When Angelina Jolie famously adopted Maddox Jolie-Pitt in 2002, everyone knew it would be just the start of one of the most diverse and multicultural families in showbiz history.
However, we have had the privilege of witnessing the kids grow up right in front of our eyes, and yes, we also feel old now.
While Brad and Angelina’s marriage may be a thing of the past, their six children are very much still a close-knit group and have spent the pandemic together at home in Los Angeles.
Who is Maddox Jolie-Pitt?
Maddox Jolie-Pitt is Angelina’s previously adopted child. He was born on August 5, 2001, in Cambodia.
At the time of Maddox’s adoption, Angelina was still married to her partner, entertainer Billy Bob Thornton. Maddox Jolie-Pitt was initially named Rath Vibol.
However, upon adoption, Angelina changed his name to Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie.
In 2006, Brad Pitt legally adopted Maddox Jolie-Pitt, adding his family name to Maddox’s name.
Regrettably, Maddox’s relationship with Brad Pitt soured when the latter reportedly had a dispute with him on a private plane in 2016.
The incident led to the end of his parents’ marriage and prompted Angelina to file for the physical custody of their six children.
Angelina Immediately Connected With Infant Maddox Jolie-Pitt
Angelina met a three-month-old child Maddox Jolie-Pitt (previously named Rath Vibol), at an Orphanage in Cambodia.
In 2001, as part of UNHCR, Angelina was in a school program in Samlout playing blocks on the floor.
During this mission, the idea that her child was somewhere in Cambodia constantly entered her thoughts.
After a few months, Angelina saw baby Maddox, and she immediately knew. “I cannot explain it and am not one to believe in messages or strange notions. But it was just real and clear,” Angelina said in an interview.
The Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation
Angelina Jolie first visited Maddox’s birthplace, Cambodia, in 2000 during the filming of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
She has a deep affection for the country. A year after Maddox’s adoption, Angelina made efforts towards the improvement of lives in Cambodia.
She initiated a humanitarian organization in her son, Maddox’s name. As a young adult, Maddox frequently travels to Cambodia to reconnect to his roots.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation is dedicated to combating rural poverty, protecting the environment, and enhancing healthcare and education conditions in Cambodia.
Childhood and Early Life
Maddox was born to Rath Vibol on August 5, 2001, in a village in Cambodia. In November 2001, Angelina Jolie and her husband, at that time, partner Billy Bob Thornton visited Cambodia with the intention of adopting a child.
During the meeting with Maddox at an adoption center in Battambang, Jolie requested dinner.
However, the dinner conversation came to an abrupt end as the U.S. government had suspended adoptions from Cambodia due to suspicions related to child trafficking.
After a series of official procedures, Angelina Jolie finalized the adoption in Namibia while filming for Beyond Borders.
When Brad Pitt began dating Angelina Jolie, he expressed his desire to adopt Maddox, a move in which Angelina filed a petition to change Maddox’s family name from Jolie to Jolie-Pitt.
How did Maddox Get Famous?
As the eldest child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Maddox attended several events, including the world premiere of Maleficent in Los Angeles.
He made his TV debut in 2006 when he appeared in an episode of the popular series VH1: All Access.
In 2013, Maddox made his acting debut playing a minor role in the Marc Forster-directed film, World War Z.
The movie, in which Brad Pitt played the lead role, featured Maddox portraying a zombie. Maddox made headlines in 2014, when he had the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth II at the renowned Buckingham Palace.
In 2015, he took another minor role in the romantic drama movie By the Sea, written and directed by Angelina Jolie.
In 2017, he was enlisted as one of the executive producers for a biographical drama film titled First They Killed My Father.
The film, directed by Angelina Jolie, is based on Loung Ung’s book of the same name.
Personal Life and Family
Maddox Jolie-Pitt has five other younger siblings, namely Vivienne, Knox, Pax, Shiloh, and Zahara.
He has often been praised for shouldering the responsibility of an older brother with great enthusiasm.
While he has always been close to Angelina Jolie, his parents’ separation has only strengthened his bond with his mother.
According to reports, Maddox Jolie-Pitt has always been Jolie’s strongest pillar of support, especially during her divorce from Brad Pitt.
During the custody battle between Jolie and Pitt, Maddox was given the option of choosing which parent he wanted to live with and for how long.
Along with his mother, Maddox is involved in several charitable endeavors.
In November 2018, Maddox and Jolie were seen visiting South Korea as part of an official charitable trip in collaboration with the United Nations.
The mother-son duo was also spotted inspecting a few colleges in South Korea for Maddox Jolie-Pitt to pursue his higher education. Maddox Jolie-Pitt is active on social media. His Instagram page has over 23,000 followers.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt Current Life
He is currently making a name for himself in the Hollywood industry, both in front of and behind the cameras.
He collaborated with his now estranged father, Brad Pitt, in the zombie thriller film World War Z.
Maddox portrayed a zombie who ultimately meets a grim fate.
That’s one way of incorporating some father-son bonding time. He also worked on the project.
First, They Killed My Father, alongside his mother. However, this time, Maddox Jolie-Pitt took on a different role.
He served as a production assistant and participated in meetings, prepared for shoots, and reviewed dailies.
Youthful brother Pax also got involved and worked as a set photographer.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt Net Worth
Maddox is one of the wealthiest Family Members and is regarded as the most famous Family Member.
According to our research, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Maddox Jolie-Pitt’s net worth is approximately $1.5 Million.
