The Five Biggest Shocks About Angelina Jolie's Brother, James Haven: From Secret Marriage To Annulment Drama

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Angelina Jolie’s older brother, James Haven, has always been an enigmatic figure in Hollywood, often stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his family and personal life. However, in a surprising twist of events that made headlines in late 2024 and early 2025, the actor and director found himself at the center of a dramatic and short-lived marriage, followed by an immediate annulment that cited "fraud." This recent personal turmoil, combined with his long-standing role as a protective uncle to the six Jolie-Pitt children, has brought the famously private star back into the public eye.

The latest updates, as of December 2025, paint a picture of a man balancing his own complex personal life with an unwavering commitment to his sister and her family, a bond that has been tested and strengthened over the decades. From his early career alongside his sister to his current focus on production and family support, James Haven remains one of the most fascinating and least understood members of Hollywood royalty.

James Haven Voight: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

James Haven, born James Haven Voight, is more than just Angelina Jolie's brother; he is an American actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over two decades. Born into one of Hollywood’s most famous families, his life has been marked by both professional endeavors and deeply personal commitments to his sister.

  • Full Name: James Haven Voight
  • Date of Birth: May 11, 1973
  • Age: 52 (as of December 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Jon Voight (Father, Academy Award-winning actor) and Marcheline Bertrand (Mother, actress and humanitarian)
  • Sibling: Angelina Jolie (Sister, Academy Award-winning actress)
  • Education: Beverly Hills High School; USC School of Cinematic Arts (University of Southern California)
  • Known For: Roles in Gia, Original Sin, and his close relationship with his sister, Angelina Jolie.
  • Recent Marital Status (2025): Annulled (previously married to Romi Imbelli).
  • Estimated Net Worth: Varies, with estimates generally ranging from $2 million to $5 million, stemming from his acting, producing, and directing work.

Shock 1: The Secret Marriage and Immediate Annulment of 2024/2025

The most recent and attention-grabbing chapter in James Haven's life is his dramatic relationship with reality television personality Romi Imbelli. The couple's whirlwind romance culminated in a secret wedding and a swift, controversial annulment.

A Private Ceremony in Laguna Beach

In the summer of 2024, James Haven married Romi Imbelli, known for her appearance on the reality show The Real L Word. The wedding was a private affair, reportedly taking place on August 12, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California. The timing was notable, as it occurred while his sister, Angelina Jolie, continued to navigate the complexities of her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt.

The "Fraud" Claim and Legal Battle

The marriage was extraordinarily brief. Just 15 days later, on August 27, 2024, Imbelli filed a petition for annulment in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The grounds cited in the public record for the annulment was "fraud." While the specific details of the alleged fraud remain intensely private and complicated, Imbelli confirmed the annulment settlement was finalized, stating, "This has been a deeply personal and difficult decision." The finalization of the annulment settlement was reported around early 2025, bringing an end to the short-lived union.

Shock 2: The Unwavering Role as Protector of the Jolie-Pitt Children

While his own personal life has seen recent upheaval, James Haven’s commitment to his sister and her six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne—has been a constant. This role became particularly significant during the tumultuous period of the Jolie-Pitt divorce.

Stepping Up as a Full-Time Caregiver

Following Angelina Jolie’s separation from Brad Pitt in 2016, James Haven reportedly stepped away from his professional career to provide full-time support to his sister and act as a primary caregiver and "manny" to the children. This decision, a clear prioritization of family over fame, demonstrates the deep bond between the siblings.

A Recent, Rare Interview

In a rare public appearance on the "90Who10" podcast, James Haven opened up about his protective stance, emphasizing his desire to be a constant presence for his nieces and nephews. He spoke about the challenges the family faced, stating that his focus was on ensuring his sister and her children could "heal" and "grow." He noted, "They’re becoming young adults. I think it’s just very natural and I just want to be there any time."

Shock 3: A Career Defined by Family and Independent Projects

The narrative surrounding James Haven often focuses on his famous family, but his career includes a notable list of acting and directorial credits that underscore his own artistic pursuits. His filmography is peppered with collaborations with his sister and independent works that showcase his talent behind the camera.

Early Career and Sibling Collaborations

Haven launched his professional acting career in 1998. His early roles often placed him alongside his sister, Angelina Jolie. He appeared with her in the acclaimed HBO film Gia (1998) and later in the controversial thriller Original Sin (2001). These early projects set the stage for his work in other films, including Hell’s Kitchen (1998), Monster’s Ball (2001), and the horror film Stay Alive (2006).

Moving Behind the Camera

Like many in Hollywood, Haven transitioned to roles behind the camera, focusing on directing and producing. This shift allowed him to pursue more personal and meaningful projects. He served as the executive producer for the 2005 documentary Trudell, which explored the life of Native American activist John Trudell. He also directed the 2015 short film Court of Conscience, which featured his father, Jon Voight. This move highlights his desire to carve out his own cinematic legacy, separate from the intense scrutiny of his family name.

Shock 4: The Complex Relationship with Father Jon Voight

The relationship between James Haven, Angelina Jolie, and their father, Oscar-winner Jon Voight, has been a source of constant media fascination and personal drama. For many years, the siblings were estranged from their father, a rift that was deeply felt by both James and Angelina.

The strained relationship was particularly pronounced following the divorce of their parents, Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, and the subsequent public comments made by Voight regarding his children. However, the family has made efforts toward reconciliation in recent years. Haven’s decision to direct his father in the short film Court of Conscience was seen by many as a significant step in mending the long-standing familial wounds, demonstrating a commitment to healing and moving forward.

Shock 5: The Enduring Legacy of Marcheline Bertrand

The siblings’ close bond and humanitarian spirit are largely attributed to their late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who passed away in 2007 after a battle with ovarian and breast cancer. Bertrand, an actress and humanitarian herself, instilled in both James and Angelina a deep sense of social responsibility and a powerful commitment to family.

James Haven's decision to step back from his career to care for his sister's children echoes the protective and family-centric values championed by his mother. Angelina Jolie has often credited her mother as the greatest influence on her life and work, and James Haven’s actions suggest he carries on that same profound legacy, prioritizing the emotional well-being of his family above all else.

The Five Biggest Shocks About Angelina Jolie's Brother, James Haven: From Secret Marriage to Annulment Drama
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