What Happened: Key Verified Facts
Marcheline Bertrand, American actress and humanitarian, died on January 27, 2007. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. Bertrand is best known as the mother of actress Angelina Jolie and as a dedicated advocate for humanitarian causes, particularly landmine awareness. Her passing followed a documented battle with ovarian cancer, a fact reflected in public medical disclosures and biographical records. This summary provides clear, source-based information to clarify her status and timeline for readers seeking reliable answers.
Biographical Context: Who Was Marcheline Bertrand
Born on February 18, 1950, in Highland Park, Illinois, Marcheline Bertrand pursued acting and humanitarian work. She studied at the Actors Studio and appeared in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Bertrand married actor Jon Voight in 1962; their children include Angelina Jolie and James Haven. Her professional work extended beyond performing, as she co-founded the nonprofit organization Women for Women International, focusing on supporting women survivors of war. Understanding her life and legacy provides context for how her death is remembered within both family and humanitarian circles.
Timeline of Illness and Medical Disclosure
Bertrand first publicly disclosed her ovarian cancer diagnosis in the early 2000s, speaking candidly about treatment and its impact on her family. Throughout this period, she continued her advocacy and humanitarian initiatives, balancing medical care with public and private commitments. In the months leading to her death, reports indicated a decline in health, leading to her hospitalization in late January 2007. The timeline below highlights key dates related to her illness and care, based on available public records and statements from close sources.
Key Dates and Events
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| February 18, 1950 | Birth in Highland Park, Illinois | Establishes identity and origin context |
| 1970s–1980s | Acting career in film and television | Documents her professional background |
| 1962 | Marriage to Jon Voight | Family relationship context |
| 2001–2006 | Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment | Illness timeline and medical disclosure period |
| January 27, 2007 | Passaway at age 56 | Date and age at death, central fact |
| Post-2007 | Continued humanitarian recognition and memorial mentions | Shows lasting legacy and public memory |
Cause and Age at Death
Marcheline Bertrand’s death was attributed to complications from ovarian cancer. Medical reports from her treatment years confirm that the disease progressed despite therapy, leading to her hospitalization in late January 2007. She died at age 56, making her illness and its impact central to understanding this period in her biography. Reliable sources, including family statements and medical disclosures, consistently reference cancer as the primary cause, providing clarity around this aspect of her history.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Public interest in Marcheline Bertrand often focuses on the circumstances of her death, her age, and her relationship to Angelina Jolie. Many seek confirmation of the date and cause, as well as distinctions between family members in the public eye. The following list addresses frequently raised points with concise answers grounded in verified information, helping to dispel confusion and align reports with authoritative sources.
- When did Marcheline Bertrand die? She died on January 27, 2007.
- How old was she at death? She was 56 years old.
- What was the cause of death? Complications from ovarian cancer.
- Is she the mother of Angelina Jolie? Yes, she was Jolie’s mother.
- Did she engage in humanitarian work? Yes, she co-founded Women for Women International.
- Are there conflicting reports about her death? No, credible sources consistently agree on date, age, and cause.
Legacy and Memorial Recognition
Marcheline Bertrand’s legacy persists through her family, her humanitarian initiatives, and ongoing public awareness of ovarian cancer. Memorial mentions highlight her advocacy and the impact of Women for Women International, while family tributes continue to acknowledge her role in shaping the lives of her children. Her story remains a point of reference in discussions of celebrity families and humanitarian commitment, reinforcing how personal experience can drive long-term advocacy beyond public life.