Angelina Jolie Reveals Why She’s Leaving Hollywood: ‘Not A Healthy Place’

Renowned actress Angelina Jolie has recently announced her decision to step away from the film industry. Once a symbol of Hollywood allure, Jolie now expressed her disenchantment with the industry’s current state, criticizing it for its superficiality and environment.

Jolie’s journey in Hollywood, marked by critical acclaim and public fascination, has now been overshadowed by the industry’s relentless scrutiny and pressure.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, “Angelina Jolie Is Rebuilding Her Life,” the actress discussed “healing” following her separation from Brad Pitt and shared insights into her future plans.

“I wouldn’t be an actress today,” she said. “When I was starting out, it wasn’t as much of an expectation to be as public, to share so much.” Jolie remarked, “I grew up in quite a shallow place. Of all the places in the world, Hollywood is not a healthy place. So you seek authenticity.”

Jolie acknowledged the public fascination with her life, recalling how she and Pitt were once considered a golden couple in Hollywood. She reflected on her public persona, saying, “Since I was young, people liked the part of me that’s pretty tough and maybe a bit wild—that’s the part that I think people enjoy. I’m not the one [who] you want to hear about my pain or my sadness. You know, that’s not entertaining.”

Jolie and Pitt were once one of the most high-profile couples in the entertainment industry. They met on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2005 and soon became a popular subject of media coverage due to their successful careers and philanthropic efforts. They were often referred to as “Brangelina,” were known not only for their film roles but also for their humanitarian work and large, multicultural family, including both biological and adopted children from various countries.

Their relationship was notable for its global impact, influencing fashion, media, and even humanitarian causes. However, in 2016, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences, which led to a highly publicized and prolonged legal battle, especially concerning the custody of their children. The divorce was finalized in 2019, ending their 12-year relationship and 2-year marriage.

“It’s part of what happened after my divorce,” Jolie remarked. “I lost the ability to live and travel as freely. I will move when I can.”

Jolie’s future endeavors, focusing on humanitarian efforts and a life away from the Hollywood glare, reflect her quest for “authenticity.” She plans to relocate to Cambodia, a place of personal significance. Jolie has been known for her humanitarian efforts, particularly as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since 2001.

The actress’s recent decision to step away from the film industry highlights a growing trend among Hollywood elites, even at the expense of their careers. And the shift towards prioritizing personal beliefs over industry norms is not unique to Jolie.

Similarly, actor Neal McDonough recently shared his experiences in Hollywood which echoed this sentiment. McDonough, known for his roles in “Yellowstone” and the upcoming film “The Shift,” faced significant challenges in his career due to his adherence to personal faith-based values— a sad yet harsh truth many have faced.