Brad Pitt Biography

Brad Pitt Biography: William Bradley Pitt, born on December 18, 1963, is an American actor and film producer acclaimed with numerous honors, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Recognized as one of the most influential figures in the American entertainment realm, Pitt’s career spans iconic roles and blockbuster successes.

Pitt rose to prominence as a cowboy hitchhiker in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise (1991), marking the beginning of his journey to stardom. He showcased his talent in leading roles in notable productions such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Legends of the Fall (1994). Further establishing his versatility, he appeared in Interview with the Vampire (1994) alongside Tom Cruise and delivered standout performances in Seven (1995) and 12 Monkeys (1995), earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards recognition.

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His career flourished with commercial hits like Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequels, solidifying his status as a leading man. Pitt’s repertoire expanded with roles in diverse genres, including Troy (2004), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), World War Z (2013), and Bullet Train (2022). He also captivated audiences and critics alike in acclaimed films like Fight Club (1999), Babel (2006), and The Tree of Life (2011).

In addition to his acting prowess, Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment in 2001, producing award-winning films such as The Departed (2006), 12 Years a Slave (2013), and Moonlight (2016), further cementing his impact on the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pitt’s personal life has garnered significant attention. He has been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive twice and has been married to actresses Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, with whom he shares six children, three of whom were adopted internationally.

Early Life

William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to William Alvin Pitt and Jane Etta (née Hillhouse). His father was a trucking company proprietor, and his mother worked as a school counselor. The family later relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where Pitt grew up alongside his younger siblings, Douglas Pitt (born 1966) and Julie (née Pitt) Neal (born 1969). Raised in a conservative Christian household, Pitt was brought up in the Southern Baptist faith but later explored agnosticism and atheism before eventually finding a sense of spirituality. He fondly recalls Springfield as reminiscent of “Mark Twain country, Jesse James country,” with its rolling hills and abundant lakes.

The Stunning Transformation Of Brad Pitt

During his time at Kickapoo High School, Pitt was actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including the golf, swimming, and tennis teams. He also participated in the Key and Forensics clubs, engaged in school debates, and showcased his talents in musical productions. After graduating from high school, Pitt pursued higher education at the University of Missouri in 1982, where he majored in journalism with a specialization in advertising. However, his passion for the world of cinema led him to reassess his path. Feeling a strong pull toward the film industry, Pitt made the decision to leave the university just shy of completing his degree and headed to Los Angeles. There, he immersed himself in acting classes while supporting himself through various odd jobs. Pitt cites actors like Gary Oldman, Sean Penn, and Mickey Rourke as early inspirations in his acting journey.

Career

Early work (1987–1993)

While navigating the challenges of establishing himself in Los Angeles, Pitt honed his craft under acting coach Roy London. His acting journey commenced in 1987 with minor roles in films like No Way Out, No Man’s Land, and Less than Zero. Making his television debut in May 1987 on Another World, Pitt quickly followed with guest appearances on Trial and Error and Growing Pains. He gained further exposure with roles in Dallas and a guest spot on 21 Jump Street.

In 1988, Pitt secured his first leading role in The Dark Side of the Sun, a Yugoslavian–U.S. co-production. However, the film’s release was delayed due to the Croatian War of Independence. Pitt’s breakthrough came in 1991 with his supporting role in Thelma & Louise. Where his portrayal of J.D. marked him as a sex symbol.

Pitt’s career soared with notable performances in A River Runs Through It (1992), for which he received acclaim despite his initial doubts. He showcased his versatility in the 1993 road film Kalifornia, earning praise for his portrayal of a serial killer. Additionally, his comedic turn in True Romance garnered attention. Earning him a ShoWest Award for Male Star of Tomorrow in 1993.

Breakthrough (1994–1998)

In 1994, Pitt starred as the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, receiving mixed reviews despite winning two MTV Movie Awards. He followed with Legends of the Fall, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Tristan Ludlow. The film’s reception was mixed, but Pitt’s performance was praised.

In 1995, Pitt showcased his versatility in the crime thriller Seven, receiving critical acclaim for his role as a detective. He then delivered a frenzied performance in 12 Monkeys, winning a Golden Globe and earning his first Academy Award nomination. The following year, he appeared in Sleepers and The Devil’s Own, facing mixed reviews for both.

In 1997’s Seven Years in Tibet, Pitt underwent rigorous training for his role as a mountaineer. He followed with Meet Joe Black in 1998, receiving criticism for his portrayal of death.

