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Angelina Jolie Got Candid About First Getting Into Acting For Financial “Security” And To Help Her Mom Stay Out Of Debt

You know Angelina Jolie.

Angelina Jolie posing at a formal event
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

Since making her acting debut at just 8 years old, Angelina has starred in an array of hit Hollywood films.

A young Angelina Jolie in a frilly lace dress and pearls with her dad, Jon Voight, at a formal event
Fotos International / Getty Images

For context, Angelina played the daughter of her real-life father, Jon Voight, in the 1982 film Lookin’ to Get Out. She didn’t appear in another project until 1993, when she starred in Michael Schroeder’s Cyborg 2.

Of course, Angelina went on to play one of her most notable roles to date in the acclaimed 1999 film Girl, Interrupted — a performance that won the star her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

This week, Angelina looked back at the start of her iconic career during the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Angelina Jolie at a film festival in an elegant satin dress
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

While partaking in a Q&A at the event, Angelina — who was presented with the Maltin Modern Master Award in honor of her film accomplishments — revealed the real reason that she first got into acting.

Angelina Jolie seated on stage in conversation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival

“I didn’t start acting ‘cause I really, really wanted to be an actor,” she began.

Angelina Jolie holding a microphone at Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Rebecca Sapp / Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival

“I started because I wanted to help my mom,” she shared, referring to Marcheline Bertrand.

Angelina Jolie standing on stage at an awards show
Michael Caulfield Archive / WireImage

“I needed to work to help my mom,” Angelina explained. “And so it was like, We got a job. I could get an apartment one day. We’re gonna not be in debt.”

Angelina Jolie in elegant dark gown holding an Oscar
Jim Smeal / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“It was just about work and security,” she added.

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Can you think of other celebs who opened up about getting into acting to help their parents out financially? I’ll go first: Cole Sprouse previously revealed that he and his twin brother, Dylan, were “put into acting” by their mom when they were just 8 months old because she “needed money.” Per Business Insider, he said in a now-deleted clip, “I never made the decision to join the arts or acting specifically. And so it was never really my passion.” Feel free to drop other examples down below in the comments.

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