Angelina Jolie forms 'strong bond' with 'special' 21-year-old actor Jason Schmidt

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Angelina Jolie, 49, has been linked with new acquaintances this year, including UK rapper Akala, who has been spotted alongside her during her global promotional tour for her latest film, 'Maria'.

But now, there’s a new figure in Jolie’s life, and according to a source for the Daily Mail, he’s become someone “special” to her.

This person is Jason Schmidt, a 21-year-old actor featured in the Broadway adaptation of her musical, 'The Outsiders'.

Jason Schmidt performs in Angelina Jolie's 'private concert' for friends

In addition to spending time with Jason Schmidt, who is younger than Angelina Jolie's 23-year-old son Maddox. Jolie showcased the young actor at her Atelier Jolie craft shop in New York City earlier this month.

Schmidt’s appearance at the shop was a special event, with the actor performing a “private concert” for friends, while Jolie and her 19-year-old son, Pax, were among the attendees.

Although their relationship is not believed to be romantic, Jolie and Schmidt according to the publication a “strong bond,” with the actress appreciating "how talented and keen he is about the arts."

Jason Schmidt expresses appreciation for Angelina Jolie 

Jason Schmidt expressed his appreciation afterward the award ceremony, sharing on Instagram that it was a “beautiful night.”

The Atelier Jolie Instagram page also highlighted Schmidt’s performance, writing, “Atelier Jolie welcomed Jason Schmidt, known for his role in Broadway’s 'The Outsiders', for an intimate private concert with close friends and family."

"The actor and singer-songwriter debuted his latest single, 'Growing Up', in a heartfelt set that showcased his musical artistry. Best known for bringing depth and warmth to his characters, Jason is now embarking on a new chapter, carving out a path with his music.”

"Join us in congratulating Jason and give his new single a listen...," the post concluded. 

Jason Schmidt shines in 'The Outsiders' Broadway hit

Jason Schmidt stars in 'The Outsiders' musical, based on SE Hinton’s 1967 novel. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, portrayed by Brody Grant in the Broadway production, and his encounters with rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma.

Schmidt plays Ponyboy’s second-oldest brother, Sodapop Curtis, a role that earned high praise and contributed to the musical’s four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The young actor has been thrilled to work under Jolie’s guidance and appreciates the unique opportunity it has provided.

“It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Schmidt shared with Teen Vogue, in September, referring to his collaboration with Jolie on the production.

Jason Schmidt starred in Paramount+ series 'Grease'

Originally from the suburbs of Illinois, Jason Schmidt discovered his love for theater at age nine while performing in a local community production.

"The community theater was doing Les Mis," he told the publication, although didn't want to continue as he loved basketball and viewed theater as just "fun and for friends."

After portraying Marius in 'Les Miserables' and collaborating with director Matt Silar, who would later become his mentor, Schmidt developed a passion for theater.

He later attended Carnegie Mellon University for theater studies, but he left during his junior year to join the cast of 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies', where he played Buddy Aldridge in the Paramount+ series that premiered in April 2023.

Reflecting on the experience, Schmidt noted, “Grease gave me perspective ‘cause a lot of people were giving us the talk saying, ‘This is going to be huge, get ready for your life to change,’ that type of thing.”

Jason Schmidt is into music too!

Apart from acting, Jason Schmidt has been focused on music, recently releasing his single, 'Growing Up'.

Reflecting on the song’s message, Schmidt shared, “Matt used to tell me this phrase a lot: ‘Growing up is missing someone everywhere you go,’” he said.

“In each of these things that I’m doing—Grease, Outsiders, music, and moving to these different cities—I meet all these beautiful people, I fall in love with them, and then I move on to the next thing," he said.

"The moving itself, I’m figuring it out—How do I stay connected to people?” Schmidt wondered.

“I think it honestly has a lot to do with choosing the right people because, with my best friends, I don’t necessarily call them or text them a lot," he said, before adding "I think I struggle with being a little lonely but I’ve learned to invest in the people that are here and trust the journey that I’m on," during the Vogue interview.