Angelina Jolie, renowned for her portrayal of Lara Croft in the 2001 film Tomb Raider, recently shared how the physically demanding role prompted her to overhaul her health habits, including quitting a two-pack-a-day smoking habit.
At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Jolie, 49, reflected on her preparation for the iconic role. She admitted that before filming, she was smoking heavily and had to undergo a significant lifestyle transformation to meet the physical demands of the character. “I admittedly came [in] smoking two packs a day and completely had to change my health and my life,” Jolie revealed during a conversation with critic Leonard Maltin.
The rigorous training regimen required multiple daily sessions, which led Jolie to adopt healthier habits. “For Tomb Raider, there were a few months of just nothing but multiple training sessions a day: morning, noon, and night,” she recalled. This intense schedule naturally shifted her focus toward better nutrition, hydration, and rest. “I didn’t want anything but good food, water, and sleep at a certain point,” she added.
This commitment to health extended beyond the film. Following the project, Jolie embraced motherhood and maintained her smoke-free lifestyle. Reflecting on her decision to quit smoking, she noted, “I never did it again… well, I think I did once or twice.”
Jolie’s transformation underscores the profound impact that professional roles can have on personal well-being, illustrating how dedication to one’s craft can lead to lasting positive changes.
