Marcheline Bertrand: the mother of Angelina Jolie
Marcheline Bertrand was an American actress and producer, most famously known as the devoted mother of acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie and her brother, James Haven. Born on May 21, 1950, Bertrand’s life, though tragically cut short, was marked by artistic pursuits, a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, and a profound influence on her famous children. She was married to actor Jon Voight, with whom she had Angelina and James, and later shared a significant relationship with John Trudell. Bertrand’s early life and family background, while not extensively detailed in public records, laid the foundation for a woman who would become a pillar of strength and advocacy. She was known to have a younger sister, Debbie, and a younger brother, Raleigh, hinting at a close-knit upbringing that likely shaped her values.
Early life and family
Marcheline Bertrand’s formative years, though not widely publicized, were instrumental in shaping the compassionate and driven individual she became. Her family life, including her parents and siblings, provided the early experiences that would later inform her dedication to both her children and broader societal issues. Her mother and sister also tragically succumbed to cancer, a devastating familial history that would profoundly impact Bertrand and later, her daughter Angelina Jolie. This shared genetic vulnerability and the pain of loss undoubtedly fueled Bertrand’s later efforts to raise awareness about cancer.
Film career and production
Beyond her role as a mother, Marcheline Bertrand cultivated a career within the film industry. She studied acting with the renowned Lee Strasberg, a testament to her dedication to her craft. Bertrand also ventured into production, co-writing the film ‘Lookin’ to Get Out’ with her then-husband, Jon Voight. Further establishing her presence behind the camera, she founded Woods Road Productions and served as the executive producer of the impactful documentary ‘Trudell,’ which explored the life and work of her partner, John Trudell. Her contributions to film, though perhaps less prominent than her daughter’s, showcased her creative spirit and business acumen.
Humanitarian work and activism
Marcheline Bertrand’s life was deeply intertwined with a powerful commitment to humanitarian causes. Her efforts extended beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities and raising critical awareness about health issues. She believed in making a tangible difference, channeling her energy and resources into organizations that addressed systemic inequalities and health disparities. Her philanthropic endeavors left a lasting impact, reflecting a profound sense of social responsibility.
Supporting native peoples: All Tribes Foundation
A significant aspect of Marcheline Bertrand’s humanitarian work was her dedication to supporting Native American communities. She co-founded the All Tribes Foundation, an organization committed to empowering indigenous peoples. Through this foundation, Bertrand and her colleagues issued over $800,000 in grants, directly funding vital reservation-based programs. These initiatives aimed to foster self-sufficiency, preserve cultural heritage, and address the unique challenges faced by Native American communities. Her involvement demonstrated a deep respect for indigenous rights and a commitment to social justice.
Raising awareness: Give Love Give Life
Marcheline Bertrand was also a passionate advocate for women’s health, specifically focusing on raising awareness about gynecological cancers. She founded the Give Love Give Life organization, an initiative that organized benefit concerts to raise funds and public consciousness. These concerts aimed to support the Women’s Cancer Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, contributing to advancements in research and treatment for these devastating diseases. Bertrand and John Trudell also collaborated on a benefit concert for Afghan women refugees, further underscoring her broad commitment to humanitarian aid and advocacy.
Personal life and relationships
Marcheline Bertrand’s personal life was marked by significant relationships and a profound connection with her children. Her marriage to actor Jon Voight brought forth their two children, Angelina and James Haven, who would both go on to have successful careers in the film industry. After her marriage to Voight, Bertrand entered into a relationship with poet and activist John Trudell, a union that also influenced her life and work. Her role as a mother was central to her identity, and her influence on Angelina Jolie, in particular, was immense and enduring.
Marcheline Bertrand’s impact on Angelina Jolie
The bond between Marcheline Bertrand and her daughter, Angelina Jolie, was exceptionally strong and deeply influential. Bertrand instilled in Jolie a sense of compassion, a commitment to humanitarianism, and a profound appreciation for life. This maternal guidance shaped Jolie’s worldview and her own philanthropic endeavors, particularly her extensive work with the United Nations Refugee Agency. The middle name “Marcheline” given to Jolie’s own daughter is a poignant testament to the enduring love and respect she held for her mother.
Angelina Jolie recalls her mother’s battle with cancer
Angelina Jolie has spoken openly and movingly about her mother’s courageous battle with cancer. Marcheline Bertrand passed away in 2007 from complications of ovarian and breast cancer, a devastating loss that profoundly affected the family. Jolie has shared that her mother’s experience taught her the importance of looking beyond the illness itself and truly understanding the person. This wisdom, gained through immense personal pain, guided Jolie’s own proactive approach to her health, leading her to undergo genetic testing and preventive surgeries after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.
The tragic loss: death and legacy
The passing of Marcheline Bertrand in 2007 marked a profound loss, not only for her family but also for the humanitarian causes she championed. Her death from complications related to ovarian and breast cancer cast a shadow, but her legacy continued to inspire and motivate. The circumstances of her illness and passing underscored the critical need for increased awareness and research into these devastating diseases.
Ovarian and breast cancer: a devastating loss
Marcheline Bertrand’s life was tragically cut short by ovarian and breast cancer in 2007. She passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, leaving behind a grieving family. The fact that her own mother and sister also died of cancer cast a somber light on her personal history and undoubtedly contributed to her later activism. This devastating familial history highlighted the aggressive nature of these diseases and the urgent need for advancements in their prevention, detection, and treatment.
Honoring Marcheline: family and foundation
Marcheline Bertrand’s memory lives on through the enduring love of her family and the continued impact of her humanitarian work. Her daughter, Angelina Jolie, has ensured her mother’s legacy is honored through various means, including naming her daughter Marcheline in her memory. Furthermore, the foundations Bertrand helped establish, such as the All Tribes Foundation and Give Love Give Life, continue to operate, carrying forward her mission of supporting vulnerable communities and raising critical awareness about health issues. Her commitment to making the world a better place serves as a powerful and lasting tribute.
Leave a Reply