Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, and Shiloh, made headlines recently as it was revealed that they have adopted new names. This decision to change their names garnered significant reactions among fans and followers of the Hollywood star and his family.
Zahara Seemingly Drops Last Name
Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the eldest daughter of Hollywood’s former power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has embarked on a new chapter in her life as an official member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha organization at Spelman College in Atlanta. This has also come with a notable drop of the name “Pitt.”
In a captivating video shared by Essence, Zahara’s infectious energy and enthusiasm were on full display as she introduced herself during her sorority’s probate.
Dressed in a stylish black midi dress, gloves, and pearls, she proudly declared, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California. I am this line’s number seven.”
Fans expressed their thoughts regarding the missing “Pitt” from her name during this significant moment. One commenter expressed disappointment, noting, “That’s a shame seeing as how life could have been different for her, and he played a part in changing her life for the better.” Another fan questioned the scrutiny aimed at Brad, asking, “Why are they giving Brad such a hard time?”
Another comment urged caution, stating, “I just hope this young lady is making decisions based on her own reality because to reject a parent is a BIG DEAL and should not be influenced by other people’s experiences or recollections.”
As she begins this new chapter in her life, it’s clear that Zahara’s name choice is eliciting thoughtful reflections on the complexities of family dynamics after her parents’ divorce.
Vivienne Changes Name Amid Parents’ Legal Feud — Report
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is one of the twins of Angelina and Brad. When the twins were born in 2008, Brad was “very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional,” said OB/GYN Dr. Michel Sussman.
Now 15, Vivienne is exploring her artistic side with her mom’s strong support. According to People, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” lists her as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marks a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.
In the musical, Vivienne Jolie works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. She often joins her mom during the musical’s promotional tour.
In a recent appearance on “Today,” she was spotted watching Angelina from the crowd. Reflecting on her daughter’s role in the musical, Angelina shared that Vivienne’s enthusiasm for the project is driven by its focus on family.
The veteran actress said, “And the same reason it responded to her, the same reason she wanted me next to her watching it, the same reason we all hugged when I came out here is because this is about family and it’s about community…”
Before the promotional tour, the mother-daughter pair were spotted attending the musical’s preview in New York City. This rare outing marked a significant public appearance for Vivienne, her first since 2021, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
Vivienne’s reported name change and recent public appearances highlight the evolving dynamics of the Jolie-Pitt family, especially after a third child, Shiloh, chose to follow in the footsteps of Zahara and Vivienne.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Turned 18 and Unveiled Her New Moniker
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, who turned 18 on May 27, has filed legal documents to drop her father Brad’s surname and use her mother, Angelina’s surname. She now wishes to be known simply as “Shiloh Jolie,” making this one of her first actions as an adult.
TMZ recently reported that Shiloh filed the paperwork on Memorial Day, which coincided with her birthday. The request for the name change has yet to be officially granted, but it is expected to be a matter of time before it becomes official.
Shiloh’s decision follows a trend within the family, as her sisters, Vivienne and Zahara, have also reportedly omitted “Pitt” on separate occasions. These changes in the children’s names come amid court documents suggesting Angelina may have influenced their strained relationship with Brad.
Recent claims against the actress surfaced through a statement from Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided personal protection for Angelina. Webb, employed under Jolie from 2000 to 2020, shared insights from his experience.
“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.
“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.
This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.
“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”
One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”
The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.
Besides Vivienne, Shiloh, and Zahara, Angelina is a mother to Knox, Pax, and Maddox. She shares all of them with Brad and despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina Jolie has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom, Marcheline Bertrand.
In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.
She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.
Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.
15 Celebrities That Are Descendants of Great Historical Figures
Families can be a bit confusing. And not just when it comes to behavior and relationships, but also when it comes to bloodlines. Today, many companies use genetics to trace your ancestors, all the way back to many generations. These very companies have researched famous celebrities and found out some surprising facts about their antecedents.
Bright Side delved into just a handful of these celebrities and found some relationships. Enough for us to exclaim that history truly repeats itself.
1. Beyoncé Knowles is the 25th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
Beyoncé Knowles, well known for being music royalty, has royal blood running in her veins too. She is the 25th cousin to Queen Elizabeth, once removed since they both share King Henry II as a common ancestor.
2. Angelina Jolie has lineage from King Phillip II of France.
King Phillip II of France ruled from 1180 to 1223 and is known to have brought financial stability to his country. He also increased the royal coffers. Actress Angelina Jolie carries French royal blood considering she is a direct descendant of Philip II. Strangely enough, she played Queen Olympias in the 2004 movie Alexander, opposite Val Kilmer’s Phillip II, only this was Phillip II of Macedonia.
