Marcheline Bertrand was an accomplished actor and dedicated humanitarian, born as Marcia Lynne Bertrand on May 9, 1950, in Blue Island, Illinois. Growing up, Marcheline Bertrand moved to Beverly Hills, California, where she attended high school and later set her sights on a career in acting. Her first major break came with a role on the popular crime drama “Ironside,” which aired on NBC from 1967 to 1975. That early opportunity marked the beginning of what would become a meaningful, if modest, presence in film and television.

During her life, Marcheline Bertrand met fellow actor Jon Voight, and the two married in 1971. Though their marriage eventually ended in divorce, they shared a lasting legacy through their two children—James Haven and Angelina Jolie—both of whom followed in their parents’ footsteps into acting. Over the years, Marcheline Bertrand appeared in a few more notable projects, including the films “Lookin’ to Get Out” (1982) and “The Man Who Loved Women” (1983), further establishing her quiet but steady contribution to the entertainment industry.

In her later years, Marcheline Bertrand shifted much of her focus toward activism and humanitarian work. Alongside her partner, Indigenous rights advocate John Trudell, she became deeply involved in efforts to support marginalized communities. Together, Marcheline Bertrand and Trudell co-founded The All Tribes Foundation, an organization committed to preserving Native cultures and providing financial aid to tribal communities across North America. This cause was especially important to her, reflecting a deep respect for cultural heritage and social justice.

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999, Marcheline Bertrand took on another vital mission: raising awareness about women’s health. She founded the nonprofit organization Give Love Give Life to educate the public and support research for ovarian and breast cancers—conditions she personally battled for years. Despite her strength and advocacy, Marcheline Bertrand passed away at the age of 56 on January 27, 2007, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Her legacy lived on through the causes she championed. Just one month after her passing, a tribute concert titled “Give Love Give Life” was held in Los Angeles, drawing support and donations for the Women’s Cancer Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Marcheline Bertrand’s life, though cut short, was filled with compassion, courage, and purpose—qualities that continue to inspire those who remember her journey. Marcheline Bertrand truly believed in using her voice for change, and in doing so, left behind a powerful impact that endures today.