant challenges on my own terms.
My experience in college, funded by my hard work, was a testament to resilience and self-reliance. Standing there with my peers and family, I knew that exciting new adventures awaited me, filled with the promise of freedom and the thrill of self-determination. I walked away not just with a diploma but with a deep understanding of my own strength and capability.
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