Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, in 2002, beginning a whole different chapter in her life. Over the years, Maddox has grown into a person who fills his mother with pride. In 2019, Jolie described him as “smart,” “wild,” and “balanced,” marveling at the young man he had become.
Maddox’s life has been remarkable in many ways. He has pursued academic and personal interests, studying biochemistry at South Korea’s Yonsei University, learning multiple languages, and even taking flying lessons. Professionally, he has stepped into the family business, testing his mettle as an executive producer and production assistant on several projects alongside his mom. But behind these accomplishments lies a story of resilience and hardship that has shaped Maddox into the person he is today.
Found Asleep in a Box
Maddox’s adoption journey began in Cambodia, where Jolie was filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001. Drawn to the country’s culture and people, she visited an orphanage in Battambang. There, she met Maddox, who was just a few months old and sleeping in a box hanging from the ceiling like some poor caged bird.
Jolie has recounted the emotional moment she first saw him. “He was the last kid I saw, and he was asleep,” she shared. “I just stared at him, and I started crying, and he smiled.” Despite being new to motherhood, Jolie said the bond she felt with Maddox gave her confidence. Naturally, such a huge life-changing decision made her doubt herself, questioning whether she could be a good mom, but Maddox’s calmness reassured her. This little kid seemed at ease to Jolie, and it gave her the courage to feel like she could make him happy.
A Strained Relationship with Brad Pitt
Maddox’s life changed again in 2005 when Jolie started dating the Hollywood dream man—Brad Pitt. Shortly after, Pitt adopted Maddox, and together, the couple welcomed five more children into their family. However, the fairytale didn’t last.
Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, and a bitter custody battle ensued. During this time, their family’s struggles became painfully public. Jolie accused Pitt of domestic violence, and a 2016 incident on a private plane highlighted the tensions. An FBI report claims that Pitt physically and verbally assaulted Jolie and the children, likely due to alcohol consumption or even worse circumstances. Maddox reportedly stepped in to defend his mother during the altercation.
By 2021, Maddox had taken a definitive stand against his father. He even testified in court during the custody battle, reportedly delivering some very spicy statements about Pitt. A source revealed that Maddox has since distanced himself from his father, rarely using the name “Pitt.”
Considering a Name Change
Maddox’s close relationship with Jolie appears to have remained intact despite his struggles with Pitt. He has reportedly chosen to use “Jolie” instead of “Pitt” in non-legal documents and is considering legally dropping the “Pitt” part from his name. While Jolie has expressed hesitation about the decision, Maddox seems resolute.
His siblings have also begun distancing themselves from Pitt. Shiloh, after turning 18, filed to legally remove “Pitt” from her last name. Zahara and Vivienne are also said to avoid using their father’s name in their daily lives.
As you can see, Maddox’s life was not without its challenges. Despite a challenging start, Maddox persevered through numerous adversities and hardships, demonstrating his unwavering determination. Maddox continues to grow into an accomplished individual, charting a bright future despite the shadows of his past.