Growing up as a "Brangelina" kid sounds like a fever dream or a movie script. For Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, it’s just Tuesday.
Honestly, it's wild to think they’re 17 now. Born in a French hospital in 2008 with a literal media blockade outside the doors, they've spent nearly two decades being the most famous "unknown" teenagers on the planet. People always try to guess which parent they take after more. Is it Brad’s jawline? Angelina’s eyes? But lately, the conversation has shifted. It's not about who they look like anymore; it's about who they're becoming as they inch toward adulthood in 2026.
The Broadway Breakout vs. The Quiet Competitor
Most folks think these kids are just carbon copies of their A-list parents, but that’s basically not the case at all. Take Vivienne Jolie-Pitt. While her siblings were dodging paparazzi, she was deep in the trenches of New York theater. She didn’t just show up to a premiere; she worked.
In 2024, she was a volunteer assistant on the Broadway hit The Outsiders. Angelina actually joked that Viv was a "tough assistant" who would correct her if she missed a memo. That’s a 15-year-old holding her own with a producer who happens to be an Oscar winner. It wasn't a vanity project. Vivienne reportedly saw the workshop in California five times before she even convinced her mom to get involved. She has this quiet, behind-the-scenes energy that Angelina says reminds her of her own mother, Marcheline Bertrand.
Knox is a different story.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about his "bold transformation" recently. He’s been sporting purple hair and glasses, looking like a total mix of both parents but with a vibe that's all his own. While his twin was winning Tony Awards, Knox Jolie-Pitt was quietly becoming a beast in the Muay Thai ring. In July 2025, he clinced a gold medal at a tournament in Morro Bay. He’s buff now. He’s athletic. And he seems perfectly happy to let his sister handle the red carpet duties while he hits the gym.
What’s Really Happening With the "Pitt" Name?
This is where things get kinda messy. You've probably heard that the Jolie-Pitt kids are dropping their dad’s last name. It started with the older ones, but it’s hit the twins too.
When The Outsiders Playbill came out, Vivienne was listed as Vivienne Jolie. No "Pitt." No hyphen. Just Jolie. While it hasn't been confirmed if this is a legal name change like her sister Shiloh’s, the message is pretty clear.
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- Maddox and Pax were the first to distance themselves.
- Zahara introduced herself at her Spelman sorority as "Zahara Marley Jolie."
- Shiloh filed the legal paperwork the second she turned 18.
- Vivienne seems to be following suit in professional credits.
The reality is that since the 2016 plane incident that ended the marriage, the bond with Brad has been... complicated. Reports from 2025 suggest that while the twins might still have "limited" contact with their father, the older four are basically done. It’s a heavy weight for any kid to carry, let alone under a microscope.
Why They Aren't "Nepo Babies" in the Traditional Sense
We love to throw the term "nepo baby" around, but the Jolie-Pitt crew is weirdly allergic to the spotlight. Angelina has been super vocal about this. She’s said she doesn’t think any of them want to be actors.
Sure, Vivienne had a bit part in Maleficent when she was five, but that was mostly because no other five-year-old was brave enough to stand next to her mom in those terrifying horns. Since then? Nothing. They seem to prefer the "worker" roles. Knox hasn't shown any interest in the screen, and the older brothers, Maddox and Pax, usually work in the AD (Assistant Director) or camera departments when they’re on their mom's sets.
They’re a tight-knit group. Angelina calls them "the seven of us," and you’ll rarely see one of them without a sibling or two in tow. Whether they're grabbing groceries at Lazy Acres in Los Feliz or hitting a red carpet in London, they move like a pack.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that they're living this pampered, "spoiled brat" lifestyle. In reality, they seem surprisingly grounded. You see them in thrifted clothes, wearing Crocs, and hanging out at regular spots in LA. They aren't trying to be influencers. They don't have public TikTok accounts. They aren't "launching" lifestyle brands.
They are basically just trying to grow up.
As they turn 18 in July 2026, the world is going to want more from them. More interviews, more projects, more drama. But if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that Knox and Vivienne are going to do things on their own terms. Whether that’s in a Broadway orchestra pit or a Muay Thai ring, they aren't following the Hollywood playbook.
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Actionable Insights for Following Their Journey
If you’re interested in keeping up with what’s actually happening (and not just the tabloid fluff), here’s how to filter the noise:
- Look at the Credits: If you want to see what Vivienne is doing, check Playbills and theater announcements. She’s a "theater head" through and through.
- Check the Sports Results: Knox’s interest in Muay Thai is real. Competitive tournament results are a better indicator of his life than "unnamed source" quotes.
- Ignore the "Reconciliation" Rumors: Unless there is a legal filing or a verified photo, most stories about a family reunion are just clickbait.
- Respect the Privacy: They’ve made it clear they are "shy, private people." The most authentic glimpses we get of them are usually the ones they choose to share, like their work on The Outsiders or their support for their mom's film Maria.
The Jolie-Pitt story is still being written, but the twins are finally the ones holding the pen.