Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, once the epitome of Hollywood royalty, captivated the world with their whirlwind romance, glamorous red carpet appearances, and ever-expanding family. From their beginnings on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith to their eventual divorce and custody battle, the relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has been both iconic and tumultuous, drawing headlines and media attention at every turn.
This article takes an in-depth look at the timeline of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s relationship, from their early days as Hollywood stars to their very public separation. We will explore their careers, their partnership, their children, and the factors that led to the unraveling of what was once seen as one of the entertainment world’s most powerful couples.
The Early Days: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Rise to Fame
Before their fateful meeting, both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had established themselves as A-list actors in Hollywood. Brad Pitt, born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, broke into the industry in the late 1980s and gained widespread recognition for his role in Thelma & Louise (1991). His smoldering good looks and magnetic screen presence made him an instant heartthrob, and he quickly followed up with a series of notable performances in films like A River Runs Through It (1992), Legends of the Fall (1994), and Se7en (1995).
By the late 1990s, Pitt had solidified his place as one of the most sought-after leading men in Hollywood, starring in critically acclaimed films like Fight Club (1999) and Ocean’s Eleven (2001). His charisma, versatility, and star power made him a fan favorite, as well as a media darling. During this time, Pitt was in a highly publicized relationship with Jennifer Aniston, whom he married in 2000.
Angelina Jolie, born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, also came from a family deeply embedded in Hollywood. The daughter of actor Jon Voight, Jolie had acting in her blood. Her breakthrough came with her performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Known for her fierce independence and adventurous spirit, Jolie quickly became a sensation in the entertainment world.
Jolie’s roles in action-packed films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Salt (2010) showcased her ability to dominate the screen as a powerful and fearless heroine. Off-screen, she was known for her humanitarian work, particularly her role as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and her decision to adopt children from around the world, starting with her son Maddox in 2002.
The Meeting on Mr. & Mrs. Smith: The Start of Brangelina
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie first crossed paths in 2004 on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, an action-comedy about a married couple who are secretly assassins working for opposing agencies. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and rumors soon swirled that the two were romantically involved off-screen as well.
At the time, Brad Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston, making the tabloid rumors even more explosive. In January 2005, Pitt and Aniston announced their separation, sparking a media frenzy. While both Pitt and Jolie denied any romantic involvement during the filming of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, their close bond was undeniable.
By April 2005, photographs surfaced of Pitt and Jolie vacationing together in Kenya with Jolie’s son Maddox, confirming that their relationship had moved beyond mere rumors. Thus, the media moniker “Brangelina” was born, and the couple became one of the most talked-about pairs in Hollywood.
The Brangelina Era: Love, Humanitarian Work, and a Growing Family
From 2005 onwards, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s relationship blossomed, and they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most famous couples. Despite the controversies surrounding the beginning of their romance, they were admired for their humanitarian efforts, devotion to their family, and philanthropic work. Together, they presented an image of a power couple with a shared commitment to making a difference in the world.
Pitt and Jolie expanded their family rapidly, and their children became a central focus of their lives. Jolie had already adopted Maddox from Cambodia in 2002, and in 2005, she adopted Zahara from Ethiopia. In 2006, Pitt legally adopted both children, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
Later that same year, Jolie gave birth to their first biological child, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt. In 2007, the couple adopted Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt from Vietnam, followed by the birth of their twins, Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, in 2008.
Their multicultural, multinational family was admired and celebrated as a symbol of their commitment to global causes and humanitarianism. Pitt and Jolie became advocates for international adoption and traveled the world with their children, balancing their acting careers with their philanthropic work.
The couple continued to work on individual projects while occasionally collaborating on films. One of their most notable collaborations was A Mighty Heart (2007), which Jolie starred in, and Pitt produced. The film told the story of the search for journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan. The film highlighted the couple’s interest in serious, socially conscious films and their willingness to use their fame to raise awareness about global issues.
Both Pitt and Jolie were heavily involved in humanitarian work during their relationship. Jolie, as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, focused on refugee issues, while Pitt launched the Make It Right Foundation, an organization dedicated to building sustainable homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
The Road to Marriage
For years, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie seemed to defy Hollywood norms by remaining unmarried, despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship. The couple stated publicly that they would not marry until same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States, a position that endeared them to progressive audiences.
However, in 2012, after nearly seven years together and six children, the couple announced their engagement. Pitt and Jolie tied the knot in a private ceremony at their estate in France, Château Miraval, in August 2014. The wedding was a family affair, with their children playing prominent roles in the ceremony. While the couple’s fans rejoiced at the news, the marriage was ultimately short-lived.
The Breakdown: Divorce and Custody Battle
In September 2016, just two years after their wedding, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The news shocked fans and the media alike, as Brangelina had been seen as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and stable couples. The divorce filing quickly spiraled into a contentious legal battle, particularly over the custody of their children.
The couple’s split became one of the most high-profile celebrity divorces in history, with media outlets documenting every development. Jolie sought primary custody of their six children, while Pitt fought for joint custody. The divorce and custody proceedings were further complicated by allegations that Pitt had engaged in inappropriate behavior during a family trip on a private plane in September 2016. Reports of a physical altercation between Pitt and one of their children fueled speculation and led to an investigation by child protective services and the FBI.
Pitt was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, but the damage to his public image was significant. Both Pitt and Jolie publicly addressed the difficulties of their divorce, with Jolie emphasizing her focus on the well-being of their children and Pitt openly discussing his struggles with alcohol addiction and his efforts to improve himself during the divorce process.
In 2017, Pitt revealed in an interview with GQ that he had quit drinking and entered therapy to address personal issues, including the collapse of his marriage. Jolie, meanwhile, continued to focus on her humanitarian work and her role as a mother, while also continuing her acting and directing career.
The divorce proceedings dragged on for years, with both sides reportedly spending millions of dollars on legal fees. The couple eventually reached a temporary custody agreement in 2018, but as of 2024, the final details of their custody arrangement remain private.
Life After Brangelina: Moving Forward
In the years since their separation, both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have embarked on separate journeys, both personally and professionally.
Brad Pitt experienced something of a career resurgence following his divorce. He starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), directed by Quentin Tarantino, a role that earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film marked a triumphant return to the spotlight for Pitt, who seemed to have put the worst of his personal struggles behind him. Pitt also continued his work as a producer, with his production company, Plan B, backing successful films such as Moonlight (2016) and 12 Years a Slave (2013), both of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Angelina Jolie, meanwhile, continued to focus on her humanitarian work and raising her children. She took on fewer acting roles, instead devoting more time to directing and producing films that aligned with her social and political interests. One of her most notable directorial efforts was First They Killed My Father (2017), a film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, a subject close to Jolie’s heart due to her connection to the country through her son Maddox.
Jolie has also remained a vocal advocate for refugees and women’s rights, continuing her work with the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations. Despite the challenges of her divorce, she has maintained a strong public image as a devoted mother and humanitarian.
The Legacy of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
The relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic in Hollywood history. Their romance, family life, and eventual breakup captivated the world, making headlines for over a decade. Despite their tumultuous separation, both Pitt and Jolie have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and popular culture.
Together, they represented a new kind of Hollywood power couple—one that combined global humanitarianism with blockbuster success. Their children, both biological and adopted, were a central part of their public image, and their dedication to philanthropy set them apart from many of their peers.
While their romantic relationship may have ended, the legacy of Brangelina remains. Their individual contributions to cinema, philanthropy, and global advocacy continue to inspire fans and followers worldwide. Even as they navigate life post-divorce, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s influence on Hollywood and the world will be felt for years to come.
