Jon Voight “will find a way to get there” if the Jolie-Pitt family are in need
During a press conference to promote his role in the new season of 24, Jon Voight took time out to weigh in on the Saturday births of his two new grandchildren, Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt. Clearly thrilled "to have new souls coming in" to this world, the 69-year-old actor told reporters that above all, "there is nothing more exciting" than welcoming the twins adding that "they are Brad and Angie’s babies." And while Jon — who recently said he "would love to see the kids" — chose to remain mum on how he officially received word on the big arrival, he did reach out to his daughter’s family saying, "if they call me, I will find a way to get there."
Jon — who was quick to point out that "Angie is in for a handful" — praised the unusual name choices, calling the tribute to family members "beautiful" as "the grandfather is Knox and Marcheline is Angie’s mom."
Knox and Vivienne’s arrival made Jon a grandfather for the fifth and sixth time as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also have Maddox Chivan, 6 ½, Pax Thien, 4 ½, Zahara Marley, 3 ½, and Shiloh Nouvel, 2.
Source: ET Online; Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com
- Posted on Jul 16, 08 at 6:00AM
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- 41 Comments
July 16th, 2008 at 6:38 am
i am sorry if this sounds mean but can he please stop speaking to the press, there is such a thing as no comment you know. angie has said a number of times that she doesn’t want this whole thing played out in the media. the way i see it is if he really wanted back in their lives he would do what she wanted and keep everything quite and between them and only them.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I really wish that he would stop talking to the press. If I remember correctly that is one of the main reasons Angelina stop talking to him. Didn’t he spill the beans to the American press about Angelina adopting Maddox? If she and Brad needed him then they would call him. Whenever he does an interview I always think that he is so over dramatic. I just think its tacky.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I hope he gets to meet all of his grandchildren soon!
July 16th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Well at least he’s not intruding in their lives. He’s saying he’s here if they need him. I hope someday they can reconcile. If either of them died anytime soon, God forbid, I imagine they might have a few regrets in that area.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Maybe he is just a proud grandfather and that`s why he likes to talk! =o)
July 16th, 2008 at 7:29 am
We all need to remember how many times recently Angelina herself has talked about this to the press…quite a few times. And also, Jack Black leaked her pregnancy with twins which is equivalent to leaking news of her first adoption. There must be more to the story than we know. And it’s none of our business…but I certainly hope they can work it out for everyone involved.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:42 am
“there is nothing more exciting” than welcoming the twins adding that “they are Brad and Angie’s babies.”
Does anyone else think Angelina will find this quote infuriating. To me, he’s suggesting that these babies and Shiloh are more “special” because they share DNA with Brad and Angelina. I’ve read that he wasn’t as supportive of her adopting and that aided in the rift that the two had. I just think it is a poor choice of words.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Why should he not respond to press when asked a question? He didn’t say anything terrible and i’m pretty sure he is choosing his words carefully now, if he said “no comment” people would be attacking him for that and saying he doesn’t care blah blah blah. I see nothing wrong with his comments, and I think he’s being careful without saying too much this time. Like the post says he “chose to remain mum on how he officially received word on the big arrival” so that right there shows he’s being careful and considerate. Angelina herself is very open with the press about her relationship with her father i’ve read several interviews where she talks about him and the status of their relationship. Hopefully they will make amends and he can work on being a good grandfather since he wasn’t the best father.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Actually him leaking the news of the adoption could have prevented Angelina adopting Maddox. I am not sure but I remember that there was something about how the adoption had not been finalized so it could not be spoken about?
July 16th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Anja…proud grandfather? He hasn’t even seen any of his grandkids in person! He really must have done something wrong for that to be the case. I know for me, both of my parents would have to be really screwed up for me to keep my son away form them.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:17 am
As someone who works in public relations, I find and was educated to believe that saying no comment is generally worse than saying something/anything at all…although in this case it’s probably not so bad to say no comment if he was answering reporters’ questions, HOWEVER I myself do not see why he shouldn’t be allowed to be a proud grandpa…it’s not like he revealing any information that hasn’t already been released and quite frankly anything that goes on within their family (feuds, fights whatever) I don’t see how it’s anyone’s business.
I think people are just being harsh towards him because of what the media has led people to believe regarding their family…
July 16th, 2008 at 8:28 am
What caused the rift – was him implying (to the press)- back when she was in the midst of adopting Maddox – that she was mentally unstable and suggesting she would make for an unsuitable mother. Angelina is just now ‘forgiving’ him for those remarks.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Melissa i always got that feeling about the way he talks am not sure why, if it is the words he uses or the way he says them but i always think he likes the bio grandkids better then the adopted grandkids i could very well be wrong and i am sorry if i am but it is the way i feel
July 16th, 2008 at 8:55 am
i hope he gets to see his grandchildren soon. not just for him, but for the children’s sake too, it must be weird not knowing your grandfather…
July 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am
This shouldn’t be treated as a public relations moment, though. If Angelina doesn’t want her father discussing her in the press, then Jon should honor that – period. Whether or not the court of public opinion swings in Jon’s favor or how proud a grandpa he is should not be his focus. Instead the focus should be on repairing his relationship with his daughter and becoming part of his grandchildren’s lives.
