What You Never Knew About Zahara Jolie-Pitt

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt is the eldest daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Although she manages to keep a relatively low profile, the Ethiopian-born teen has plenty to boast about. From her global humanitarian work to her legendary style, this young powerhouse has achieved quite a lot — and she's just getting started.

Although she seems to be the perfect synthesis of her mom's best qualities, it's clear that Zahara has also grown into her own. In a 2020 Time 100 talk with climate activist Vanessa Nakate, Angelina Jolie poured over her love and admiration for her daughter (via People). The filmmaker said, "My daughter is from Ethiopia, one of my children ... and I have learned so much from her. She is my family, but she is an extraordinary African woman and her connection to her country, her continent, is her own, and it's something I only stand back in awe of."

Despite being known for her illustrious family ties, there is so much more to her story.

Zahara is known for her dazzling red carpet looks but in 2019, she sent fashion lovers into even more of a frenzy when she stepped out at the "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" premiere in gorgeous jewelry that she designed herself (via People). Her jewelry line, which she named the Zahara Collection, was a collaboration with Robert Procop, the famed jeweler who once designed Brangelina's engagement ring. The young jewelry designer's red carpet look showcased several pieces from her upcoming collection, including earrings, a bracelet, and an elegant citrine ring.

Best of all, Zahara chose to donate all of the proceeds from the Zahara Collection to charity, according to Hello Beautiful. House of Ruth Shelters, an organization that provides transitional housing for domestic abuse survivors, was the beneficiary. It seems that Zahara has certainly inherited her mom's eye for fashion, as well as her heart for philanthropy.

In a 2019 interview with People, Angelina Jolie revealed that none of her children are interested in acting. Of their future aspirations, she told the magazine, "None of my kids want to be actors. [They're into] business, humanitarian affairs, things like that."

Still, growing up so close to the industry has surely made an impression on the Jolie-Pitt kids. And over the years, a few of Angelina's multi-talented minis have tried dipping their toes into various aspects of showbiz. In 2017, Angelina's son Maddox Jolie-Pitt served as an executive producer on "First They Killed My Father," a film about the Cambodian genocide which took place in the 1970s. Pax Jolie-Pitt also worked on the project, acting as a set photographer. At just 2 years old, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt appeared in the 2008 film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Following in her big sister's footsteps, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt portrayed a young Aurora in 2014's "Maleficent."

In 2013, Zahara had her moment. She showed off her voice acting skills as Meng Meng in "Kung Fu Panda 3." The cast included her siblings Pax, Shiloh, and Knox, as well as her mom, Angelina. Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, and a host of other superstars also lent their voices for the animated movie. In 2014, Zahara also appeared in the uncredited role of "girl" in "Maleficent." Credit to Angelina and Brad for allowing her kiddos to explore show business while also encouraging them to find and pursue their own passions!

It's no secret that the Jolie-Pitt brood is one of the most talked-about families in Hollywood. As is the case with her siblings, public interest has swirled around Zahara ever since she joined the family at 6 months old. Angelina Jolie has remained open about the circumstances behind the adoptions of Zahara and her brothers, Maddox and Pax. In an interview with Vogue India, Angelina spoke of valuing her adopted children's cultural identities, saying, "When they are from another race and foreign land, that mystery, that gift, is so full. For them, they must never lose touch with where they came from. They have roots that you do not. Honour them. Learn from them. It's the most amazing journey to share. They are not entering your world, you are entering each other's worlds."

Jolie had previously shared that Zahara was believed to be an orphan. However, in 2007, Reuters spoke with Zahara's birth mother, Mentwabe Dawit. In the harrowing interview, Dawit explained that she had been a victim of sexual violence and was unable to care for Zahara at the time of her birth. To make matters worse, the infant was sick and malnourished. "I was desperate and decided to run away, rather than see my child dying," she told the publication. Fearing Dawit had died, her mother put the child up for adoption.

Since the news broke, Zahara's birth mother has spoken to several news outlets, maintaining that she is thankful for the life that her biological daughter was given. Reflecting on Zahara's adoption, Mentwabe told Reuters, "I wish them both all the success they deserve."

For decades, Angelina Jolie has championed human rights. From supporting refugee children to advocating for women's liberation, the star's humanitarian efforts span across many nations and causes. On World Refugee Day 2021, Jolie spoke about the conditions that fuel her fight, remarking, "The way we as an international community try to address conflict and insecurity is broken. It is erratic, it is unequal, it is built on inherited privilege, it is subject to the whim of political leaders, and it is geared towards the interests of powerful countries, including my own, at the expense of others" (via UNHCR).

In 2008, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt donated $2 million to help fight tuberculosis and AIDS in Ethiopia, according to Reuters. At the time, more than 900,000 Ethiopian children had been orphaned by AIDS. As parents to Ethiopian-born Zahara, it's easy to see why the nation's public health crisis is close to thetheir hearts. As a gesture to their beloved daughter, Angelina and Brad created the Zahara Program, which funded an AIDS and tuberculosis clinic in Ethiopia (via Marie Claire).

The Jolie-Pitt kids are famously well-rounded. From their scholastic achievements to their interests in sports, fashion, and humanitarianism, Angelina Jolie and Bradd Pitt's kids seem to have the world at their fingertips. So it's no surprise that all of the siblings have taken to learning new languages. In an interview with BBC Radio 4 back in 2016, Angelina revealed that Zahara chose to learn French (via Us Weekly). Magnifique!

While talking with the BBC, Angelina shared insight on how her children relate to people from other cultures, particularly those impacted by war and other humanitarian crises. The actress said, "I want them to meet people around the world and have so much admiration and respect for people suffering different realities and surviving them with such grace and dignity" (via Entertainment Tonight). Although none of her other children were learning French, they chose other languages to focus on. "They're interested in other cultures," she confirmed to the BBC. Surely Zahara's francophone skills will be a huge asset as she continues her travels and her humanitarian work!

The Jolie-Pitts are a tightly knit family, but Zahara seems to have a built-in best friend in her sister Shiloh (via Life & Style). Born less than two years apart, the sisters share many common interests — like their mutual passion for humanitarianism. Both of the accomplished siblings are lifelong human rights advocates who often join their mom abroad to address poverty, displacement, public health issues, and more.

Zahara and Shiloh also seem to bond over shopping excursions. The duo is often photographed out and about with their mom carrying handfuls of colorful shopping bags. In January 2021, the siblings, who were both born in Africa, were spotted browsing an Ethiopian boutique in Los Angeles, reported the Daily Mail. The young fashion icons also enjoy upcycling their mom's older red carpet looks. In October 2021, Shiloh appeared in a stunning black and white dress originally worn by Angelina. The same year, Zahara stepped out in a show-stopping metallic beaded gown handed down from her mom.

More than anything, it seems like the sisters genuinely enjoy each other's company. Even when they're not traveling abroad or hitting the L.A. shopping scene, they find joy in quiet moments together. In September 2021, Angelina posted Instagram photos of her oldest girls enjoying some downtime at home. The first photo shows Zahara smiling as she looks up from the pages of "The Bluest Eyes" by Toni Morrison. In the next photo, Shiloh is transfixed while reading Akala's "The Dark Lady." Fans fawned over this glimpse of Angelina's children.