How Many Tattoos Does Angelina Jolie Really Have?
Once mainly associated with crusty convicts, skeevy sailors, and drunken impulse decisions, tattoos have enjoyed an image transformation over the last few decades that would make any PR rep jealous. These days, body art is seen as elegant and stylish, while still maintaining a bit of that rebellious glamor — and who better fits this description than noted tattoo fan Angelina Jolie?
While many other actors and models are inked, they usually opt for only one or two small pieces, rather than full-body coverage. This is because tattoos can be laborious to cover with makeup and expensive to hide with CGI — something that's necessary for certain movie roles. Can you imagine, say, an actor playing an 18th-century nun while sporting a "thug life" back tattoo? Didn't think so. However, Jolie has never been one to stick to the rules, preferring instead to adorn her body with multiple pieces of art — and apparently not minding having to spend hours in the makeup chair.
Wondering how many tattoos she has? Read on to find out!
Inside Angelina Jolie's tattoos and their meanings
In keeping with her enigmatic persona, Angelina Jolie's total number of tattoos is somewhat of a mystery. Sources report anything from 17 to 25, though the real number could be much higher if she has any hidden ink. Adding to the confusion is the fact that she has had some tattoos removed (via Glamour), like the name of her former husband Billy Bob Thornton on her upper bicep.
Still, the tattoos we do know about tell a beautiful story of the complex actor's eventful life. Her most famous piece is perhaps the row of lines on her left arm — coordinates representing the birthplace of each of her six children, as well that of now-ex Brad Pitt. Jolie's other tattoos similarly hold deep meaning to her, including a sacred Sak Yant design, a Latin phrase translating to "What nourishes me destroys me," and a Tennessee Williams quote she got while spending time with her late mother (via Wild Tattoo Art).
But, if you think you now have a good grasp on Jolie's tattoo total think again. The "Hackers" star recently added another one to her collection — and this one might have a pretty pointed meaning.
Angelina Jolie's latest tattoo hints at moving on
As noted above, Angelina Jolie is no stranger to the ultimate tattoo worst-case scenario: getting permanent ink of the name of a lover who ends up being temporary. However, the pain of laser removal clearly didn't phase her, as she went right ahead a few years later and got matching wedding tattoos with Brad Pitt (via Now To Love). At least this time it wasn't a name, but a beautiful quote from the poet Rumi: "There exists a field, beyond all notions of right and wrong. I will meet you there."
Ever the innovator, Jolie opted not to have the romantic quote removed or covered — instead she added another phrase to it. According to a BuzzFeed report from June, her new tattoo is situated just above her wedding piece and reads: "Eppur si muove," translating to "And yet it moves." The words are often attributed to 17th-century astronomer Galileo Galilei, who spoke them in defiance upon being forced to recant his (correct) claim that the earth moved around the sun.
Although it could be tempting to view her latest piece as a dig at Pitt, we choose to see Jolie's new tattoo as a reflection of her character: strong, brave, and always moving forward.