Angelina Jolie captivated audiences with her rare and relaxed appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Maleficent star walked across the stage barefoot, instantly sparking curiosity and conversation. Jolie, known for her polished red carpet looks, embraced this unconventional choice with grace and humor.
Wearing a flowing black gown, she made her entrance at Studio 6B in New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center. Her shoeless look didn’t go unnoticed by host Jimmy Fallon, who immediately brought it up. “I noticed you’re barefoot. Did you forget your shoes?” Fallon joked, prompting laughter from both Jolie and the audience.
With her trademark smile, Jolie explained the reason for her unconventional decision. “I broke my toe yesterday,” she revealed. “I tried to find a comfortable shoe, but I just decided not to wear any.” This candid and relatable moment set the tone for her interview, marking her first talk-show appearance in a decade.
Jolie’s First Talk Show in Ten Years
For Jolie, the interview wasn’t just about promoting her latest project—it was also a step outside her comfort zone. “By the way, I get very nervous on talk shows,” she admitted early in the conversation. “This is not my thing. I haven’t done one for, like, a decade.”
Despite her nerves, Jolie handled the spotlight with poise. Her decision to embrace her natural discomfort made her appearance all the more relatable to viewers.
As the interview unfolded, Fallon couldn’t resist pointing out how challenging it must be for Jolie’s family to avoid the public eye. “It must get so tricky, because everyone’s famous,” he said, referencing her six children. Jolie agreed but added a thoughtful response. “But it wasn’t their choice. Some people are more comfortable in public, and some are more comfortable with privacy,” she explained.
A Mother’s Perspective on Privacy
Jolie shares six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt: Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (16). During the interview, she touched on their strong desire for privacy, a stark contrast to the public lives of their parents.
“None of my children want to be in front of the camera at this time,” Jolie shared. “They’re quite private.”
Promoting Her New Film, Maria
The main reason for Jolie’s appearance was to promote her new biopic, Maria. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film tells the story of legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie stars in the titular role, delivering what critics are calling a career-defining performance.
Maria has already made waves at major film festivals. At the Venice International Film Festival, the movie earned an eight-minute standing ovation, leaving Jolie visibly emotional. The Telluride Film Festival offered similar praise, solidifying the film as a major contender during awards season.
The project holds personal significance for Jolie, who has spoken about how Callas’ story resonates with her. Stepping into the role of one of opera’s most iconic figures required not only exceptional acting skills but also an emotional connection to the character. Critics have highlighted Jolie’s ability to channel Callas’ passion, vulnerability, and complexity.
The buzz surrounding Maria has sparked Oscar predictions, with many calling it one of Jolie’s most compelling performances to date. The film’s reception also brought Jolie to tears, a testament to her emotional investment in the project.
Honoring Her Late Mother
Earlier in the week, Jolie attended the Gotham Awards, where she received recognition for her role in Maria. During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand.
“In Maria’s memory, and thinking of my mom … for all those who teach and inspire art in others, all the young artists growing up, and everyone in this room who celebrates creativity and expression, I am really, really honored to be here,” Jolie said.
A Star Who Stays Grounded
Jolie’s barefoot moment on The Tonight Show may have been casual, but it showcased her down-to-earth personality. Fans are used to seeing her in glamorous outfits at premieres and events, but this candid appearance gave viewers a glimpse of her more relatable side.
The actress balanced vulnerability with humor throughout her conversation with Fallon. From joking about her broken toe to openly discussing her discomfort with public appearances, Jolie came across as both human and humble.
Catch Angelina Jolie’s full interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC.
