Family Ties: Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight Find Common Ground
When it comes to family traditions, every household has its own set of unwritten rules. For Angelina Jolie and her father, Jon Voight, it’s all about finding harmony during the holiday season. Angelina has openly shared how their relationship has evolved over the years. "We don’t talk politics well," she admitted, referencing her dad’s outspoken conservative views. "But when it comes to art, we hit it off beautifully. It’s our common language." Beyond their mutual appreciation for creativity, they share a deep bond over Angelina’s six children, who range in age from nine to sixteen. "Jon and I have grown closer through his grandchildren," Angelina revealed. "We’ve discovered a new relationship, and it’s truly wonderful."
However, their journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. "We’ve faced some challenges," Angelina, now 42, acknowledged, reflecting on the years of estrangement she experienced from her father, who split from her late mother, Marcheline, when she was just a toddler. "Growing up, I didn’t feel close to my dad. I identified more with my mom." But life has a way of bringing people together when they least expect it.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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A New Chapter in Their Relationship
After the passing of Marcheline in 2007, Angelina and Jon began to bridge the gap between them. Their bond deepened further following Angelina’s emotionally taxing divorce from Brad Pitt last year. "Jon has been incredibly supportive," Angelina shared, highlighting his role in family therapy sessions. "He knows the rules — don’t force the kids to play with you. Just be a cool grandpa who’s creative, shares stories, and reads books in the library." Jon embraces this role wholeheartedly. "I love spending time with my grandchildren," he said. "I’m not the type of grandpa who sits in an armchair — I’m all about interaction. There’s nothing more fulfilling than hearing the laughter of children in my home."
Angelina’s older brother, James Haven, has also reconnected with their father. "This was a three-way healing process," James, 44, explained to Closer Weekly at the Justice Speaks Holiday Benefit Luncheon in Hollywood. "She found peace with him, and so did I. The story has come full circle. It’s about resolving past issues and moving forward. It’s liberating." The tension within the family had been a heavy burden for decades, as James noted. "It’s a huge relief off our shoulders," he added, mentioning he’d just spoken with Jon, who was filming a movie in Kentucky.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
A Bright Future Together
Now, Jon hopes Angelina might direct him in a movie. She recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for her foreign-language film First They Killed My Father, and Jon couldn’t be prouder. "I admire my daughter’s directing skills," he said. "I’m crazy about her and my grandchildren." For Angelina, her children remain her top priority. "Honestly, I’ve spent the last year and a half focusing on being a mom, and it’s the most important thing for me," she revealed. "I’ll consider future projects, but I’ll need to balance them with my kids’ needs." So, what keeps Angelina on her toes in the coming year? "Teenagers," she joked. No doubt Jon understands that challenge all too well!
To learn more about Angelina’s journey, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands — and subscribe to our newsletter!
