James Haven has spent decades navigating the unique space of Hollywood royalty. As the older sibling of Oscar winner Angelina Jolie and the son of screen legend Jon Voight, his name frequently resurfaces in pop culture headlines.
Fast Facts
- Full Name: James Haven Voight
- Birthdate: May 11, 1973
- Parents: Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand
- Famous Sibling: Angelina Jolie (younger sister)
- Alma Mater: USC School of Cinematic Arts (George Lucas Award winner)
- Known For: On-screen roles in Gia and Monster’s Ball, producing the documentary Trudell, and directing Court of Conscience
- Recent Milestone: Publicly came out as gay on August 6, 2026
James Haven Comes Out as Gay in August 2026
Haven made major entertainment news on August 6, 2026, when he publicly came out as gay at age 53. He shared the announcement during a 35-minute livestream alongside his ex-wife and close friend, The Real L Word star Romi Imbelli, on her Substack Breathe Mija.
During the livestream, Haven read a personal letter reflecting on his childhood and his path toward embracing his true self. He recalled secretly wearing mascara and glitter as a young boy, noting that while he didn’t have the language back then, he always felt connected to that part of himself.
Imbelli enthusiastically supported him during the broadcast, revealing that their bond remains unbreakable and calling Haven her life partner and best friend.
Marriage Annulment and Relationship with Romi Imbelli
The public announcement added a meaningful chapter to the pair’s long history. Haven and Imbelli, who have been close friends for over 20 years, quietly married on August 12, 2024, in a ceremony attended by his father, Jon Voight.
However, the couple separated just 15 days later and officially annulled their marriage in March 2025. Following the annulment, Haven came out to Imbelli as they reconnected. Today, they continue to work together as producing partners, demonstrating that love and family can evolve beyond traditional labels.
Early Life and Famous Family Roots
Born in Los Angeles in 1973, Haven was immersed in the film industry from day one. After parents Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, separated in 1976, Haven and his younger sister Angelina were raised primarily by their mother in Palisades, New York, before returning to Los Angeles.
Growing up Catholic, Haven attended Beverly Hills High School before enrolling at the prestigious USC School of Cinema-Television. While at USC, he won the coveted George Lucas Award for a student film he directed starring his sister.
Haven later went through a period of estrangement from his father, legally dropping “Voight” from his name. Following the tragic passing of his mother from ovarian cancer in 2007, Haven reconciled with his father and later embraced his faith as a born-again Christian in 2009.
Film Credits and Behind the Camera Work
While many know him through his famous family, Haven has carved out an impressive career across film, television, and film festival executive boards.
Here are the key highlights from his entertainment career:
- Early Acting Career (1998–2003): Featured in Gia, Hell’s Kitchen, Original Sin, Monster’s Ball, and Ocean Park.
- Television Appearances: Guest-starred in episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2004) and The Game (2007).
- Documentary Producer: Executive produced Trudell (2005), an acclaimed documentary on Native American activist John Trudell that premiered at Sundance.
- Artivist Film Festival: Served as executive board director starting in 2006, advocating for films focused on human rights, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
- Directing: Directed his father, Jon Voight, and the late Anton Yelchin in the 2015 short film Court of Conscience.
Haven officially retired from professional acting in 2013 to focus entirely on directing and producing projects.
That Iconic 2000 Oscars Red Carpet Moment
Pop culture history will always tie Haven to the 2000 Academy Awards red carpet. After Angelina Jolie won Best Supporting Actress for Girl, Interrupted, the siblings shared an affectionate kiss on the lips that sparked years of tabloid commentary.
Both siblings quickly clarified that the gesture was purely an expression of familial support and comfort during an emotional period, as their mother was undergoing cancer treatments at the time. Haven has consistently maintained that the media storm was blown out of proportion.
Being Uncle James and Supporting Angelina Jolie
Haven has always maintained a protective, caring bond with his sister and her six children. Following Jolie’s high-profile split from Brad Pitt in 2016, Haven stepped into a central caregiving role for his nieces and nephews.
During a rare interview in early 2024, Haven expressed how natural it felt to step up, sharing that his instinct to protect his sister and her children during their formative years has always been at the core of who he is as a brother and uncle.
What Is Next for James Haven
Haven is stepping into his next chapter with two major creative projects lined up:
- Safe Haven Podcast: Hosting a weekly interview show with Wonder Peak Media focused on life-changing moments and personal transformations.
- Breathe Mija TV Adaptation: Directing a dramatic television series adapting Romi Imbelli’s memoir about resilience and friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did James Haven come out as gay?
James Haven publicly came out as gay on August 6, 2026, during a joint livestream with his ex-wife Romi Imbelli.
Is James Haven older than Angelina Jolie?
Yes, James Haven was born on May 11, 1973, making him two years older than Angelina Jolie, who was born on June 4, 1975.
Who was James Haven married to?
James Haven was married to television personality Romi Imbelli in August 2024 before the couple annulled their marriage 15 days later; they remain close friends.
Did James Haven help care for Angelina’s children?
Yes. Following Jolie’s 2016 split from Brad Pitt, Haven stepped in as a central caregiver for his nieces and nephews to help stabilize their daily routine.
What is James Haven’s new podcast called?
His upcoming weekly series is titled Safe Haven, focusing on transformative life choices and personal turning points.
From surviving the wild frenzy of 2000s red carpets to finding his purpose behind the camera, James Haven’s journey has always been about evolution. Now, as he steps into this next chapter living his truth, launching Safe Haven, and teaming up with Romi Imbelli on new screen projects, one thing is clear: he isn’t just standing in the shadow of Hollywood royalty anymore; he’s directing his own narrative!
