Happy 40th birthday Angelina Jolie: The triumphs and hurdles of Hollywood's leading lady

It might be hard to believe but Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie will be celebrating her 40th birthday on 4 June.

The Maleficent actress' husband, Brad Pitt, is said to be planning on making her feel "spoilt rotten" and has reportedly hired a private island where they will celebrate the star's big day.

The rest and relaxation is entirely deserved for the mother-of-six who has enjoyed much turmoil in recent years as triumphs.

IBTimes UK takes a look at the highs and lows Jolie has experienced in recent years leading up to the big 4-0 milestone...

Marriage to Brad Pitt

The world was full of envy when the actress finally tied the knot with Pitt, 51, on 23 August 2014 after 10 years together.

Contrary to what many would have expected, the wedding ceremony was a tight-knit secret with just 20 guests watching the sweethearts saying their vows.

After years of focusing on the controversial beginnings of their relationship – Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston when he formed a friendship with Jolie – it was a long-awaited happy ending.

The marriage appeared to be the last step in completing their family, with the pair parents to six children – Maddox, 13, Pax, 11, Zahara, 10, Shiloh, nine, and six-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Health issues

In February 2013, Jolie revealed the heartbreaking news that she had to undergo a double mastectomy at the age of 37.

The procedure was a preventative measure after the actress learnt she had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer due to a BRCA1 gene.

In March 2015, Jolie announced she had her ovaries removed with a preventative oophorectomy procedure as she was at a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Fortunately, both surgeries were successful and Jolie has proved to be an inspiration to many women around the world.

Humanitarian work

Many have been sceptical about the film star's philanthropic work over the years but Jolie was given the royal seal of approval in June 2014 when she was made an honorary dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

Somehow in the midst of six children, a husband and acting career, Jolie has managed to continue her work as a UN goodwill ambassador.

Evolving movie career

With movies like Girl, Interrupted, the Tomb Raider franchise, Changeling and multiple awards under her belt, it seemed as though there was not much else Jolie could achieve in her movie career.

However, her performance in Disney's Sleeping Beauty adaptation Maleficent was critically acclaimed in 2014 and, most impressively, she took the plunge with her directorial debut with Unbroken that same year.

Much to the delight of romantics everywhere, Jolie and Pitt will be reuniting on screen for the first time since 2005's Mr & Mrs Smith in By The Sea, which the actress will also direct.

Watch the trailer for Angelina Jolie's directorial debut Unbroken: