Angelina Jolie shows mastectomy scars in Time cover
Angelina Jolie appeared on Time France’s first cover, courageously revealing her mastectomy scars in a powerful, widely discussed photoshoot.
In a deeply personal and widely discussed photoshoot, Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie has bared her mastectomy scars for the first time, gracing the cover of the inaugural edition of Time Magazine France. The edition, unveiled on Monday, features Jolie in a bold and intimate portrait that has captured global attention, highlighting both her courage and her commitment to raising awareness about women’s health issues.
The 50-year-old Oscar-winning actor posed for the cover in a low-cut top, the scars from her double mastectomy visible, as she gazed directly into the camera. Photographed by Nathaniel Goldberg, the cover image is striking in its simplicity, emphasizing Jolie’s strength, vulnerability, and honesty. Alongside the cover, the magazine published a series of other photos from the shoot, including a monochrome close-up of Jolie’s face and a wide, foggily-lit shot in which she sits alone in the middle of a room. Each photograph conveys a quiet, reflective energy, blending artistry with personal storytelling.
And I’m always moved when I see other women share theirs,” Jolie told Time France, reflecting on the emotional journey that accompanies her decision to reveal her body so publicly. By openly discussing her medical history and displaying her mastectomy scars, Jolie has once again positioned herself as an advocate for women’s health and empowerment, using her platform to encourage conversations that are often stigmatized or overlooked.
Jolie’s journey with preventive surgeries began in 2013, when she announced she had undergone a double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increased her risk of developing breast cancer. Two years later, she also underwent a double oophorectomy. Her decisions were made public in order to share her experience and encourage other women to prioritize their health through screenings and preventive care. Her openness has since inspired countless women worldwide to take proactive steps in understanding their own health risks.
In her Time France interview, Jolie also emphasized the importance of accessibility in healthcare, stating, “Access to screening and care should not depend on financial resources or place of residence.” The comment underscores her ongoing advocacy for equitable healthcare systems and her broader commitment to supporting women, particularly those who face barriers to preventive care and treatment.
The photoshoot itself is as much a visual statement as it is a personal narrative. Goldberg’s photography captures the juxtaposition of vulnerability and resilience, portraying Jolie not just as a Hollywood icon, but as a human being who has faced life-altering medical decisions with courage and grace. The foggy, ambient lighting and minimalistic composition of some of the images lend a contemplative, almost meditative quality, inviting viewers to engage with Jolie’s story on an intimate level.
In addition to the photos, the debut edition of Time Magazine France also features an interview with the U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, signaling the magazine’s intent to blend cultural, political, and human-interest narratives in its inaugural issue. Jolie’s cover, however, remains the centerpiece, drawing global attention and conversation.
The decision to reveal her mastectomy scars publicly is emblematic of Jolie’s broader advocacy work. Over the years, she has consistently used her voice to highlight issues related to women’s health, refugees, and global humanitarian crises. Her willingness to confront personal vulnerability in such a public forum reinforces her credibility and compassion as a figure committed to making a difference.
For many, seeing Jolie’s scars is more than a moment of celebrity revelation—it is a profound reminder of the strength, perseverance, and humanity that exists behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. By sharing her journey, Jolie not only honors her own experiences but also provides comfort, inspiration, and solidarity to countless women navigating similar challenges.
Through this landmark cover and photoshoot, Angelina Jolie has once again demonstrated that courage can be as visible as it is internal. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unflinching honesty, capturing the attention of a global audience and continuing to spark important conversations about health, empowerment, and the power of sharing one’s personal narrative.