Angelina Jolie may have a complicated history with her third husband, Brad Pitt,
but she revealed a strong and enduring connection with her first husband, Jonny Lee Miller, during her recent appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
On Wednesday, the 49-year-old actress and humanitarian accepted the prestigious Maltin Modern Master award, honoring her remarkable career in film.
During her conversation with film critic Leonard Maltin, Jolie reflected on her early career, including her role in the 1995 film *Hackers*, where she first met Miller.
In a lighthearted moment, Jolie joked about the irony of starting her retrospective with *Hackers*, a film that marked one of her early career breakthroughs.
“I was just saying to somebody, it’s really funny because I think you’re starting with Hackers, right?” Jolie said with a smile.
“Yeah, it’s Jonny. I just talked to him. I love that — I get to see my ex-husband with 2,000 people,” she added, demonstrating a sense of humor about her past relationship with Miller.
As a clip from *Hackers* played during the festival, Jolie expressed her nostalgia and appreciation for the film. “Amazing. It’s so nice to see it,” she remarked, before revealing that she doesn’t often watch her own films. “Actually, it’s funny, I don’t really watch my own films, and so I don’t think I’ve seen it since the premiere. But I do have a wonderful relationship with Jonny,” she said. “He and I have sons the same age, and I’m so happy.” Jolie’s words highlighted the positive, supportive dynamic she shares with Miller, despite their separation decades ago.
Jolie and Miller first tied the knot in March 1996, after meeting during the filming of *Hackers*. However, their marriage was short-lived, as they separated in February 1999, and their divorce was finalized in early 2000. Following her marriage to Miller, Jolie went on to marry actor Billy Bob Thornton in 2000, and their relationship lasted until 2003. Despite her past relationships, Jolie has remained close to Miller, and their friendship has only grown over the years.
Miller went on to achieve further fame with his role in the cult classic *Trainspotting* (1996) and later built a family with actress and fashion model Michelle Hicks. The couple married in 2008 and has a 16-year-old son, Buster, who shares the same age as Jolie’s son Knox Leon. Despite Miller and Hicks’ divorce in 2016, which was finalized in 2018, the bond between Jolie and Miller has remained strong, particularly for the sake of their children.
In 2021, Jolie made headlines when she visited Miller’s apartment in New York City. The two exes, along with their sons Buster and Knox, were reportedly seen spending time together. It’s believed that their children have become good friends over the years, further strengthening the connection between their families.
Jolie’s continued admiration and appreciation for Miller became especially evident in a 2021 interview with *The Guardian*, where she praised him for his support during a critical time in her life. She recalled the time when she had to escape the notorious movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and how Miller was instrumental in helping her navigate that difficult period. “I had to escape [Weinstein]. I stayed away and warned people about him,” Jolie explained. “I remember telling Jonny, my first husband, who was great about it, to spread the word to other guys – don’t let girls go alone with him.”
This candid reflection on her past with Miller and the respect she still holds for him only reinforces the idea that their bond, forged in their youth, has remained strong and healthy over time. While Jolie’s relationships have often been in the public eye, her connection with Jonny Lee Miller has remained one of mutual respect and admiration. As her career continues to evolve, it’s clear that Jolie values the lasting friendships she has cultivated, especially those from her earlier years, like the one she shares with Miller.
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