Inside The Lavish Lives Of Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie's Children

Coming off of the success of their movie, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," a 12-year-long romance blossomed between the Missouri native actor Brad Pitt and "The Bone Collector" actress Angelina Jolie. Despite their chemistry on-screen, Jolie referred to their bond early on as a "strange friendship" (via People). With the actor dealing with his own relationship woes with Jennifer Aniston at the time, Pitt and Jolie remained good friends for the duration of their time filming together. It wasn't until 2005 — the same year we saw Pitt and Aniston split from one another — the two made their romantic relationship public.

Although they became newlyweds in 2014 and divorced in 2016, Pitt and Jolie began raising six beautiful children before calling it quits. As expected, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne all have affluent lives thanks to their parents. At the same time, however, Jolie and Pitt kept their children grounded. As a result, Jolie told People magazine that they're growing up to be well-mannered individuals. "They're pretty great people," she said. "And because there's so many of them, I think they've had a very significant effect on each other. It's not like I'm the head of anything. I'm very honest with my kids. And I'm very human with my kids." 

Nonetheless, the siblings all live extraordinary lives worth gushing over. They have their entrepreneurial ventures in organic doggy treats for charity as well as their promising talents as actors-slash-diectors. Here is some insight into the lavish lives of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children.

Born on August 5, 2001, Maddox Jolie-Pitt is Angelina Jolie's first adoptive child. While her humanitarian efforts saw her travel to Cambodia in 2002, Jolie was interested in adopting a Cambodian orphan. After confiding in author and human-rights activist Loung Ung, she started the adoption process and visited an orphanage in Battambang for a baby to adopt within the same year. To her surprise, Jolie went through each room feeling disconnected from the babies. That was until an employee within the orphanage informed Jolie of one last baby she could look at. That baby just so happened to be Maddox.

According to his mother, Maddox was always mature for his age. Alongside his interest in cars, planes, and martial arts, the 21-year-old showed early signs of wanting to follow in his parent's footsteps. Although we haven't seen him in front of the camera, Jolie allowed Maddox to be an executive producer for her film "First They Killed My Father" when he was only 16. Through discussing the importance of the project with Vanity Fair, Jolie revealed that Maddox encouraged her to turn Ung's story based on the Khmer Rouge genocide into a film adaptation. In an interview with People magazine, Maddox was seemingly giddy about the outcome of the project as he expressed his love for working alongside his mother. "[She's] fun, funny, and easy to work with," he told the publication. "She's a wonder."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's experience as adoptive parents stretched further when they adopted Zahara Jolie-Pitt in 2005. Born in Ethiopia, Zahara's birth was a result of a brutal rape. Due to health complications from her birth mother, Mentewab Dawit Lebiso, Zahara was put up for adoption shortly after her birth. Ever since, Zahara has built a strong connection with her adoptive mother, with sources stating that "they have a real camaraderie" (via People).

Following in her mother's footsteps, Zahara collaborated with well-known jewelry designer Robert Procop — who previously worked with her mother for her "Style of Jolie" collection. In 2019, Zahara unveiled a few pieces from her collection on the red carpet at the premiere of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil." At the event, she wore a black dress paired with, as the brand reported, "emerald-cut citrine suite from the eponymous Zahara Collection: a bracelet and three-tiered earrings, paired with a matching ring." The collection was released in November of that year, appearing in retail stores like Saks Fifth Ave and more. According to its press release, they stated, "all proceeds from the Collection will benefit the Los Angeles-based House of Ruth Shelters, which provided transitional housing for battered women and children" (via Marie Claire).

In 2022, Zahara Jolie-Pitt attended Spelman College — a private black university in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to specializing in liberal arts and science, the college itself is dedicated to educating the young minds of African American women seeking higher education. Considering its 51% acceptance rate along with its nearly $45,000 annual tuition, the private school has built a strong reputation. From its conception in 1881, Spelman College was a launching pad for several politicians, writers, and actresses alike. With its star-studded alumni ranging from the "Cosby Show" actress Keshia Knight Pulliam to the daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., Bernice King, it appeared that Zahara saw Spelman College as a necessary step toward her future endeavors.

Angelina Jolie was a proud mom dropping her child off at college and took to Instagram to celebrate this monumental occasion. "Congratulations to all new students starting this year," Jolie wrote. "A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl." 

