Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most well-known figures, not only for her acclaimed acting career but also for her philanthropic efforts, particularly her dedication to adoption and humanitarian causes.
Among the most significant moments in her life was the adoption of her first child, Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie-Pitt. Maddox’s adoption story is deeply intertwined with Jolie’s journey toward motherhood, and it has captured the attention of millions of people around the world.
In this article, we will explore the story of Maddox’s adoption, delve into the timeline of events, and answer the key question: How old was Maddox when Angelina Jolie adopted him?
A Look Back at Angelina Jolie’s Adoption Journey
Angelina Jolie’s journey into motherhood began in the early 2000s, a period in which she was already an international film star. However, her role as a humanitarian was just beginning to take shape. Jolie had long been involved in charity work, particularly with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and had traveled to countries where children faced dire conditions due to poverty, war, and conflict. These experiences had a profound impact on her and led to a decision that would change her life forever.
Jolie’s interest in adoption grew out of her travels. She had witnessed the deep struggles faced by children living in refugee camps and felt a strong desire to make a difference. She initially felt that adopting a child from a war-torn country could be an incredibly meaningful way to help, and it was during one of these trips that she first encountered a young child who would change her life.
The Adoption of Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie-Pitt
Maddox Chivan Thornton was born on August 5, 2001, in Cambodia. He was born to a Cambodian mother who, for reasons that have remained private, was unable to care for him. At the time of his birth, Maddox’s future was uncertain, and he spent his early years in a Cambodian orphanage.
Angelina Jolie first met Maddox in 2002, during her mission to Cambodia on behalf of the United Nations. She was there to visit orphanages and to see firsthand the conditions of children living in the country.
During her visit, she met a young boy named Maddox, who had caught her attention. It didn’t take long for Jolie to develop a strong bond with Maddox, and after careful consideration, she decided to adopt him.
The adoption process was not without its challenges, but in 2002, Angelina officially became Maddox’s mother. The adoption was finalized in March of that year, and Maddox became the first of many children who would eventually call Angelina Jolie “Mom.”
How Old Was Maddox When Angelina Adopted Him?
Maddox was just seven months old when Angelina Jolie adopted him in 2002. Born in August 2001, Maddox was a tiny infant at the time, and his early months had been spent in a Cambodian orphanage. Jolie’s decision to adopt him at such a young age was in line with her desire to give him the opportunity for a better life. She had already formed a deep emotional connection with him by the time the adoption was finalized, and the decision to become his mother was one she made with great care.
Maddox’s adoption was a significant moment in Angelina’s life, as it marked the beginning of her role as a mother to children from different parts of the world. The adoption also sparked a broader conversation about international adoption, and Jolie’s choice to adopt from Cambodia was praised for bringing attention to the plight of children in impoverished countries.
Maddox’s Early Life with Angelina
After his adoption, Maddox moved to the United States with Angelina Jolie. He quickly became an integral part of her life and family. Jolie was determined to provide him with a stable, loving home, and she made sure to involve him in every aspect of her life. Despite her hectic career and the constant attention she received from the media, she was dedicated to raising Maddox with love and care.
Jolie often spoke about her relationship with Maddox in interviews. She described him as a joyful, energetic child who had a natural curiosity about the world. As he grew older, Maddox was frequently seen by his mother’s side during her public appearances, and he even made appearances at red carpet events with his family.
In the years that followed, Maddox became a big brother. He was instrumental in helping his mother raise his siblings, including Zahara, Pax, Shiloh, and the twins Vivienne and Knox. His bond with his siblings was clear to see, and as the Jolie-Pitt family grew, so did their love and support for one another.
The Role of Maddox in Angelina’s Life
Maddox’s adoption was a transformative moment for both him and Angelina Jolie. For Jolie, becoming a mother to Maddox helped to deepen her understanding of the world and her role as a humanitarian.
She often spoke about the lessons she had learned from adopting Maddox, and how being a mother had given her a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility toward the world’s children.
For Maddox, his life with Angelina meant being raised in a secure and loving environment. While his biological family was not part of his life, Jolie did everything in her power to ensure that Maddox had the opportunities to thrive. She provided him with the best education, the chance to travel the world, and the support to pursue his own interests.
Maddox was an important part of Angelina’s humanitarian efforts as well. In 2003, Angelina took him on a trip to Cambodia to see his birthplace, and this was a pivotal moment in Maddox’s life. During that trip, Maddox met his birth family, and it was a deeply emotional experience for both him and his mother. The experience of visiting his homeland, meeting his birth family, and seeing the conditions in which he had been raised helped shape Maddox into a compassionate and thoughtful individual.
Maddox’s Life as A Teenager And Beyond
Maddox’s life has continued to evolve as he has grown older. He is now a young adult, and while he has generally kept a low profile, he has been involved in various projects and pursuits. Maddox, who once lived in the spotlight, has matured into a young man with a desire to chart his own path.
In 2020, Maddox made headlines when he enrolled at Yonsei University in South Korea, where he pursued a degree in biochemistry. This was a significant milestone for Maddox, as it marked his transition into adulthood and his focus on academic and professional goals.
Throughout his teenage years, Maddox’s relationship with his mother remained strong, with Angelina supporting him in his endeavors. While he has chosen to live a relatively private life, Maddox has made it clear that he is deeply connected to his family, especially his mother, who has been a guiding force in his life.
Conclusion
Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie-Pitt was just seven months old when Angelina Jolie adopted him in 2002. Since that time, Maddox has grown into a young man with a strong sense of purpose, and he continues to share a special bond with his mother and siblings. Angelina’s decision to adopt Maddox was a defining moment in her life, and it set the stage for her future humanitarian work and adoption efforts.
Maddox’s story is a testament to the power of love and family, as well as the incredible impact that adoption can have on the lives of both children and parents. His adoption at such a young age marked the beginning of a new chapter for both him and Angelina Jolie, and it remains one of the most touching and important moments in her life.
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