Angelina Jolie’s recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was a rare and memorable moment, marking her first late-night talk show interview in over a decade. The actress, known for her poise and elegance, surprised viewers and the audience alike by stepping onto the stage barefoot. Dressed in a stunning black gown, Jolie quickly became the topic of conversation as Fallon joked about her missing footwear. Laughing, she explained, “No, I broke my toe yesterday. I tried to find a comfortable shoe, but I just decided to not.” Her dark pedicure added a touch of polish to the unconventional look, which highlighted her ability to embrace imperfection with confidence and humor.
Jolie admitted that returning to the talk show circuit was a challenge for her, revealing that such appearances make her uneasy. “I get very nervous on talk shows. I get very uncomfortable, and I haven’t done one for, like, a decade,” she said, earning applause for her honesty. Despite her discomfort, the Oscar winner showcased her natural charm while discussing her latest Netflix film, Maria. The project has already garnered significant praise, including standing ovations at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, further cementing Jolie’s reputation as a powerhouse in Hollywood.
The conversation turned personal as Jolie opened up about her family life. She shares six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne—with her ex-husband Brad Pitt. When asked about whether her children might follow in their parents’ footsteps, Jolie revealed that they prefer to stay out of the limelight. “My kids, I think some of them want to work off-camera, behind the scenes, but they really, really want to be private,” she said. She added that Shiloh, in particular, values privacy the most. The actress defended her children’s choice to avoid the public eye, noting, “It wasn’t their choice [to be famous]. Some people are more comfortable with the public, and some people are not.”
Jolie also shared unexpected details about her life before acting. Fallon, curious about longstanding rumors, asked if she had once considered becoming a funeral director. Jolie confirmed with a smile, explaining how a family loss inspired her to think about improving how funerals are conducted. “Doesn’t it make sense, though?” she joked. This thoughtful, if unconventional, career path reflects Jolie’s empathetic nature and ability to find purpose in life’s more challenging moments. Another surprising fact emerged as she revealed that she is a licensed pilot, a skill she shares with her eldest son, Maddox, who is also training to become one. “I am a pilot, and my son Maddox is a pilot now too,” she said, her pride evident.
This rare talk show appearance offered a glimpse into the multifaceted life of Angelina Jolie. Whether embracing vulnerability on national television, celebrating her family’s individuality, or championing artistic integrity with her latest film, Jolie remains a figure who captivates and inspires. Her barefoot moment was more than just a quirky anecdote; it was a testament to her authenticity and willingness to walk her own path, even in the polished world of Hollywood. As anticipation builds for the release of Maria, Jolie continues to prove that she is far more than a star—she is a true icon.
More On Culture