Her father, Brad Pitt, shared the same sentiment in an interview with Vanity Fair. "I'm so proud of her," he told the publication. "She's so smart. She's going to flourish even more at college. It's an exciting and beautiful time to find her own way and pursue her interests. I'm so proud."

It's no secret that Angelina Jolie is a well-known humanitarian. As a former Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency for 11 years, Jolie has an extensive resume full of several philanthropic events she's been a part of since 2001. Though her charitable efforts span far before Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's birth in 2005, Jolie does her best to get her daughter involved in activities that help those less fortunate. During Jolie's lengthy humanitarian trip to Asia, the "Wanted" actress brought Shiloh along to partake in the causes her mother was passionate about.

In 2015, Shiloh spent World Refugee Day in Turkey alongside her mother. Though it must've been a unique experience to travel outside the country, Shiloh spent her time gaining knowledge on the refugee crisis that is so prevalent in the country. There, Jolie met with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and released a powerful statement regarding the support for refugees. The California native suggested that traveling to these countries opened Shiloh's eyes to the world outside of her own (via People). Nonetheless, the 9-year-old appeared very mature in processing everything around her. "It is of course hard to explain all of the harsh realities of war and displacement," Jolie told People magazine. "She said she felt sad, but was happy that she went and is looking forward to the next visit."

Judging from her expressive personality as a child, being an entertainer appeared to be a strong talent for Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. From her opposing beliefs about her wardrobe to her demands to be called "John" or "Peter," Shiloh's adorable antics as a child no doubt entertained Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Given her parent's occupation, one may assume that Shiloh would follow in their footsteps early on. Though her career in show business may appear promising — having one voice acting credit under her belt — Shiloh ventured away from acting and found a hobby that quickly took the world by storm.

In 2022, dancing instructor Hamilton Evans from the Millenium Dance Complex in Los Angeles uploaded a choreography to Doja Cat's "Vegas," which saw the 16-year-old front and center. The videos garnered so much attention that Evans appeared on Access Hollywood to praise the 16-year-old for her work ethic. "She's so sweet and hardworking," he told Mario Lopez. 

While her talents wowed the public, Brad Pitt appeared deeply emotional to see his daughter killing it on the dance floor. In an interview with Nischelle Turner from Entertainment Tonight, he shared that he's happy that she's doing something that she loves. "I love them to find their own way, find things that they're interested in, find their own voice, and flourish," he told Turner.

Born on November 29, 2003, in Ho Chi Minh City, Angelina Jolie adopted Pax Jolie-Pitt when he was only 3 years old. As a shy kid, Pax began to come out of his shell following his introduction to the family. In an interview with Mirror magazine, Jolie revealed that he started to build a strong relationship with his older brother, Maddox Jolie-Smith (via People). "Pax and Maddox have really connected because they're closer in age and are brothers so they have moments when they bond together against everybody else in the family," she said. "They are a really tough team and then they have moments when they bug each other. It's quite normal and it's nice. It's never quiet in our house."

Given Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's careers, Pax appeared to have grown an interest in working in film. When Maddox first had the opportunity to work alongside their mother for her movie, "First They Killed My Father," Pax tagged along — putting his photography skills to good use. In 2022, the three teamed up again for the film, "Without Blood." Working alongside notable stars like Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir, the two spent their time on set working in the assistant director department. In an interview with People magazine, the multitalented actress stated that she, Maddox, and Pax made a great team. "We work well together," she told the publication. "When a film crew is at its best, it feels like a big family, so it felt natural."

At only three years of age, Maddox's obsession with airplanes caused Angelina Jolie to take up piloting as a hobby. She reasoned that she wanted to impress her son by learning how to control the very thing Maddox admired. In 2004, the "Tomb Raider" actress earned her pilot's license and bought a single-engine airplane worth $334,700 a year later. With Maddox having an interest in flying — and even Brad Pitt joining in on some lessons — it was only a matter of time before another one of her kids picked up the hobby as well.

Born on July 12, 2008, 14-year-old Knox Jolie-Pitt seemingly indulges in many hobbies ranging from voice acting to martial arts. In an interview with People magazine in 2018, Jolie revealed that Knox is next in line to learn how to fly. After watching his brother Maddox take part in the activity the year prior, Knox decided to follow suit. According to Jolie, she does not doubt that Knox will quickly pick up the hobby and begin to pilot a plane on his own very soon. "Knox is now learning to fly," she told the publication. "It makes me crazy happy to see him discover it. He still needs help with the pedals, but won't for long."

