Angelina Jolie, aname synonymous with Hollywood glamour and philanthropy, once harbored a secret so dark it seems almost unreal. At 22, grappling with intense suicidal thoughts, she considered hiring a hitman to end her life. This startling revelation came to light in 2001, shocking fans and the media alike.
Jolie’s confession offers a glimpse into the mind of a young woman battling inner demons. “This is going to sound insane, but there was a time I was going to hire somebody to kill me,” she admitted during an interview with IMDb. She believed that her loved ones would find it easier to cope with her death if it appeared as a murder rather than a suicide.
In a 2003 interview with The Face, Jolie elaborated on the ease of finding a hitman in New York, a testament to her state of mind during those troubled times. “I was very aware that so many people around me, like my mother, would feel as though they didn’t give enough or do enough if I’d taken my own life. So my solution to that was if someone else had taken my life—like in a ‘robbery’—then it would be murder and it wouldn’t be that anyone would feel they’d let me down,” she explained.
The hitman, however, provided an unexpected lifeline. Instead of agreeing to her request, he asked for two months to think it over. This pause, this moment of reflection, became a turning point for Jolie. “Something changed in my life, and I figured I’d stick it out,” she later recounted.
Reflecting on her dark times in a 2011 interview with 60 Minutes, Jolie said, “I didn’t die young, so I’m very lucky. There are other artists and people who didn’t survive certain things.” Her survival is a testament to her resilience and the unexpected ways in which life can take a turn for the better.
Jolie’s revelations resonate deeply in the context of her tumultuous personal life. Currently embroiled in a contentious divorce with Brad Pitt, Jolie’s past struggles cast a poignant light on her journey. The couple, once Hollywood’s golden pair, is now navigating the complexities of separation.
Pitt and Jolie’s relationship began in the public eye, with their romance blossoming on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Pitt’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston ended in 2005, and soon after, he and Jolie became an item. Despite their deep bond and growing family, the couple didn’t tie the knot until 2014, eight years after their relationship began.
Their marriage, however, was short-lived. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. By 2019, they were legally single, marking the end of an era. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, their legacy lives on through their children, both adopted and biological.
The saga of Jolie and Pitt’s relationship continues to captivate the public, but Jolie’s personal battles offer a more profound narrative. Her openness about her struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts is a reminder of the often unseen battles that individuals face, regardless of their public personas.
Jolie’s story is a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar issues. Her survival and subsequent success highlight the importance of seeking help and holding on, even when the future seems bleak. Her tale underscores the necessity of mental health awareness and the impact of compassionate intervention.
Today, at 49, Jolie stands as a testament to resilience and strength. Her experiences, both dark and triumphant, shape her identity and her work. As she continues to navigate the complexities of life and fame, her story remains a powerful reminder of the human capacity to endure and overcome.
In conclusion, Angelina Jolie’s revelation about her past suicidal thoughts and the decision to hire a hitman is a stark reminder of the profound impact of mental health struggles. Her journey from the brink of despair to becoming a celebrated actress and humanitarian is an inspiration. It serves as a powerful message that even in the darkest times, there is hope and the possibility of a brighter future.
