5 Shocking Facts About Maddox Jolie-Pitt’s Life At 24: From Yonsei University To His Strained Relationship With Brad Pitt

Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, the eldest son of Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has successfully navigated the challenging transition from a global celebrity child to a dedicated university student. As of December 2025, the 24-year-old is focused on a demanding academic path in Seoul, South Korea, while simultaneously managing the complexities of his famous family life. His journey, marked by international adoption, a high-profile family split, and a deep commitment to his education, makes him one of the most intriguing figures among the new generation of celebrity offspring.

The world first met Maddox as an infant adopted by Angelina Jolie, and his life has been under a constant spotlight ever since. Now, as a young adult studying a rigorous science major, he is charting his own course, demonstrating a maturity and focus that often surprises those who only know him through tabloid headlines. This is the most current look at the life and career of Maddox Jolie-Pitt.

Maddox Jolie-Pitt: A Complete Biography and Profile

Maddox Jolie-Pitt’s life story is one of global connections, beginning in Southeast Asia and leading him to one of the most prestigious universities in East Asia. His biography is a testament to his unique upbringing and his mother's dedication to humanitarian causes.

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• Full Name: Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt
• Birth Name: Rath Vibol
• Date of Birth: August 5, 2001
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 24 years old
• Birthplace: Battambang, Cambodia
• Adoption: Adopted by Angelina Jolie in March 2002. Brad Pitt officially adopted him in 2006.
• Parents: Angelina Jolie (Mother), Brad Pitt (Adoptive Father)
• Siblings: Pax Thien (adopted), Zahara Marley (adopted), Shiloh Nouvel (biological), Knox Léon (biological twin), and Vivienne Marcheline (biological twin).
• Education: Currently attending Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
• Major: Biochemistry.
• Nationality: American and Cambodian.
• Notable Work: Served as an executive producer on the 2017 film *First They Killed My Father*, directed by Angelina Jolie.

Maddox’s adoption from a Cambodian orphanage in 2002 was a defining moment for Angelina Jolie, inspiring her deeper involvement in humanitarian work and setting the stage for the diverse, multi-national family that would become the "Brangelina" brood.

Fact 1: His Rigorous Biochemistry Studies at Yonsei University

In a move that surprised many, Maddox chose to pursue his higher education in Asia, enrolling at the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, in 2019.

He was accepted into several universities but ultimately selected Yonsei for its rigorous program.

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His chosen field of study is Biochemistry, a notoriously challenging and demanding major that requires intense focus and dedication.

This academic path highlights a desire to forge a career outside of the immediate Hollywood sphere, focusing instead on science and research.

The decision to study in Seoul was not arbitrary; Maddox has shown a keen interest in the region, including studying the Korean language multiple times a week to prepare for his enrollment.

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While the pandemic forced him to take classes remotely from the family home in California for a period, his commitment to his studies at Yonsei remains the core of his current life.

Fact 2: The 'Unfixable' Rift with Brad Pitt and Family Dynamics

The relationship between Maddox Jolie-Pitt and his adoptive father, Brad Pitt, has been a central and often painful narrative following the separation of his parents in 2016.

Reports from 2025 suggest the relationship remains severely strained, with some sources describing the rift as "unfixable."

Maddox, as the eldest child, reportedly took on a protective role for his younger siblings—Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne—during the tumultuous divorce proceedings.

His loyalty and support for his mother, Angelina Jolie, have been a consistent theme in media reports, particularly as the legal battles between his parents have continued over the years.

The complexity of this family dynamic places Maddox in a unique position, balancing his personal academic ambitions with the ongoing public scrutiny of the Jolie-Pitt family.

Fact 3: His Deep Connection to Cambodia and Early Career Work

Despite being raised primarily in the West, Maddox has maintained an incredibly strong connection to his birth country, Cambodia.

This bond was fostered by Angelina Jolie, who has consistently involved her children in her humanitarian and filmmaking work in the region.

Maddox's first major professional credit came in 2017 when he served as an Executive Producer on the critically acclaimed Netflix film *First They Killed My Father*.

The film, directed by his mother, is a historical thriller about the Khmer Rouge regime, demonstrating Maddox's early interest in using media to explore Cambodian history and culture.

This early exposure to filmmaking and his Cambodian heritage provides a contrasting layer to his current scientific pursuits, showcasing a young man with diverse global interests.

Fact 4: A Quiet Life Away from the Hollywood Limelight

Unlike many celebrity children who immediately dive into modeling, acting, or social media influencing, Maddox has maintained a remarkably private and low-key profile.

His choice to attend university in Seoul, far away from the paparazzi culture of Los Angeles and London, was a deliberate move toward normalcy and intellectual pursuit.

When he does appear in the media, it is often in the context of his mother's visits to South Korea or in candid photos shared by the university community, rather than orchestrated public appearances.

His ability to speak Korean and his reported interest in K-pop culture further integrate him into the local scene, allowing him to experience life as a regular student rather than a Hollywood scion.

Fact 5: The Role of the Eldest Son in a Global Family

As the oldest of six siblings, Maddox has naturally taken on a significant role within the Jolie-Pitt household.

His younger siblings—Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne—look up to him, and his decisions, particularly regarding his studies and independence, set a precedent for the rest of the children.

Angelina Jolie has reportedly relied on Maddox's maturity and stabilizing presence, especially during challenging family times, with some sources indicating she values his ability to help keep his younger siblings "in line."

Maddox's commitment to his education in Biochemistry and his life in South Korea represents a personal quest for independence, yet he remains deeply connected to his family, demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility toward his mother and siblings. His ongoing journey is a compelling example of a young adult forging his identity while balancing the weight of one of the world's most famous surnames.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

Maddox Jolie-Pitt's life touches on several key areas of interest, including Yonsei University, Biochemistry, Korean language, Seoul, South Korea, Cambodia, Battambang, Rath Vibol, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Pax Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Knox Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, K-pop, Executive Producer, humanitarian work, and the Brangelina divorce. His story is a blend of scientific ambition, global citizenship, and complex family relationships.