5 Things Lindsay Lohan Could Learn From Angelina Jolie

Lindsay, we love you... and want to love you more! Confiding in Oprah on national television is the first step to making a new life. We're cheering that your future performances will be Oscar worthy and not probation hearings on Court TV.
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Angelina Jolie is one of the most popular movie stars in the world. She's a shining star in every project she's appeared in, first garnering praise and awards in 1998 with the title role of Gia, a model who lived fast and died young. Initially it looked like that might have been her scenario too. We've seen Jolie's public persona blossom and grow from wild child to brother kisser to vile of blood wearing wife of that Slingblade guy. There was that notorious love triangle. Next, a curious thing happened. She settled down, became a mom, philanthropist, product endorser, gay marriage advocate, breast cancer awareness spokesperson, movie director, UN Goodwill Ambassador and much more.

Then there's Lindsay Lohan. Both women received acclaim and awards for their work in 1998, and were praised as talent to watch by Roger Ebert. Then LiLo was on TMZ and Court TV more than her natural habitat, movie screens. If Lindsay followed Angelina's example, here's some of the things that might revamp her career:

1.Make a home: Angelina's had two husbands (Johnny Lee Miller, Billy Bob Thornton) and a committed relationship with Brad Pitt since 2005. Having someone to come home to cuts down on the frequency or temptations of going out and looking for a good time that leads to trouble-- unless your partner is Sid Vicious. Dating a stabilizing partner like Brad might be a good choice, or someone not in the limelight of fame, somebody besides a bar. Surround yourself with people you love, and who love you. Lindsay, you don't even have to pick a team, just find someone to build a home life with.

2.Get a product endorsement: Nothing says, "I'm responsible, I can be trusted," like having your name and face associated with a sports drink, golf club, or clothing line. Just ask Tiger Woods. Angelina has given her name and face to Shiseido, St. John, and Louis Vuitton. Lindsay, you like to shop. Find your favorite thing and tell them you love it. They'll even give you free samples. But steer away from cars.

3.Align yourself with a charity: A successful actor's life is filled with perks and constant showering of appreciation. Giving to others, via participating in charitable causes, tells the world, "I'm not an over privileged, self absorbed child star who grew up. I think of others too." Angelina's charitable efforts include working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and building schools in Cambodia. Since its founding at the 2007 Clinton Global Initiative, Jolie has co-chaired the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which funds education programs for children affected by disaster. Lindsay, you started to walk the charitable road when your company 6126, a clothing line you created, donated sales from its Fame brand leggings to the Save the Children charity, to benefit the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Just take a few more steps in that direction.

4.Ditch your birth family: Angelina's father is actor Jon Voight. A talented artist in his own right, he excels at playing bad dads and scheming con artists. His daughter has spoken publicly about his less than stellar husband and parenting skills, at least where she's concerned. In interviews over the years she's shared that they've stopped speaking, or were recently reconciled. Not sure where they are at this moment, but she took control of that volatile family dynamic, relating on her terms. Lindsay, we know that despite loving feelings, you've experienced on again, off again contact with your dad too. Time and distance can heal a lot. We've seen your mom, Dina. She uses cosmetology and your money to look more like a sister than a mom to you. We know she's been your manager too. Watch the movie Gypsy and see if Dina would make a good Mama Rose.

5.Create a stable and nurturing family: Nothing boosts public opinion likability more than parenting a child--just ask Kate and William. Angelina has six children--some adopted, others natural, all loved and cherished. If pregnancy is too time consuming, adopt. If children are just not on your agenda, adopt pets like Ke$ha or Betty White.

Lindsay, we love you...and want to love you more! Confiding in Oprah on national television is the first step to making a new life. We're cheering that your future performances will be Oscar worthy and not probation hearings on Court TV. Here's hoping you'll heed the blueprint to go from trouble maker to game changer, to heralded humanitarian.

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