James Haven

In 1973, California witnessed the birth of James Haven, initially known by the last name Voight. Opting to distance himself from his father, he adopted Haven, his middle name, as his surname. His heritage is a tapestry of German, Slovak, French-Canadian, and Dutch origins. Additionally, James has hinted at a connection to the Iroquois tribe through his mother’s lineage, though this aspect of his ancestry has not been officially confirmed.

Raised in an environment brimming with artistic influence, James is the son of Jon Voight, a celebrated figure in the Hollywood scene renowned for his award-winning performances, and Marcheline Bertrand, an actress who prematurely ended her film career. Angelina Jolie, his sister and two years his junior, is a globally recognized figure in the acting world. Their uncle, Chip Taylor, has made his mark in the country music genre.

Following a seven-year union, their parents divorced in 1978, leading the siblings to reside with their mother in Orangetown, close to New York City. With the necessity to forgo her acting pursuits, Marcheline shifted her focus to raising her children away from the bustling city, though they eventually made their way back to California. Both James and Angelina chose to sever ties with their father, adopting their middle names as surnames, yet inheriting his ardor for the performing arts.

Upon their return to California, James embarked on his academic journey at Beverly Hills High School, later pursuing further education in film at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Angelina commenced her acting odyssey early on, with James stepping in as her director on several occasions. This collaborative sibling duo featured together in a handful of productions, granting James the opportunity to assume minor roles. His collegiate achievements were highlighted by receiving the prestigious George Lucas Award for a student film that starred Angelina.

James Haven Voight embarked on his journey in the acting realm in 1998, when he was just a quarter-century old. His passion for the cinematic universe was always evident, and his circle of influence only served to spur him further along this path. Motivated by the acclaim garnered by his academic projects, he eagerly stepped into larger cinematic ventures. As a result, his repertoire includes notable works from the late ’90s and the turn of the millennium such as “Gia,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Scrapbook,” among others.

In “Gia,” the narrative centers on the life of Gia Carangi, a trailblazing supermodel from the 1970s, under the direction of Michael Cristofer. In a fleeting role, James portrayed a young man casually holding a cigarette, featuring in a pivotal scene alongside Gia as she navigates the complexities of newfound relationships. The cast also includes Elizabeth Mitchell, Mercedes Ruehl, Eric Michael Cole, Scott Cohen, and Faye Dunaway, with Mila Kunis depicting a youthful Gia.

An early collaboration between James Haven and his sister Angelina Jolie took shape in “Original Sin,” a romantic drama unraveling the tumultuous affair between a prosperous merchant and his mail-order bride, leading to unforeseen consequences. The storyline, adapted from “Waltz into Darkness,” offered James a minor part. Antonio Banderas led the cast, supported by Thomas Jane, Jack Thompson, Gregory Itzin, Allison Mackie, Joan Pringle, and Cordelia Richards.

Subsequently, James landed a part in “Monster’s Ball,” a project also marked by the participation of Angelina’s first spouse, Billy Bob Thornton. Further roles in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Ocean Park,” “Hunting of Man,” “Breaking Dawn,” “Stay Alive,” “The Game,” “Validation,” and “Deep in the Heart” enriched his career, under the guidance of directors like Christopher Cain, Michael Cristofer, and Heather Rae.

James ventured into producing with the documentary “Trudell,” chronicling the life of Indigenous poet John Trudell, a piece that was celebrated at both the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals. By 2006, he assumed the mantle of executive producer for the Artivist Film Festival, a platform emphasizing films that delve into human rights and global challenges.

Intimate details of James Haven’s love life remain largely under wraps. Unmarried and childless, Haven seldom participates in interviews, choosing to keep his personal affairs private. Despite a strained past with his father following his parents’ separation—attributable to his father’s abandonment and infidelities—James harbors a close bond with his kin.

His connection with his sister, Angelina Jolie, remains strong, notwithstanding the media’s speculative narratives about their bond, particularly highlighted by their public kiss during the 2000 Oscar ceremony. They’ve clarified that their relationship is purely platonic, dismissing the media’s sensational spin.

His mother’s battle with ovarian cancer ended in tragedy in early 2007, leading James to reconcile with his father, though he opted not to reclaim his paternal surname. As an uncle to Angelina’s children with Brad Pitt, including their adopted children, James stepped into a caregiving role amid the couple’s divorce, becoming a cherished figure in his nieces’ and nephews’ lives.

Yet, James remains reticent about his romantic endeavors. While rumored relationships have swirled, he’s never publicly confirmed them. Notably, his connection with actress and producer Ashley Reign has been the most significant, marked by frequent public appearances since 2011 and a shared creative venture in the film Easy Silence, where both served as producers. Their relationship endured for years, and recent sightings in 2022 suggest a rekindled companionship.

Currently, James leads a life away from the public eye and social media, channeling his energies into producing, acting, and personal investments. Although he’s not announced retirement from acting, his most recent work traces back to 2014. Known for his newfound spiritual path since 2009, he’s a regular at Christian congregations, occasionally captured by the paparazzi during his routine outings. Recent snapshots capture moments shared with Ashley Reign, hinting at the private dimensions of James Haven’s world today.