Maddox, Pax, Zahara: Angelina Jolie’s Adopted Children

Maddox, Pax, Zahara: Angelina Jolie’s Adopted Children

Angelina Jolie is not only one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses but also a dedicated humanitarian and mother. Among her six children, three were adopted from different parts of the world: Maddox Chivan from Cambodia, Zahara Marley from Ethiopia, and Pax Thien from Vietnam. These adoptions reflect Jolie’s deep commitment to global causes, children’s welfare, and building a multicultural family.

Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, born Rath Vibol on August 5, 2001, in Battambang, Cambodia, was the first child Angelina adopted. In early 2002, while filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Jolie visited an orphanage and instantly connected with the seven-month-old boy lying in a suspended box. She has described crying upon seeing him and feeling an immediate bond. She adopted him as a single mother shortly after, despite being married to Billy Bob Thornton at the time. Their marriage ended soon afterward, and Jolie raised Maddox primarily on her own initially.

Maddox grew up in the spotlight but has maintained a relatively private life. He developed interests in film, science, and international relations. He served as an executive producer on his mother’s 2017 film First They Killed My Father, a project close to his Cambodian heritage. Maddox studied biochemistry and biotechnology at Yonsei University in South Korea and has shown a passion for K-pop and Korean culture. In recent years, he has worked behind the scenes in film production, including dropping “Pitt” from his name in credits for projects amid family dynamics following his parents’ divorce.

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt arrived next. Born on January 8, 2005, in Hawassa, Ethiopia, she was adopted by Jolie at seven months old in July 2005. Jolie traveled to Ethiopia with toddler Maddox, who reportedly helped inspire the trip. Zahara had faced health challenges early in life. Brad Pitt later adopted her alongside Maddox in 2006.

Zahara has embraced her Ethiopian roots while thriving in her education and personal growth. She attends Spelman College, a prestigious historically Black college in Atlanta, where she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In public appearances with her mother, such as mother-daughter brunches and events, Zahara has spoken movingly about their “found” relationship and the values of kindness, growth, and helping others instilled by Jolie. She has made small appearances in films like Maleficent and voiced a character in Kung Fu Panda 3.

Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, born Pham Quang Sang on November 29, 2003, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, joined the family in 2007 at age three. He had lived in the Tam Binh Orphanage. Due to Vietnamese adoption laws at the time, Jolie adopted him as a single parent, with Pitt formally adopting him in 2008. Pax’s integration brought another layer of cultural diversity to the family.

Pax has kept the lowest public profile among the siblings. He has contributed to family film projects, including voice work in Kung Fu Panda 3 and production assistance on Maria. He occasionally appears at events but prefers privacy. Like his siblings, he has navigated the complexities of growing up with famous parents and the aftermath of the high-profile 2016 separation of Jolie and Pitt.

The three adopted children have enriched Angelina Jolie’s life and highlighted her philanthropic efforts through the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation and UNHCR work. They represent a blended family that spans continents and cultures. Despite challenges, including custody battles and public scrutiny, Jolie has emphasized raising them with awareness of their origins, privilege, and responsibility to give back.

Today, Maddox (24), Pax (22), and Zahara (21) are young adults carving their paths. Maddox explores creative and academic fields, Zahara excels in academics and community, and Pax supports projects quietly. Their stories underscore themes of adoption, identity, and unconditional love. Angelina Jolie’s journey as a mother to these remarkable children continues to inspire many, showing that family is built not just by blood but by choice, compassion, and shared values.