Angelina’s Mom, Marcheline Bertrand Dies

Monday, January 29, 2007

Marcheline Bertrand died Saturday of ovarian cancer at the age of 56. Marcheline Bertrand was a model and actress with several small parts in films. But, she is probably best known as the mother of actress Angelina Jolie and director James Haven.

Marcheline Bertrand was born on May 9, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were of French Canadian and Native American decent (probably where Angelina Jolie gets her famous beauty).  She married actor Jon Voight on December 12, 1971.  The couple had two children, James Haven and Angelina Jolie, before separating in 1976 and divorcing in 1978.  At the time it was rumored that the divorce was the result of an extramarital affair being had by Voight. Angelina Jolie has had an estranged relationship with her father, Jon Voight, during the past several years.

At the beginning of her career, Marcheline Bertrand studied acting with the famous acting coach, Lee Strasberg. She had several small parts in films, most notably, “Looking to Get Out” in 1982 and “The Man Who Loved Women” in 1983. However, neither her acting nor her modeling career reached the heights enjoyed by her famous daughter, Angelina Jolie.

Marcheline Bertrand died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a 7 year battle with cancer. It is reported that her famous children were at her bedside when she died. It is expected that her family will be planning a private ceremony for their mom. The family are asking that flowers not be sent. Those who wish to pay their respects are being asked to make a donation to the Women’s Cancer Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She is survived by her son James Haven, her daughter Angelina Jolie, and her grandchildren, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt and Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt.