In recent years, adoption has become popular among celebrities who want to start or expand their families. While some celebrities have chosen to adopt children from their own countries, others have looked beyond their borders to find children needing a loving home. Here are six celebrities who have adopted children from other countries.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
In 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, from Cambodia. She later adopted daughter Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005 and son Pax from Vietnam in 2007. In 2008, the couple had twins, Knox and Vivienne, via a surrogate mother. In total, Jolie and Pitt have six children, three of whom are adopted.
What we can learn from Angelina and Brad’s adoption story:
Celebrities are just like us — they want to provide a loving home for children who need it. Jolie and Pitt have been very vocal about their love for their adopted children and said they would not be the people they are today without them. The couple has also been open about the challenges of raising six children, but they have found a lot of happiness in their family. And even though their marriage didn’t survive, their adopted kids gained a safe and comfortable family for the rest of their lives.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock adopted her son Louis from New Orleans in 2010. Her adoption story is a touching one. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, she adopted her son Louis from New Orleans. The adoption was kept secret until after it was finalized to protect the child’s privacy. Bullock has said that becoming a mother is “the greatest gift” she’s ever received.
What we can learn from Sandra Bullock’s story:
Bullock’s story highlights the importance of adopting children in need. After Hurricane Katrina, many children were left without homes or families. By adopting Louis, Bullock gave him a safe and loving home. She has also said that he has “saved” her life. This goes to show that adoption can be a lifesaving experience for both children and parents alike.
Moreover, she inspires us to look after children who are closer to home. There are plenty of children in the United States who need a safe roof over their heads. If you think adoption is too big of a decision, why not become a foster parent first? There are plenty of at-risk kids who would appreciate your welcoming arms.
Madonna
Madonna adopted her first child, son David Banda, from Malawi in 2006. She later adopted daughter Mercy James from Malawi in 2009. Madonna also has two biological children, Lourdes and Rocco. In 2017, she sparked controversy when she adopted four-year-old twin girls from Malawi without their father’s consent.
What we can learn from Madonna’s adoption story:
While she has certainly made some missteps, Madonna’s adoption story highlights the importance of international adoption. When David was adopted from Malawi, there were only a handful of adoptions from that country each year. Since then, Madonna has been one of the biggest celebrities to raise awareness about the need for families to adopt children worldwide. Her work has helped to make international adoption more common and has likely saved many children from being orphaned.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron adopted her son Jackson in 2012 and daughter August in 2015, both from her native South Africa. The Oscar-winning actress said motherhood has made her “a better person.”
What we can learn from Charlize Theron’s adoption story:
Adopting a child can have a profound impact on your life. Charlize Theron is a great example of this. She has said that becoming a mother has made her “a better person.” This is likely because motherhood requires selflessness and compassion. When you open your heart and home to an adopted child, you teach them about love and kindness. And this is something that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson adopted her son Eissa in 2017 after divorcing her husband, Wissam Al Mana. The couple married secretly in 2012, and Jackson kept her pregnancy a secret until she gave birth to Eissa at 50. Jackson is also mom to one biological child, son Daniel Robinson Jr., whom she gave birth to in 2000.
What we can learn from Janet Jackson’s adoption story:
We can learn that adoption is possible for any family, regardless of their situation. We can also learn that being a single parent is not a barrier to adoption. Lastly, we can learn that adoption can bring happiness and joy to families of all sizes.
Adoption is a wonderful way for celebrities to expand their families while helping children who need homes. These six celebrities have all chosen to adopt children, and we hope they continue to inspire others to do the same!