Angelina Jolie Says Her ‘Fighting Spirit’ is Back After Brad Pitt Divorce
Angelina Jolie told Variety on June 18, 2026, that her “fighting spirit” has returned following her divorce from Brad Pitt. Jolie attributed this recovery to the encouragement of her children and a shift back toward acting to spend more time with them and secure higher earnings.
In an interview with Variety, the actress stated her spirit had been “lost for a bit” and admitted, “I kind of got taken down a little.” She didn’t name Pitt directly, but the comments follow a rocky marriage and a split described as messy.
Jolie credits her children for helping her return to her old self. She noted that her kids “know me more than anybody, and they still like me, which says a lot.”
Why is Angelina Jolie returning to acting?
Jolie told Variety that her humanitarian work during her marriage kept her away from her children for too long. Acting gigs now allow her to see her kids more often. She also admitted she missed the “big paydays” associated with major film roles.
How have the children impacted the divorce?
The split has been marked by the children becoming estranged from Brad Pitt. According to TMZ, this estrangement is highlighted by children dropping Pitt’s last name, as seen in Zahara’s recent legal petition.
Jolie says her children are actively encouraging her to “get her groove back.” This support has been a primary factor in her feeling more like her former self.
What may happen next for the family?
Given the current legal filings, other children could potentially follow Zahara’s lead in seeking legal name changes. Jolie’s increased acting schedule may lead to more public appearances as she continues to prioritize time with her children over humanitarian travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Angelina Jolie return to acting?
According to Variety, she returned to acting because her humanitarian work kept her away from her children for too long, and acting allows her more time with them. She also noted she missed the large paychecks.
What did Jolie say about her emotional state?
Jolie told Variety that her “fighting spirit” is back after being “lost for a bit” and admitted she had been “taken down a little.”
Which child has filed for a name change?
TMZ reported that Zahara filed a petition to change her legal name to Zahara Marley Jolie.
How do you think a parent’s career choices impact their relationship with their children?