Introudction
When people search for Tom Bessamra, they are usually trying to understand the man connected to one of Hollywood’s most respected families. Although he has never been a celebrity, his name became known because of his marriage to actress and humanitarian Marcheline Bertrand, the mother of Angelina Jolie and James Haven.
Unlike most individuals associated with major stars, Tom Bessamra chose a life away from cameras, interviews, and red-carpet events. Yet his presence was meaningful during one of the most difficult periods in the Bertrand-Jolie family’s history.
This article explores Tom Bessamra’s life, marriage, family role, and relationship with Angelina Jolie’s family in detail.
Who Is Tom Bessamra?
Tom Bessamra is an American private individual best known as the second husband of Marcheline Bertrand. He gained public attention solely through that relationship, not through acting, entertainment, or business publicity.
While many celebrity spouses later pursue media appearances, Bessamra did the opposite. He intentionally remained out of the spotlight and rarely appeared publicly, even when connected to one of the world’s most famous actresses.
Because of this, very little personal information about his early life, education, or career has ever been officially disclosed. His privacy has been consistent for decades.
Marriage to Marcheline Bertrand
The most important chapter in Tom Bessamra’s story began with Marcheline Bertrand.
Their Relationship
Marcheline Bertrand, an actress and humanitarian, was previously married to actor Jon Voight. After their divorce, she spent many years focusing on raising her two children:
- Angelina Jolie
- James Haven
Years later, she formed a relationship with Tom Bessamra. The couple dated privately for several years before marrying in 2002.
Their marriage was not a celebrity event. There was:
- no large media coverage
- no publicity interviews
- no entertainment press campaign
This reflected both Bertrand’s increasingly private lifestyle and Bessamra’s personal nature.
A Supportive Role During Illness
The significance of Tom Bessamra in the family became especially clear during Marcheline Bertrand’s long battle with cancer.
Bertrand suffered from ovarian and breast cancer for years. During this time:
- Bessamra remained by her side
- He avoided media exposure
- He supported the family privately
Family sources and later tributes suggest he was a stable and supportive presence throughout her illness.
Marcheline Bertrand passed away on January 27, 2007. Their marriage lasted until her death.
Relationship with Angelina Jolie and James Haven
Through his marriage, Tom Bessamra became the stepfather of Angelina Jolie and James Haven.
Although not much has been publicly spoken about him, the timeline suggests:
- He was present during Jolie’s adult life
- He supported the family during a difficult health crisis
- He maintained a respectful distance from Hollywood publicity
Angelina Jolie has frequently spoken about her deep love and admiration for her mother, and Bertrand’s illness strongly influenced Jolie’s later humanitarian work and medical advocacy.
While Jolie rarely discusses Bessamra publicly, there has never been controversy or conflict associated with him. His role appears to have been supportive rather than attention-seeking.

Life After Marcheline Bertrand’s Death
After Bertrand’s passing in 2007, Tom Bessamra returned completely to private life.
He did not:
- give interviews
- write memoirs
- appear on television
- participate in Hollywood media coverage
This is unusual because many individuals connected to major celebrities often capitalize on fame. Bessamra instead disappeared from public view, reinforcing his reputation as a deeply private person.
There are no verified public social media accounts or public business ventures linked to him.
Why People Search for Tom Bessamra
Interest in Tom Bessamra continues today largely because of Angelina Jolie’s global fame. Fans researching Jolie’s family history often discover:
- her parents (Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand)
- her brother (James Haven)
- and eventually, her stepfather
Additionally, Bertrand’s battle with cancer significantly shaped Jolie’s health decisions, including preventive surgeries and awareness campaigns. Because Bessamra was part of her life during that time, curiosity about him remains strong.

Personality and Public Image
Although details are limited, a clear public image has formed:
Tom Bessamra is known for:
- discretion
- loyalty
- privacy
- support for his spouse during illness
Unlike many individuals linked to celebrities, there are no scandals, controversies, or public disputes associated with him.
Tom Bessamra Attributes (Chart)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Bessamra |
| Known For | Husband of Marcheline Bertrand |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Marcheline Bertrand |
| Marriage Year | 2002 |
| Marriage Duration | Until 2007 |
| Stepchildren | Angelina Jolie, James Haven |
| Public Profession | Not publicly disclosed |
| Public Appearances | Extremely rare |
| Media Presence | Private individual |
| Notable Role | Supported Bertrand during cancer battle |
| Lifestyle | Private life away from Hollywood |
Marcheline Bertrand Attributes (Chart)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcheline Bertrand |
| Birth | May 9, 1950 |
| Death | January 27, 2007 |
| Profession | Actress & Humanitarian |
| First Husband | Jon Voight |
| Second Husband | Tom Bessamra |
| Children | Angelina Jolie, James Haven |
| Cause of Death | Ovarian and breast cancer |
| Legacy | Humanitarian influence on Angelina Jolie |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Bessamra?
Tom Bessamra is the second husband of actress and humanitarian Marcheline Bertrand and the stepfather of Angelina Jolie.
Is Tom Bessamra Angelina Jolie’s biological father?
No. Angelina Jolie’s biological father is actor Jon Voight. Tom Bessamra is her stepfather.
When did Tom Bessamra marry Marcheline Bertrand?
They married in 2002 after several years of being together.
What happened to Tom Bessamra?
After Marcheline Bertrand died in 2007, he returned to private life and has stayed out of public attention.
Conclusion
The story of Tom Bessamra is unusual in Hollywood. He is connected to one of the world’s most famous families, yet he never pursued fame himself.
Instead, his legacy comes from quiet support, especially during Marcheline Bertrand’s long illness. While many figures linked to celebrities become public personalities, Bessamra remained consistent in valuing privacy over publicity.
Today, interest in him continues mainly because of the lasting cultural impact of Angelina Jolie and the humanitarian legacy of Marcheline Bertrand.
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