Rise to prominence (1999–2003)

In 1999, Pitt took on the iconic role of Tyler Durden in Fight Club, undergoing intense physical preparation including boxing and taekwondo training. Despite mixed critical reception for the film, Pitt’s performance was widely praised, solidifying its cult classic status.

In 2000, he portrayed an Irish Traveller boxer in Guy Ritchie’s Snatch, earning acclaim for his comedic yet intense performance. Pitt then starred in the romantic comedy The Mexican alongside Julia Roberts, followed by the Cold War thriller Spy Game in 2001.

The same year, Pitt made a memorable guest appearance on Friends and starred in the blockbuster Ocean’s Eleven, which received widespread acclaim and commercial success. He also made appearances on MTV’s Jackass and had a cameo in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

In 2003, Pitt ventured into voice acting in Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas and lent his voice to the animated series King of the Hill as Boomhauer’s brother, Patch.

Established actor (2009–present)

In 2009, Pitt starred as Lieutenant Aldo Raine in Inglourious Basterds, directed by Quentin Tarantino. Earning critical acclaim and box office success. He then voiced Metro Man in Megamind and produced and appeared in The Tree of Life. Which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Pitt’s portrayal of Billy Beane in Moneyball earned him an Academy Award nomination.

In 2012, he played mob hitman Jackie Cogan in Killing Them Softly and starred in and produced World War Z. His highest-grossing film to date. Pitt also produced and had a small role in 12 Years a Slave, which won Best Picture at the Oscars. Additionally, he had a supporting role in The Counselor and produced the sci-fi/fantasy drama Resurrection for ABC Studios.

Personal life

Brad Pitt love life

Relationships

From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Pitt had romantic relationships with several of his co-stars. Including Robin Givens, Jill Schoelen, and Juliette Lewis. Notably, his relationship with Lewis began when he was 27 and she was 17. He then dated his Seven co-star, Gwyneth Paltrow, from 1994 to 1997.

In 1998, Pitt met Jennifer Aniston, and they married in 2000. However, they announced their separation in 2005 and finalized their divorce later that year. Despite rumors of animosity, Pitt stated they remained in touch.

During his divorce, Pitt’s involvement with Angelina Jolie, his co-star in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, attracted media attention. They confirmed their relationship in 2006 and were engaged in 2012, marrying in 2014. However, they filed for divorce in 2016, which was finalized in 2019. In 2022, Pitt began dating jewelry designer Ines de Ramon, who is 29 years old.

Children

In July 2005, Pitt joined Jolie in Ethiopia for the adoption of her second child, a girl. By December 2005, Pitt was in the process of adopting Jolie’s first adopted child, a boy. Their surnames were legally changed to “Jolie-Pitt” in January 2006. Later, Jolie gave birth to their daughter in Namibia in May 2006. With the couple donating the proceeds from selling their daughter’s first pictures to charity.

Angelina Jolie feared for children's safety during Brad Pitt marriage

In March 2007, Jolie adopted a three-year-old boy from Vietnam, whom Pitt later adopted in the US in February 2008. Jolie announced she was expecting twins at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008. Giving birth to a son and daughter in France in July 2008. The couple sold the twins’ first pictures for charity.

Since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, they have been involved in a custody battle. Pitt was granted joint custody in May 2021. But the arrangement reverted to Jolie’s primary custody in July 2021 due to concerns over the judge’s impartiality. Despite investigations, Pitt was not charged with child abuse following an incident on a plane in September 2016.

Alcoholism

In September 2016, Pitt embarked on a journey to sobriety and started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In December 2019, he penned an article for Interview. Discussing his battle with addiction alongside his Legends of the Fall co-star Anthony Hopkins, also in recovery. Pitt acknowledges actor Bradley Cooper for his support in his journey to sobriety.

Artworks

Pitt’s passion for art extends to pottery, with him actively learning and creating sculptures. In 2022–2023, nine of his sculptures were showcased alongside pieces by musician Nick Cave and artist Thomas Houseago at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland.

Public image

Pitt has been widely recognized as a sex symbol. Earning titles such as one of the 25 sexiest stars in film history by Empire in 1995. He was also named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1995 and 2000. Additionally, he appeared on Forbes. Celebrity 100 list from 2006 to 2008 and was included on Time magazine’s Time 100 list in 2007 and 2009 for his influential presence.

Brad Pitt's First Rolling Stone

His relationship with Angelina Jolie sparked intense media frenzy, especially surrounding their pregnancies and family life. In a global survey, Pitt and Jolie were hailed as favorite celebrity endorsers worldwide.

Pitt has also dabbled in television commercials, including notable appearances for Heineken and Acura Integra. In 2015, a minor planet was named after him, further solidifying his impact beyond the realm of entertainment.