In 2014, Angelina Jolie starred in Disney's retelling of Sleeping Beauty, "Maleficent." While they were filming the movie, producers decided to bring child actresses in to play Little Aurora. Jolie, an expert at her craft, made this rather difficult for the producers because she scared the children they brought on the set. In an interview with Maude Garrett on The Hot Hits, she stated, "People would bring their kids to set and then I'd see them and then they'd ... I scared them."

Due to her intimidating performance as an evil fairy, Jolie decided to cast her daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, to play Little Aurora. Although Vivienne wasn't scared of her mother in her make-up and costume, she still struggled on set. The young actress — who was five years old — simply didn't want to do what they asked her to do. During a Disney press roundtable, Jolie revealed that she, Brad Pitt, and the rest of her children helped her get through a scene where she had to catch a butterfly (via ABC). "I actually was holding the pole with the ball on the end and bouncing up and down and dancing, trying to make her laugh, and daddy was on the edge of the cliff she had to jump off, making faces and all her brothers and sisters were egging her on," Jolie revealed. "She eventually did it but she was taking her sweet time and not wanting to do it twice, certainly."

From first visiting the country in 2000 while filming "Tomb Raider," Angelina Jolie appears to have maintained a strong connection with Cambodia. Since it is where she first met her soon-to-be son Maddox Jolie-Pitt and longtime friend Loung Ung, the country holds a special place in her heart. So much so that it inspired her movie, "First They Killed My Father," which was a film adaptation of Ung's memoir. While visiting for the movie's press conference, she told reporters that she and her children regularly visit the country (via People). "We've been coming back and forth for 17 years, it feels like a second home to me," she stated. "The children have close ties to the children here, many of them are their best friends."

While the project would go on to be recognized by the Golden Globes, Jolie traveled to Cambodia to not only promote the movie but embrace the culture she loves so much. Alongside BBC's Yalda Hakim and her kids: Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Jolie got them to try an unexpected delicacy in Cambodia — scorpions and tarantulas (via YouTube). After teaching them how to remove the fangs from a tarantula, Knox and Vivienne helped their mother cook the insects for everyone else to try. For their age, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne appeared to enjoy them more than expected. Hakim seemingly understood the appeal alongside Knox — telling his mother that the insects tasted like "flavorless chips."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made sure their kids understood the role privilege played in their lives. Although they were able to avoid harsh circumstances, Jolie has taken them on trips around the world to make them aware of the issues others go through. Whether it be traveling to Turkey on World Refugee Day or meeting with the country's lawmakers to advocate for crime victims, Jolie has been sure to get her kids involved in helping others.

Watching their mother's humanitarian work led to them taking the initiative and helping charities they care about as well. While most kids work their entrepreneurial muscles selling lemonade or girl scout cookies, Shiloh and her siblings work alongside their mother to sell organic dog treats to raise money for an animal rescue organization, "Hope for Paws." In 2018, actress Sarah Ramos ran into the crew selling these treats and bought one for herself. Seemingly surprised, she took to her Instagram to post about the encounter months later. "I'm not sure why God chose me to tell this story but I have to fulfill my calling: A couple months ago I went to the dog park and saw Angelina Jolie selling organic dog treats," she wrote. "P.S. the treat sales benefited @hopeforpawsrescue. Donate today to make Angie happy!"

Alongside their charitable effort, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt understood their role as celebrity figures and kept their children's lives relatively private. From having their birth in undisclosed areas out of the country to keeping them off social media, the two ensured that Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, Knox, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt all had chances to live their lives away from the public eye. As they become older, however, this slowly becomes harder to manage. Whether it be a media appearance or a family night out, dodging the paparazzi as children of two megastars is an unending battle.

While it may seem problematic, Jolie suggested that her kids are comfortable with their high-profile lives. Aside from their financial security, public appearances aren't an issue for the six anymore since they've grown accustomed to the amount of public attention they garner. During the tribe's fashionable appearance at the United Kingdom premiere of "Eternals," Jolie revealed that she had no problem having them attend an event surrounded by paparazzi. "I think the important thing is they haven't made a choice, they've been public for their whole lives. And so, [we] try to find a way where they can not be overwhelmed by it, but just be in it in a comfortable way," she told Entertainment Tonight. "It's a tiny piece of our life. We are just a family, but this little piece of our life where this is a moment."