Angelina Jolie Turns 40: Brad Pitt's Gift, Life-changing Moments that Make This Birthday Special [PHOTOS]

Angelina Jolie celebrates her birthday on Thursday, 4 June, and the "Maleficent" actress has an iconic year gone by to cherish and an exciting year to look forward to as she turns 40.

During her 39th year, though Jolie didn't star in a single movie, she still had her share of various iconic movements. And now, over the next 12 months, the actress will be working hard on some amazing movies. She'll be filming "Salt 2" and promoting the releases of "Kung Fu Panda 3" and "By The Sea."

On this special day, Mr Smith aka Brad Pitt has plans to makes his ladylove and co-star Mrs Smith feel 'spoilt rotten.' Apparently, Pitt had hired a private island where they will celebrate the big day.

Should we say the mother of six totally deserves it as she has had quite an eventful and hectic year in the past?

Well, here we look at some of those life-changing moments and challenges that define Angie as a strong woman, mother, actress and wife.

From Reel to Real Life: Angie Marries Brad Pitt

After being together for almost 10 years, Pitt and Jolie — known as one of Hollywood's hottest couples -- tied the knot on 23 August, 2014.

After fighting all the odds and controversies revolving around their relationship, the couple decided to say 'I Do' for their children.

And interesting each child from their brood of six had a role to play. Maddox and Pax walked their mom down the aisle; Zahara and Vivienne tossed petals gathered from the garden; Shiloh and Knox served as ring bearers. The kids also helped write their parents' vows. In fact, Pax even baked the cake.

Angie's Diary of a Surgery

The actress proved to be a strong woman when she inspired women across the world by undergoing 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 a heartfelt article titled "Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery," in New York Times, the actor - who lost her mother and aunt to cancer, wrote, "I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, 'Mom died of ovarian cancer'".

Angie for a Cause

While many have been sceptical about the actress' humanitarian work, Jolie has proved herself over and over again.

Be it essaying the role as a UN goodwill ambassador or fighting for human and women's right or encouraging child immigration and education, Jolie has always strongly stood by the cause she has been associated with.

In fact, the actress received the royal seal of approval in June 2014 when she was made an honorary dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

Angie's 'Unbroken' Movie Career

This year saw Jolie taking the director's chair again with "Unbroken." However, it was the outstanding performance of "Maleficent" that proved again that this actress can still give the other's a run for their money.

Best known for her roles in "Original Sin," "Tomb Raider," and "Girl, Interrupted" Jolie will be seen in "Salt 2" and "By The Sea" — her first acting collaboration with Pitt since 2005's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

Well, what can we say — here's wishing actress Angelina Jolie a very happy birthday.