Angelina Jolie gives rare insight into working with her children, says she's 'just mom' around them

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Angelina Jolie continues to put motherhood at the center of her life as her six children grow into adulthood, discussing their interests, experiences on film sets, and her role as a mother during an exclusive interview with L’Officiel.

Jolie also reflected on supporting her children as individuals, respecting their separate lives and ambitions, while sharing her excitement about travelling, pursuing field work and reconnecting with the world as an empty-nester.

Angelina Jolie supports her children’s individual paths 

Jolie, who shares six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt, opened up about her sons’ interest in film and their experiences working alongside her. Her children include sons Maddox, 25, and Pax, 22, daughters Zahara, 21, and Shiloh, 20, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 18.

Speaking about Maddox and Pax, Jolie said that anyone interested in working in film should become part of the crew, do the hard work, and understand the different departments. She explained that both sons have worked on a few films in that way, while also pursuing other interests.

“Maddox is focusing on being a pilot, and Pax has his photography, but I think he does have an interest in film,” Jolie said. She added that while it is nice for her to be around her sons, she remains “just Mom” who wants to be close to her family.

'The Eternals' actress also discussed how each of her children has developed into an individual. Jolie said that they are “definitely individuals” and that this makes her “very proud.” She explained that parents should support their children while also avoiding getting in the way of their separate lives and potential.

“As a parent, you try to do many things, but you also try to not get in the way of this human being who has a life separate from yours and so much potential in their own mind,” she said. “You want to make sure that you support them.”

Angelina Jolie looks forward to life beyond motherhood

Elsewhere in the interview, Jolie spoke about what she is excited to do now that her children are adults and she is an empty-nester. She said she is looking forward to “more connection and community” and does not see herself spending time vacationing or shopping.

Instead, Jolie said she envisions more fieldwork, more travel, and being out in the world. She also mentioned wanting to get her motorcycle back and return to flying.

“That’s definitely what my kids want!” Jolie said. She explained that her children "had Mom when Mom needed to be Mom," but now they would like her to call them from Tunisia after landing a plane to meet local artists.

Back in June, Jolie also spoke to Variety about how her six children supported her following a difficult period. “I think my fighting spirit is finally back,” she said. “I lost it for a bit. I got kind of taken down a little bit and it’s coming back in large part thanks to my children, who are now older, and encouraging it.”

Jolie added that her children want to see her travelling the world and doing things again. She said they know her “more than anybody” and still like her, adding that their encouragement has helped her return to aspects of herself she may not have felt as free to embrace.