Angelina Jolie’s Hitman Revelation: A Dark Chapter in Her Mental Health Journey

The glitz of Hollywood often obscures raw human struggles. Angelina Jolie, acclaimed actress and humanitarian, once navigated such profound darkness at age 22 that she attempted to hire a contract killer to end her life. Her shocking admission—revealed decades later—exposes a harrowing battle with mental health that resonates beyond fame.

How Did a Hitman’s Question Save Angelina Jolie’s Life?

Jolie’s despair peaked during what she described as a “rather bleak” period in her early career. In interviews with IMDb (2001) and The Face magazine (2003), she disclosed researching New York hitmen, planning meticulous financial withdrawals to avoid suspicion. Her motive? To spare her family, especially mother Marcheline Bertrand, the guilt of her suicide. “I wanted it to look like a robbery,” she explained.

Crucially, the hitman himself intervened. When Jolie contacted him, he urged her to reconsider: “He asked if I could think about it and call him again in two months,” she recalled. That grace period became pivotal. As she told The Face, “Something changed in my life, and I figured I’d stick it out.” The timing coincided with filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, where tensions with co-star and father Jon Voight mirrored personal turmoil.

From Despair to Purpose: Jolie’s Turning Point

Jolie’s struggles weren’t isolated. She’d previously attempted suicide at 19 and battled depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. In a 2011 60 Minutes interview, she reflected: “I went through heavier, darker times and survived. I shouldn’t be here.” Yet salvation emerged through motherhood. Adopting son Maddox in 2002 anchored her: “Once I committed to Maddox, I’d never be self-destructive again,” she asserted.

Her journey underscores mental health’s complexity. Jolie transformed pain into advocacy, championing refugees and human rights as a UNHCR Special Envoy. Despite recent personal challenges—including an eight-year divorce from Brad Pitt—she prioritizes her six children and global philanthropy, embodying resilience.

Jolie’s story is a stark reminder: Mental health crises touch even the most luminous lives. Her survival—triggered by a stranger’s empathy—highlights how intervention saves lives. If you’re struggling, contact crisis services like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or seek trusted support immediately.

Must Know

Q: Why did Angelina Jolie want to hire a hitman?
A: Jolie believed a staged murder would spare her family the guilt of her suicide. She told IMDb (2001) she specifically sought to protect her mother, Marcheline Bertrand.

Q: What stopped Jolie’s plan?
A: The hitman asked her to reconsider for two months. During that time, her perspective shifted, and she abandoned the plan, as reported by The Face (2003).

Q: How did motherhood change Jolie’s mental health?
A: Adopting Maddox in 2002 gave her purpose. She stated committing to her son ended her self-destructive patterns, per her 2011 60 Minutes interview.

Q: What resources help those considering suicide?
A: Global hotlines like the International Association for Suicide Prevention provide immediate support. In the U.S., contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Q: How common are suicidal thoughts among young adults?
A: The CDC reports suicide as a leading cause of death for ages 10-34. Early intervention, as Jolie experienced, is critical.