Late Jane Pitt — The Woman Who Saved Angelina’s Life but Suffered Decades Without Seeing Her Grandkids

Her strength saved the actress's but family bonds sadly remained fractured.
I face a lot of stories about Hollywood families — the glam, the drama, and all the layers in between. But having a mother-in-law like the late Jane Pitt is something else entirely. The woman who saved Angelina Jolie’s life deserves more credit than she gets.
Jane Pitt passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 84. Her niece, Sydney Pitt, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing her as "the biggest heart" who "cared deeply for everyone and everything."
Jane wasn’t just Brad Pitt’s mum. She was a powerhouse of care and wisdom — the kind of woman who nudges you to do the right thing, even when it’s tough.
When Angelina was wrestling with the scary decision to test for the BRCA1 gene — a test that could save her life from cancer — Jane’s calm, firm encouragement made all the difference. That test led to Angelina’s preventative surgery, literally saving her life.
Imagine having a mother-in-law who’s not only loving but looks out for you like that. Someone who pushes you towards health and strength, not just family drama or rivalry.
But here’s the twist — despite Jane’s incredible role in Angelina’s life, it didn’t stop Jolie from keeping her away from her grandkids. A sharp reminder that family isn’t always perfect, no matter how much love or sacrifice is involved. Even heroes can face heartbreak.