Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed actress and humanitarian, has been a mother to six children, each with their own unique personalities and interests. 

However, it’s her decision in 2008 to sell the first photos of her newborn twins, Knox and Vivienne, to People and *Hello!* magazines 

that continues to be a significant moment in her family’s history. 

Now, 16 years later, Jolie is reflecting on why she made this decision and how it was crucial for both her family’s safety and future.

At the time, Angelina and her then-husband, Brad Pitt, were in the midst of a media frenzy, with the public eager to see the first images of their newborn twins. 

While many celebrity parents would have jumped at the opportunity to profit from such an event, Jolie’s motivation was grounded in something much more serious. 

Speaking during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the *Maleficent* star opened up about her thought process.

“It’s a strange thing to have to do or to do, but it was kind of the better option,” she admitted. “But also it was for their safety. It was that somebody was coming for it, and it was a safety concern as well.” Jolie elaborated, stating that by selling the photos, she was able to control the release in a safe way, ensuring it was handled appropriately.

The photos, which ultimately fetched millions, were not just a financial transaction for the couple. They used the money for a greater cause, donating the funds to the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, their charity that supports various humanitarian projects worldwide. In that moment, the decision wasn’t about the profit; it was about protecting her children while also giving back to the global community.

Now, more than a decade later, Jolie continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy for her children, despite their famous parents. While the media often seeks to focus on their high-profile lives, Jolie’s priority remains her children’s well-being. She shared that none of her children have expressed an interest in following in her footsteps when it comes to the film industry. “I don’t think any of my kids have an affinity for movies,” she revealed during the same interview. “They really don’t like any of the celebrity part of it.”

Her daughter, Shiloh, who has been in the spotlight since birth, has particularly voiced her dislike of the celebrity side of her mother’s career. “I think in a very healthy way they don’t … It’s not a normal thing. It’s a silly thing really,” Jolie said, highlighting that while her children enjoy being exposed to the arts, they don’t feel the need to become public figures in their own right.

Although her children may not be eager to pursue acting careers, they have found their own ways to express themselves through the arts. Jolie noted that her kids have shown interest in other creative endeavors, such as dance, painting, and theater. “Some of them dance, some of them paint, some of them love theater, but none of them are dying to be on screen,” she shared.

While they may not want to follow their mother’s career path, Angelina’s children have remained supportive of her work. They often join her on set, participating in the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking that allow them to appreciate the artistry without stepping into the spotlight themselves.

Amidst the busy life of raising six children, including her three biological children with Pitt, as well as her adopted children, Jolie continues to lead by example. Her commitment to her family, her charity work, and her film career showcases a balance that is rare in Hollywood. Despite their famous lineage, her children have managed to stay grounded, a reflection of the strong foundation of love and stability that Jolie has worked hard to create.

As for her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, their family dynamic has shifted significantly over the years. The couple, who split in 2016, have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship, despite their high-profile divorce. Their children, now older, have begun making their own decisions about their futures, with Shiloh even changing her name legally in 2024, choosing to drop Pitt from her surname after turning 18.

Through it all, Angelina Jolie remains steadfast in her dedication to her family. Her decision to sell the twins’ photos back in 2008 was just one example of how she has always prioritized her children’s safety and happiness above all else. Today, the Jolie-Pitt family continues to navigate the complexities of fame with grace, showing that even in the glare of the spotlight, family comes first.

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