• Angelina Jolie promotes her new film in Venice
  • Amid ongoing divorce saga with Brad Pitt
  • She sets boundaries in candid interview

In the lush surroundings of her $25 million Los Feliz mansion, Angelina Jolie, Hollywood's quintessential icon, gets real about life, love, and the limelight. "No," was her crisp reply when probed about the current state of her divorce from Brad Pitt, signaling a no-go zone on the topic. But it's not just her marital status that's off-limits; Jolie is fiercely protective of her family's privacy, especially after her son Pax's harrowing e-bike incident.

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Hollywood to homebody: Jolie's new normal

Gone are the days when Jolie's life was an open book. "The audience's relationship is different," she muses, reflecting on the evolution of celebrity culture. With a long hiatus behind her, Jolie is navigating the tricky waters of what to share and what to safeguard. Yet, despite the scrutiny, she's planning a future that's less about Tinseltown and more about tranquility.

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Jolie's roots run deep in Los Angeles, but her heart is set on broader horizons. "I am here because I have to be here from a divorce, but as soon as they're 18, I'll be able to leave," she reveals, hinting at a globe-trotting future with Cambodia high on her list. With her six children - Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne - growing more independent, Jolie envisions a life filled with travel and humanitarian work.

A circle of trust: Jolie's inner sanctum

When it comes to friendships, Jolie keeps her circle tight. The loss of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, and past betrayals have taught her the value of a few close connections over a wide social net. Among her nearest and dearest? Loung Ung, human rights activist and author, standing out as a pillar of support.

Despite taking a step back to focus on her family and healing post-divorce, Jolie is ready to embrace her creative side once more. "They're a bit older, getting more independent," she says of her children, signaling a return to acting and directing. Yet, it's her late-night writing sessions, when the world sleeps, that bring her solace and inspiration.

More about Angelina Jolie:

Jolie's journey, marked by both personal struggles and professional triumphs, has fostered a unique bond with her audience. From tackling roles that mirror her own battles to facing life's curveballs, she finds solace in shared experiences, proving that even in the glare of the spotlight, genuine connections can flourish.