Angelina Jolie, the Oscar-winning actress renowned for her versatile performances, takes on the challenging role of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in her latest film, “Maria.” For Callas, the art of singing was not just a career but a pivotal aspect of her identity and passion.
In a captivating trailer for “Maria,” Jolie, embodying Callas, poignantly declares, “There is no life away from the stage,” highlighting the intense dedication the singer had to her craft.
During a heartfelt discussion with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, Jolie revealed that her top priority in life is motherhood, echoing the significance that singing held for the iconic Callas.
Angelina Jolie speaks with Michael Strahan about her new film “Maria” on “Good Morning America” on Nov. 21, 2024.
ABC News
She emphasized, “It’s my happiness,” asserting that without the joys of her family, nothing else holds importance in her life. “You can take everything else away from me. Nothing else matters.”
As a devoted mother to six children—sons Maddox, Pax, and Knox, as well as daughters Zahara, Shiloh, and Vivienne—Jolie’s family remains her cornerstone.
In an exciting twist, Jolie’s sons Maddox and Pax contributed their talents to the production of “Maria,” an experience she described as truly “amazing” and enriching.
Angelina Jolie talks about her new film “Maria” on “Good Morning America” on Nov. 21, 2024.
ABC News
However, despite growing up in the limelight, Jolie revealed that her children are not inclined towards acting careers. “None of my children want to be in front of the camera at this time,” she shared.
She added, “They’re quite private. Shiloh’s extremely private,” reflecting a deep desire to protect their personal lives. “They weren’t born with privacy, right? So I hope they can have that as they grow.”
To fully embody the character of Callas in “Maria,” Jolie undertook the formidable task of learning opera singing, immersing herself in the world of the tragic primadonna as she navigated her final days in Paris while striving for a career revival.
Jolie humorously recalled, “All of my children suffered through my early opera singing in the house before I got kinda good, which was a nightmare,” highlighting the challenging yet entertaining process of honing her skills.
In a reflective moment, Jolie mused that had their paths crossed, she and Callas might have formed a friendship, noting the deep connection she feels with the opera singer’s struggles and vulnerabilities. “I think we would have been friends,” she remarked, speculating that Callas might have initially found her annoying, but their bond would have developed over time.
The highly anticipated film “Maria” is set to premiere in select theaters on November 27, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix starting December 11.