“No comment” is a perfectly acceptable answer considering the state of his relationship with Angelina.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:13 am
He shouldn’t respond because his daughter doesn’t want their relationship played out in the press. Period.
He could have said something like he’s very happy and proud for his daughter and Brad and left it at that.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Sometimes, it’s not that weird not knowing your family. My parents kept me away from my father’s family growing up. As a child I wondered why, and sought them out as an adult. Upon me finding them, they did some pretty terrible things and now I understand why my parents didn’t want me to have a relationship with them. Wish I had listened.
Not saying it’s necessarily the case here, but sometimes kids *are* better off not knowing a member or members of their family.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:39 am
“And also, Jack Black leaked her pregnancy with twins which is equivalent to leaking news of her first adoption.”
Jack let it slip. Total accident. Jon announced to the press that Angelina had adopted Maddox.
And if you’ll remember, he referred to Zahara as “Shakira” to the press. Proud grandfather? I think not!
July 16th, 2008 at 9:51 am
He talks because he is asked, and he isn’t saying anything bad. He is a famous person himself, so of course he will be asked about his famous daughter. Anyway he has been seen out with son james a lot and angelina and the brother are close, so hopefully jon meets his grandkids soon, life is too short and he is her only parent alive. Plus people make mistakes, she’s a mom herself and she like everyone else will make mistakes regarding her kids, but it’s sad to cut a parent out. shiloh looks a lot like him, curious to see if these babies do too
July 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
he was at a press conference for an acting job. Estranged or not, he’s Angelina’s father. Of COURSE he’s going to be asked something about it. I think he chose the quickest and most polite way out of it. He didn’t say anything “secret” or imply anything other than he’s happy for the family.
I don’t see the big deal.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I don’t see anything wrong with what he said. People really need to lighten up a little. It’s not like he was selling secrets to the tabs. If he had said no comment, the press would have been trying to analyze why he was being tight lipped. He’s damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. I actually feel sorry for him in that respect.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Meghan, I agree.
And of course he’s going to be asked about this topic. And I thought his words sounded really awkward, as if he was trying really hard to answer questions, but not say much, and just relay that he was proud and happy for them. Which, to me, actually implies that he is honoring Angelina’s wishes. I have a feeling he is someone who constantly puts his foot in his mouth, who has good intentions, but just never says the right thing, or what he says is always laced with some sort of insult that hurts Angelina’s feelings. She has a right to make a decision that someone is bad for her emotional health. It’d be nice for him to see his grandchildren, but she probably worries having him involved just a little opens the door to a whole lot of problems.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I think it’s sad that the only way Jon can communicate with his daughter is through the press. Angelina has cut him off, probably for reasons that the we (the public) do not know in addition to his past statements that were less than respectful. It’s no secret Angie has not been the most stable human being in the past, she has admitted that herself. However, Jon does seem genuine about wanting to see all his grandchildren and I hope they can get past their differences at some point. This would be a great example for Angie to set for her kids…the act of forgiveness..
July 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I think it’s sad not to make amends.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I actually think his comments were respectful. Said he’s happy and proud but didn’t get into details. I think he played it pretty safe. It makes me sad he can’t see his grandchildren but I completely respect Angelina’s decision.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
See as someone who has no relationship with my natural father because of his mistakes and continuing mistakes I think he was wrong. He knows she doesn’t like it when he speaks to the press but over and over again he continues to go against her wishes. All he should have said was I’m ecstatic for her and Brad and left it THERE, BUT NO…he had to interject what he wanted. And there are other ways besides the press to get a message to her, if he really wanted to.
Have you ever seen the so called reaching out to her interview he did on E….its humiliating and pathetic. My grandma says you don’t walk naked on your front porch for a reason….I think the shame is he’ll never learn because he ’s only thinking of what he wants.
Sometimes its not the message its the delivery.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
He didn’t say anything wrong. Considering Angelina constantly tells the press every little detail of her life, I fail to see the wrong in what Jon said!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Perfectly stated, A List Girl. I think it’s completely understandable how much Jon wants to be closer to his daughter and her family. But a good starting point would be honoring her wishes, and also not making comments like “they are Brad and Angie’s babies” which allude to the idea that biological kids trump adoptive ones. And I’ll never forget how he didn’t even know baby Zahara’s name yet claimed to want to be a grandfather.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I don`t know their history. I didn`t know he hasn`t seen his other grandkids yet, as someone previously posted. That is sad.
But from his comments I just conclude that he is happy and proud. He didn`t really go into details.
I sure hope they`ll reconcile sometime in the future.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
He wasn’t “leaking” anything. He was asked if he had heard, he responded. He was asked if he had seen them, he didn’t say yes or no only that he’d be there if they wanted/needed him to.
The guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t IMO.
The fact that he said Angie was unstable back then was a bit of truth IMO. She WAS a bit nutty before she adopted Mad. She had her brother’s blood in a vial around her neck, there were rumours of inscest with the two and also she was involved with Billy Bob whom she dated while he was married to Laura Dern. Not the most stable person AT THE TIME that Jon said that now was she?
She has changed and that’s great but he didn’t say anything that wasn’t just a little bit of the truth….she can’t forget her past actions either.
I think this whole thing is just sad…for him, for the kids, and for Angie as well.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
“And also, Jack Black leaked her pregnancy with twins which is equivalent to leaking news of her first adoption.”
That’s a bit of a stretch. Brad and Angelina were ready to release the news of the twins by that stage. On the other hand, when Angelina adopted Maddox she was filming a movie in Africa and was living alone with the new baby. Back in the US, Jon announced it to the media without her permission and suddenly she felt very unsafe with the news out, trying to care for an infant which she did not want the world to know about yet. I can’t remember where the exact quote is, but it was very damaging and just another thing from Jon Voight that told her she couldn’t trust this man.
“The fact that he said Angie was unstable back then was a bit of truth IMO. She WAS a bit nutty before she adopted Mad. She had her brother’s blood in a vial around her neck, there were rumours of inscest with the two and also she was involved with Billy Bob whom she dated while he was married to Laura Dern. Not the most stable person AT THE TIME that Jon said that now was she?”
I like how you said “rumours of incest” as though public opinion somehow decided whether it was true or not. I know this is just your opinion but the fact is none of it’s true. As someone who has followed Angelina for years and years, I’ve seen her evolution as a person and know that while she came from a sometimes strange and unusual place in the past, nothing she has said or felt is not someone that others haven’t felt before her. Her honesty was (and still is) the most rare and beautiful thing about her.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I realize that Angelina does some admirable things, but she also lives by publicity that she directs.
Does anyone really believe that Jack Black did not have permission to “leak” the twin information? Come on……
July 16th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Mousie, call me naive but judging from his (and her!) reaction when he made the comment about the Brady Bunch, I do think that Jack Black’s comment was a genuine accident. He assumed that people already knew.
But who knows… maybe Angelina and Brad really did ask Jack to spill the beans for them, since they were ready by that stage. I don’t know why they would bother going through such an elaborate charade, though.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I think the whole relationship/situation is really tense. Like he talks about them in an odd way as if he doesn’t even really know his own daughter even calling her ‘the mommy’ rather than Angelina at tims and getting the kids names wrong at others and as someone said, his comments are pretty dramatic. It kind of reminds me of Tori Spelling’s relationship with her mother.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I don’t see anything wrong with his comments. But, I can’t stand Angelina anyway. Even if I did like her, I still don’t see anything wrong with what he said. I think it’s being blown out of proportion, but that’s just my opinion.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:08 am
I think that the only people allowed to decide who their children see are Brad & Angie, after all they are the parents.
One thing that infuriates me about Jon Voight is that he acts as though Shiloh & the twins are more important that Maddox, Pax & Z. this is not the case, If he wants to be in the childrens lives, he has to treat them ALL with the same love and respect, as they’re ALL his grandchildren.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Oh, for the record I think what Jon said here was fine. I don’t have any issue with that at all. I was just responding to some earlier posters who brought up things he has done in the past.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:14 am
would angelina be in the position to adopt three and have three of her own had her parents not been famous. I think not. He may have done something horrible to have his daughter not speak to him. But six children have a mother thanks to this man. And those six kids are going to be very well taken care of. I hope whatever it was wasnt so horrible she cant ever forgive him. Jon is getting old and I think hes realizing his ill will. He has always stated that he is willing to talk to her to work things out. She has turned her back on him for now hopefully not forever.
July 19th, 2008 at 1:32 am
TracyG- Billy Bob was NOT married to Laura Dern when he became involved with Angie. He was, in fact, dating Laura at the time. In otherwords, Laura was his girlfriend. Also, it was Billy Bob’s blood that Angie wore around her neck, NOT her brother’s (and, for the record, Angie recently stated that it was NOT a vial of blood, but more like a “bloody fingerprint” or something along those lines).
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
“would angelina be in the position to adopt three and have three of her own had her parents not been famous.”
tri: Brad and Angelina both worked and earned the money that allowed them to have six children, so it’s an unbelievably huge stretch to give that credit to Jon. He is not the one who enabled them to do that, they did that on their own.
All in all, I find Jon’s words incredibly manipulative. I wouldn’t have had a problem with him saying he was happy about the kids, but to go on and make it clear that he wasn’t called was going too far. He could just as easily have said no comment. And for those who say that would make him look bad in the press: Loving parents care more about their relationship with their children than their relationship with the press/public. He is clearly putting public opinion ahead of his daughter.
August 8th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hope God will make a way for them to mend whatever had happened. Children must respect their parents likewise parents should have enough wisdom incase of a misunderstanging!