Here's ads banner inside a post
How Angelina Jolie’s Late Mother Inspired Her Advocacy and Motherhood: A Moving Speech Full of Heartfelt Reflections
Angelina Jolie, an Academy Award-winning actress and globally recognized humanitarian, has often credited her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, as the single most important influence in her life. Recently, Jolie delivered an emotional speech reflecting on how her mother’s love, strength, and compassion profoundly shaped her approach to both motherhood and advocacy. The speech, filled with poignant anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, offered an intimate glimpse into the enduring bond between Jolie and her mother, as well as the lessons that continue to guide her journey.
A Mother’s Legacy of Love and Strength
Jolie began her speech by paying tribute to her mother’s unwavering dedication to her family and her ability to radiate warmth even in the face of adversity. Marcheline Bertrand, who passed away in 2007 after a long battle with ovarian cancer, was a single mother who raised Jolie and her brother, James Haven, with unshakable love and grace.
Here's ads banner inside a post
“My mother was my rock, my guiding star,” Jolie shared. “She taught me that love is not just something you feel, but something you show through your actions every single day. Her love wasn’t loud or flashy; it was quiet, steady, and unconditional.”
Jolie recounted how Bertrand made even the simplest moments feel extraordinary, from reading bedtime stories to cooking family meals, all while instilling in her children a deep sense of empathy and resilience. These seemingly small acts of love became the foundation for Jolie’s own approach to parenting.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The Influence on Jolie’s Humanitarian Mission
Bertrand’s compassion extended beyond her family, a quality that profoundly influenced Jolie’s humanitarian work. Bertrand’s deep care for others was evident in her everyday life, from helping neighbors in need to advocating for social justice causes close to her heart.
“She always believed in standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves,” Jolie said. “She had this incredible ability to see the humanity in everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. That’s a lesson I carry with me in all the work I do.”
Jolie credited her mother as the driving force behind her decision to become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in 2001 and later a Special Envoy for the UNHCR. Through her travels to war-torn regions and refugee camps, Jolie has often drawn on her mother’s wisdom to connect with the people she meets.
“When I’m sitting with a refugee mother who has lost everything, I think of my mom,” Jolie revealed. “I think about the kindness she would have shown in that moment, and I try to channel that into my own actions.”
A Role Model for Motherhood
One of the most touching aspects of Jolie’s speech was her reflection on how her mother shaped her own parenting philosophy. As a mother of six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne—Jolie strives to create a home filled with the same love and security her mother provided.
“My mother taught me that being a parent isn’t just about providing for your children; it’s about creating a world where they feel safe, seen, and deeply loved,” Jolie said. “She gave me that gift, and I try every day to give it to my children.”
Jolie emphasized the importance of listening to her children and creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. She shared how Bertrand’s example inspired her to be a source of strength and stability for her family, even during difficult times.
“There were moments in my life when I felt lost, but I always knew I could turn to my mother,” Jolie said, her voice trembling with emotion. “That’s the kind of mother I want to be—a safe haven for my kids, no matter what storms they face.”
Lessons in Resilience and Courage
Bertrand’s life was not without challenges, but her ability to face adversity with dignity and grace left a lasting impression on Jolie. From navigating a difficult divorce to battling a terminal illness, Bertrand’s resilience became a cornerstone of Jolie’s worldview.
“My mother showed me that strength isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up, no matter how hard life knocks you down,” Jolie said. “Even in her final days, she was a source of light and hope for everyone around her.”
Jolie reflected on how these lessons in resilience helped her navigate her own challenges, including her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt and the pressures of raising a large family under the public eye. Through it all, Jolie said she often found herself drawing strength from her mother’s example.
The Emotional Connection Between Generations
Jolie also spoke about the emotional connection that transcends generations, sharing how her mother’s influence continues to shape not only her life but also the lives of her children. She described how she often tells her children stories about their grandmother, keeping her memory alive through shared moments of reflection.
“I want my kids to know who she was—not just as my mother, but as a person who lived her life with kindness, courage, and grace,” Jolie said. “Through her stories, they can carry a piece of her with them, even though they never got the chance to meet her.”
Jolie shared a particularly moving anecdote about watching her daughter Zahara, who is passionate about activism, speak at a school event. In that moment, Jolie felt a profound connection to her mother’s legacy.
“I saw my mother in her,” Jolie said with a smile. “Her passion, her strength, her willingness to stand up for what she believes in—it was like watching my mother’s spirit come alive again.”
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
As Jolie concluded her speech, she expressed her gratitude for the lessons her mother imparted and the lasting impact they continue to have on her life. She encouraged others to honor the legacies of their loved ones by living lives filled with purpose and compassion.
“We all carry pieces of the people we’ve loved and lost,” Jolie said. “Their influence doesn’t end when they’re gone—it lives on in the choices we make, the kindness we show, and the lives we touch.” Jolie urged the audience to celebrate the people who have shaped them, even in their absence, and to pass those lessons on to future generations.
A Legacy of Compassion
Angelina Jolie’s speech was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and child. Marcheline Bertrand’s love and wisdom not only shaped Jolie’s life but also inspired her to become a force for good in the world. Through her work, her family, and her advocacy, Jolie continues to honor her mother’s legacy—a legacy built on compassion, courage, and the unwavering belief in the power of kindness.
In sharing her mother’s story, Jolie offered a message of hope and resilience that resonated deeply with audiences, proving once again that the most profound influences in our lives often come from the quiet, steady presence of those who love us most.