3. Brad Pitt is a descendant of King Henry II of England.
Brad Pitt is no less royal either. He can trace his ancestry back to King Henry II of England, who ruled from 1154 until his death in 1189. Coincidentally, King Henry II’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was first married to French royalty, making Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie somewhat predestined to a failed marriage. This also makes Pitt a 25th cousin, twice removed, to Queen Elizabeth.
4. Jane Austen is Anna Chancellor’s great-aunt.
In 1995, Anna Chancellor starred as Caroline Bingley in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice BBC Miniseries. But she has a deeper connection to Jane Austen as well. The highly venerated author is an 8-time great aunt to Chancellor.
5. H.H. Asquith is Helena Bonham Carter’s great-grandfather.
Helena Bonham Carter is best known for her off-the-beaten-path roles, like that of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. But she comes from illustrious family background. Herbert Henry Asquith, the Prime Minister of the UK from 1908 to 1916, was her paternal great-grandfather. She is also related to Jane Austen, and subsequently to Anna Chancellor.
6. Harry Lloyd is a descendant of Charles Dickens.
Harry Lloyd, who plays Viserys Targaryen in Game of Thrones is the great-great-great-grandson of the famous Charles Dickens, the author. Lloyd’s mother, Marion is the descendant of the seventh child of Dickens, Henry Fielding Dickens, who in turn had 5 children.
7. Benedict Cumberbatch is the 16th cousin to King Richard III.
Benedict Cumberbatch is distantly related to King Richard III, who ruled England from 1452 to 1485. He was the last English king to have died during a battle, and later, there was a whole investigation into finding his remains, enough for a reburial. Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange in the Marvel movies, is the 16th cousin to the king. He also read a poem at his royal ancestor’s reburial.
8. King Henry I is the ancestor of Sigourney Weaver.
There seem to be many celebrities who can trace their lineage right back to English kings. King Henry I, who ruled from 1100 to his death in 1135 may have died without a male heir, but his bloodlines spread far and wide. Actress Sigourney Weaver, known for her role in Alien, is a descendant of Henry I, and this also makes her the 24th cousin of the Queen, once removed.
9. Jake Gyllenhaal has antecedents back to King Edward III.
King Edward III ruled the English from 1312 to 1377 and is known as a rather conventional king, who pursued warfare but could also show great clemency. There are many celebrities who can claim blood relations with him, including Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal. Others include Michael Douglas, Hillary Duff, and more.
10. Meghan Markle is related to William Shakespeare.
We know Meghan Markle is related to the British Royal Family, by way of her marrying Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. But she already has famous blood in her veins, considering she is cousins with the great playwright, William Shakespeare. Markle is a fifth cousin to the Bard, 12 times removed.
11. Ozzy Osbourne is related to Tsar Nicholas II, and more.
Then there is Ozzy Osbourne, and DNA might prove there is a method to his madness. Researchers say that the singer is not just a descendant of the Neanderthal man, but also a relative of outlaw Jesse James. But his claim to royal fame is with the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, whose entire family was wiped out in the revolution.
12. Cary Elwes is a descendant of infamous miser John Elwes.
Actor Cary Elwes is related to John Elwes. As a man, John Elwes may have been unremarkable except for the fact that he was an extreme miser. It is also alleged that he was Charles Dickens’s inspiration behind the miserly character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the classic A Christmas Carol.
13. The Deschanel sisters are related to Louis IV of France.
Zooey and Emily Deschanel have both made their names in Hollywood. Zooey is the star of the series New Girl, while Emily Deschanel was the heroine of Bones. And both can lay claim to royal French blood, all the way back to King Louis IV of France, who ruled from 936 to 954.
14. Anderson Cooper is Cornelius Vanderbilt’s great-grandson.
Anchor and host Anderson Cooper is the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the shipping and railroad magnate whose familial wealth was once more than the US treasury. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt was the granddaughter of Cornelius, but Cooper remembers deciding to start work early, considering the family fortunes were much diminished by the time he was in his teens.
15. Robert Pattinson is a descendant of Vlad the Impaler.
Robert Pattinson may have played the love-sick vampire, Edward Cullen, in the Twilight series, but he has a real-life blood connection to “Dracula.” Bram Stoker’s famous character was allegedly inspired by the Transylvania despot, Vlad the Impaler, and Pattinson is related to him, via the British royal family.
So which of these celebrity connections really caught your interest? Do you know of your family’s famous genealogical connections too?
Angelina Jolie’s relationship with her father, Jon Voight, has been complex and fraught with tension. However, they have managed to reconcile their differences, with Voight becoming a supportive figure in Jolie’s life, particularly during her divorce from Brad Pitt.
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