After Leaving Hollywood Behind, Angelina Jolie’s Brother Finds Solace in Faith — Family Reunion in the Works, Insider Reveals

Angelina Jolie sparked public interest in 2000 when she kissed her lookalike brother. The siblings have always shared a strong bond, supporting each other through a difficult childhood and the loss of their mother. However, their relationship has diminished over the years, and they haven’t been seen together in public recently.

Angelina Jolie is accustomed to media attention, frequently appearing in headlines due to her turbulent divorce from Brad Pitt and their ongoing custody battle over their six children. She has been featured in news outlets countless times.

Angelina Jolie attends “The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford” premiere during day 5 of the 64th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on September 2, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

In 2000, Angelina Jolie captured media attention by kissing her brother, James Haven, on the lips. This public display of affection highlighted their close bond, which has existed since childhood as they faced their father’s anger together.

Angelina Jolie and James Haven at the 72nd Annual Academy Awards – Arrival on March 26, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

James Haven has spoken about their father, Jon Voight, describing him as having a temper and often criticizing his children’s faults instead of acknowledging their strengths. After their parents’ divorce in 1976, Angelina Jolie and Haven developed a strong bond.

James Haven and Angelina Jolie spotted in Los Angeles on March 25, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

James Haven recalled that he and Angelina Jolie stood up to their father and became protective of their mother. After years of a strained relationship with Jon Voight, Haven has few positive memories of him.

Jaime Haven Voight, Angelina Jolie, and Jon Voight file photo, dated January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

While Angelina Jolie and James Haven remained close after their mother’s death, their relationship began to decline when Haven took on the role of a full-time nanny for Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children.

James Haven described their father, Jon Voight, as a difficult man, and years of enduring his anger left him with a negative view of him. Fortunately, Haven and Angelina Jolie supported each other through these challenges and maintained their closeness into adulthood.

James Haven and Angelina Jolie at the after-party for the premiere of “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life” in Los Angeles, California on July 21, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

The kiss that drew significant attention occurred when Angelina Jolie won the Oscar for her role in Girl, Interrupted. As her name was announced, she gave her brother, James Haven, a big kiss on the lips. During her acceptance speech, she expressed her love for him, saying, “I am just so in love with my brother! He just held me and said he loved me… Jamie, you’re just… I have nothing without you.”

Angelina Jolie and James Haven at the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards – red carpet on January 24, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

How Jolie and Haven Banded Together

Angelina Jolie and her brother, James Haven, formed a strong bond from a young age, supporting each other through various challenges in their lives. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, they faced their father’s temper and the emotional fallout of their parents’ divorce in 1976, which only strengthened their connection.

Angelina Jolie and Brother James Haven (Photo by S. Granitz/WireImage)

Throughout their childhood, they became protective of their mother and stood up against their father’s outbursts. This shared experience of navigating family difficulties laid the foundation for their close relationship as adults. Even after their mother’s passing, they relied on one another for support, with James often being a confidant for Angelina during her career and personal challenges.

Angelina Jolie and James Haven in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Their bond was publicly highlighted during key moments, such as when Angelina won the Oscar for Girl, Interrupted. The affectionate kiss they shared on stage showcased their deep love for each other. James’s presence in Angelina’s life, including his role as a nanny for her children with Brad Pitt, reflected their ongoing commitment to family and support for one another.

Angelina Jolie and James Haven at the “Alexander” world premiere after party on November 16, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Despite some challenges in their relationship, including shifts in dynamics due to James’s involvement in Angelina’s family life, the siblings have continued to stand by each other, demonstrating the resilience of their bond forged through shared experiences and mutual love.

Marcheline Bertrand and Angelina Jolie at LAX on August 4, 1998. | Source: Getty Images

The Decline of Jolie and Haven’s Relationship

While Angelina Jolie and James Haven shared a strong bond throughout their childhood and into adulthood, their relationship began to decline in the years following their mother’s death. Several factors contributed to this change.

Marcheline Bertrand and Angelina Jolie at LAX on August 4, 1998. | Source: Getty Images

Professional Involvement: James Haven took on the role of a full-time nanny for Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children. While this arrangement initially seemed beneficial, it complicated their sibling relationship. The shift from being protective siblings to navigating professional boundaries likely created strain, altering the dynamics they had previously enjoyed.

Personal Struggles: As both siblings dealt with their personal challenges, including the pressures of fame and family responsibilities, they found themselves increasingly distanced from one another. Jolie’s rise in Hollywood brought its own set of challenges, which may have affected their connection.

  1. Public Scrutiny: Their close bond, which was once celebrated, also faced intense public scrutiny. Media attention on their relationship, especially following the Oscar kiss, may have added pressure and expectations that were difficult to manage.
  2. Different Paths: Over time, Jolie and Haven appeared to take different paths in their lives. While Jolie focused on her acting career and humanitarian efforts, Haven’s role as a caretaker and his own career trajectory may have created a divergence in their priorities and lifestyles.

Despite the decline, both Jolie and Haven have expressed love and affection for each other, indicating that while their relationship may have evolved, the foundational bond they formed as children remains significant.

James Haven at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 11, 2002 | Source: Getty Images

James Haven’s Return to Christianity and Life in Recent Years

In recent years, James Haven has made headlines for his renewed commitment to Christianity, reflecting a significant shift in his life and priorities. This spiritual journey has provided him with a sense of purpose and direction, helping him navigate the complexities of his past and family dynamics.

Spiritual Awakening: Haven’s return to Christianity appears to be a transformative experience for him. He has spoken about finding solace and strength in his faith, which has helped him cope with the challenges he has faced, including his strained relationship with his father, Jon Voight.

Focus on Family: In light of his spiritual journey, Haven has expressed a desire to strengthen family ties. Although he and Angelina Jolie have drifted apart over the years, he has emphasized the importance of family support and connection, indicating a willingness to reconnect if the opportunity arises.

James Haven nd Jon Voight at the 9th installment of “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World” on June 3, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

ife Outside the Spotlight: Unlike his sister, Haven has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight. He has taken a more private approach to life, focusing on personal growth and spirituality rather than maintaining a public persona. This choice has allowed him to cultivate a more grounded lifestyle.

Community Involvement: James has also engaged with community and church activities, finding fulfillment in giving back and helping others. His commitment to his faith has driven him to participate in initiatives that align with his values and beliefs.

Reflections on the Past: Through his faith, Haven has gained a new perspective on his upbringing and family history. He has reflected on the challenges he faced growing up, particularly regarding his relationship with Voight, and how these experiences have shaped his identity and values.

Overall, James Haven’s return to Christianity and his life in recent years signify a profound personal transformation, focusing on faith, family, and community while stepping back from the public eye.