Marcheline Bertrand was born on May 9, 1950, in Blue Island, Illinois. She grew up in a loving family environment, which instilled in her a sense of compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Bertrand's upbringing set the foundation for her future work as an activist and philanthropist.
In her early twenties, Bertrand moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She studied under the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg, honing her craft and preparing for a future in the entertainment industry. In 1982, Bertrand made her film debut in "Lookin' to Get Out" and also appeared in an episode of the television series "Ironside."
Bertrand was married to actor Jon Voight for nine years, and the couple had two children together: Angelina Jolie and James Haven. Despite their divorce, Bertrand remained close to her children and continued to support them in their careers and personal lives.
After her marriage to Voight ended, Bertrand entered into long-lasting relationships with filmmaker Bill Day and author and activist John Trudell. These partnerships were significant in shaping Bertrand's perspective on the world and her dedication to social causes.
Throughout her life, Bertrand was deeply committed to making a difference in the world. She founded charities such as Give Love Give Life and the All Tribes Foundation, which aimed to support indigenous communities and raise awareness about important social issues.
In addition to her charitable work, Bertrand was a vocal advocate for women's rights and cancer awareness. Tragically, in her mid-fifties, she lost her battle with ovarian cancer, but her legacy lived on through the organizations she founded and the impact she had on those around her.
Marcheline Bertrand may be best known as the mother of Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie, but her own contributions to society should not be overlooked. As an actress, activist, and philanthropist, Bertrand dedicated her life to making the world a better place. Her passion, kindness, and commitment to social justice continue to inspire others to this day.