At the Toronto International Film Festival, Angelina Jolie gave an emotional response after the premiere of her film Couture. A question about grief brought her to tears as she remembered her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who died of cancer in 2007. Jolie recalled her mother saying, “All anybody ever asks me about is cancer,” a reminder that people facing illness are more than their diagnosis.

She urged others to see beyond sickness: “Ask them about everything else in their life. They’re a whole person and they’re still living.” Her message stressed the importance of treating those with illness as full individuals, not just patients.

Jolie has honored her mother’s legacy through her own health choices. She underwent a preventive double mastectomy and ovary removal to lower her cancer risk, breaking what she called a “tragic cycle” in her family. She has spoken openly about awareness, early detection, and emotional support.

Though 17 years have passed, Jolie says her grief remains close. Her decisions are shaped by a desire to “live longer than my mother and grandmother did,” guided by love for her children and hope they won’t endure the same loss.

Through vulnerability and strength, Jolie shows that even in grief, life must be honored and celebrated.