David Duchovny Claims He Helped Discover Angelina Jolie: ‘She Was a Movie Star’
David Duchovny, the renowned actor best known for his role in “The X-Files,” recently shared an intriguing anecdote about his involvement in the early career of Angelina Jolie. During an appearance on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, Duchovny, 63, reflected on his time working with Jolie on the 1997 neo-noir crime film “Playing God.” In a candid conversation, he revealed how he felt he played a pivotal role in recognizing Jolie’s star potential.
Duchovny participated in a word association game with host Andy Cohen, where he described several of his former co-stars. When Cohen mentioned Jolie, Duchovny couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “I feel like I discovered Angelina Jolie,” he exclaimed. He elaborated, “Because I was casting — I was part of the casting of [Playing God]. I didn’t discover her, but you know, she came in and I just knew she was a movie star. I told everybody, ‘We’ve gotta cast her!'”
In “Playing God,” Duchovny portrayed Eugene Sands, a disgraced surgeon who loses his medical license due to drug abuse. The character finds himself entangled in the criminal underworld after saving a man’s life during a nightclub shooting. This act impresses local mobster Raymond Blossom, played by Timothy Hutton, who hires Eugene as his personal physician. Jolie played Claire, the mobster’s girlfriend, with whom Eugene becomes romantically involved.
Although “Playing God” was not a commercial success and received mixed reviews, Jolie’s performance stood out. Critics praised her portrayal of Claire, marking it as a significant early role in her career. Prior to this, Jolie had already made an impression with her role in the 1995 cult classic “Hackers,” which many consider her breakthrough performance.
Since her role in “Playing God,” Jolie’s career has skyrocketed. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in “Girl, Interrupted.” She received a nomination for Best Actress in 2009 for her performance in “Changeling” and was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Oscars in 2014.
Jolie’s achievements extend beyond the silver screen. Earlier this month, she won her first Tony Award for producing the Broadway musical “The Outsiders,” which took home the award for Best Musical. Jolie’s daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, served as a producer’s assistant on the project, making the win a family affair.
Jolie, now 49, is also a dedicated mother to six children: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 15. She shares her children with her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. Despite her busy career, Jolie remains committed to her family, often seen spending quality time with her children.
Reflecting on her role in “Playing God,” Jolie once described the experience as “wild.” In a 1997 interview with Interview magazine, she said, “[Playing God] was very rock-‘n’-roll and fun and loud and say-what-you-want-to-say, dress wild and love wild — you know that fantasy. I really allowed myself to get into that world. Being the age I am, I sometimes feel like a punk kid walking onto certain sets, but I didn’t this time. I felt very much a woman.”
Jolie’s career continued to flourish after “Playing God.” She earned a Golden Globe in 1998 for her role in “George Wallace” and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for “Girl, Interrupted.” Her humanitarian efforts have also been widely recognized, further cementing her status as a global icon.
Duchovny’s revelation about his role in Jolie’s early career adds an interesting layer to her already fascinating journey. While Jolie’s talent and charisma were evident from the start, Duchovny’s support and belief in her potential undoubtedly played a part in her rise to stardom.
As Jolie continues to make waves in both the entertainment industry and humanitarian efforts, her story serves as an inspiration to many. Duchovny’s anecdote is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent, a sentiment that resonates deeply in Hollywood and beyond.
Source: SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, Interview Magazine, Getty Images
