Pax Jolie-Pitt: A Journey from Vietnam to Hollywood

Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt has often lived in the shadow of his famous parents, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. His life, from his humble beginnings in Vietnam to his status as part of one of Hollywood’s most talked-about families, has been marked by significant challenges, family drama, and personal growth. Now at 20 years old, Pax is beginning to carve out his own identity, away from the limelight cast by his parents, while sharing his perspective on the journey that has shaped his life.

Early Life in Vietnam

Pax was born on November 29, 2003, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Pham Thi Thanh Dong, a woman struggling with heroin addiction. His early days were marked by difficulties—just two days after his birth, Pax was diagnosed with a liver condition. Unable to care for him, his mother made the painful decision to leave him at the Tam Binh orphanage. Here, Pax spent his early childhood in a crowded environment with limited resources, sharing a small room and an iron bed with other children. The orphanage provided basic care, but the lack of individual attention and proper medical care made life challenging for Pax.

Despite these hardships, Pax’s early experiences forged a resilience that would help him later in life. His time at the orphanage, confined to a small space with no personal freedom, left a lasting impact on his outlook and personality.

Adoption by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

In 2007, Pax’s life took a dramatic turn when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, one of the world’s most famous couples, decided to adopt him. By then, Jolie had already adopted two other children: Maddox from Cambodia and Zahara from Ethiopia. Known for her humanitarian work, Jolie was committed to providing loving homes for children from around the world. Pax was chosen for adoption, despite his early medical problems, as he was considered relatively healthy compared to many other children in Vietnam available for adoption, many of whom had more serious health issues, such as HIV.

On March 15, 2007, Pax officially became part of the Jolie-Pitt family, with his new name—Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt—representing a new beginning. “Pax” means “peace” in Latin, and “Thien” translates to “sky” in Vietnamese, symbolizing hope and a fresh start.

However, Pax’s transition into his new life was not without its challenges. After spending over three years in the orphanage, Pax suddenly found himself in a world of privilege, freedom, and opportunity. The adjustment was difficult, with Pax struggling to adapt to his new surroundings. Angelina Jolie once described Pax as a “tough, remarkable little person,” acknowledging the strength he had developed from his early years in the orphanage.

Connection to Vietnamese Heritage

Angelina Jolie has always placed great importance on keeping her adopted children connected to their cultural roots. In 2011, just four years after adopting Pax, the Jolie-Pitt family traveled to Vietnam. This trip allowed Pax to reconnect with his birthplace and better understand his Vietnamese heritage. Jolie has also made efforts to honor each of her children’s backgrounds by placing flags from their respective countries in their rooms, fostering a sense of pride in their cultural identities.

A Growing Interest in Film and the Arts

As Pax grew older, he began to develop his own interests, particularly in the world of filmmaking. Although he was raised in a family surrounded by actors, Pax was more interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film industry. His first foray into the entertainment world came in 2014, when he made a brief appearance in his mother’s film Maleficent. While the role was minor, it was a significant step for Pax as he began to explore his creative potential.

In 2016, Pax voiced the character Yoo in the animated film Kung Fu Panda 3, in which his mother also reprised her role as Tigress. This project allowed Pax to further indulge his interest in the arts. The following year, Pax worked behind the scenes on the film First They Killed My Father, a historical drama based on a memoir by Loung Ung about surviving the Khmer Rouge regime. Pax, along with his brother Maddox, assisted Angelina Jolie with various tasks during production. This marked a turning point in his journey, as he became more involved in filmmaking, reflecting a growing passion for the creative arts.

Family Drama and Strained Relationships

Despite his budding career and creative interests, Pax’s personal life has been significantly affected by the tumultuous relationship between his parents. In 2016, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce quickly became a public spectacle, and allegations of abuse surfaced, particularly concerning an incident on a private jet involving Brad Pitt and Maddox. Although no charges were filed, the FBI and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services launched investigations into the allegations, which cast a shadow over Pitt’s relationship with his children.

The fallout from the divorce took a toll on Pax, as his relationship with his father grew increasingly strained. Over time, Pax and his older brother Maddox distanced themselves from Pitt, with Pax reportedly criticizing his father publicly. In June 2020, Pax allegedly posted a harsh statement on social media, accusing Pitt of being abusive and causing harm to the family. Though the post was shared privately, it was leaked to the media, further highlighting the tense dynamic between Pax and his father.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

In recent years, Pax has faced personal challenges of his own. In May 2023, Pax was involved in a minor car accident when his Tesla collided with a parked truck. Though no one was hurt, and Pax only received a warning from the police, the incident was a cause for concern. A few months later, Pax was hospitalized after crashing his electric bike, sustaining injuries to his head. These accidents have raised questions about Pax’s well-being, with some speculating that he might be going through a difficult emotional period.