Early Life
William Bradley Pitt, widely known as Brad Pitt, was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma,
USA. Raised in Springfield, Missouri, he grew up in a Southern Baptist
household with his mother, Jane Etta, a school counselor, his father, William
Alvin Pitt, a trucking company manager, and his younger siblings, Doug and
Julie Neal.
Career Beginnings
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Pitt took acting lessons and worked various odd jobs. His early
career included uncredited roles in films like “No Way Out” (1987) and “Less
Than Zero” (1987). His first significant break came with a guest appearance on
the TV series “Dallas” in 1987, followed by a string of guest roles on other
television shows.
Rise to Fame
Pitt's breakthrough came with his role as a charming drifter in “Thelma & Louise” (1991), where
his performance as J.D. captured the audience's attention. This role led to
more substantial parts in films such as “A River Runs Through It” (1992) and
“Legends of the Fall” (1994), where his portrayal of Tristan Ludlow solidified
his status as a leading man.
Establishing a Legacy
In 1995, Pitt starred in “Se7en,” a dark thriller directed by David Fincher, opposite Morgan
Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. His role as detective David Mills showcased his
ability to handle complex characters and brought critical acclaim. The same
year, his performance in “12 Monkeys” earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best
Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination.
Diverse Roles and Continued Success
Pitt continued to choose diverse and challenging roles, starring in movies like “Fight Club”
(1999), where his role as Tyler Durden became iconic, and “Ocean’s Eleven”
(2001), a commercial success that led to two sequels. He explored various
genres, from the epic “Troy” (2004) to the animated “Megamind” (2010),
showcasing his versatility.
Production Endeavors
In 2001, Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment, a production company, with Jennifer Aniston and Brad
Grey. The company produced critically acclaimed films such as “The Departed”
(2006), “12 Years a Slave” (2013), which won the Academy Award for Best
Picture, and “Moonlight” (2016), another Best Picture winner.
Personal Life
Pitt’s high-profile relationships have often made headlines. He married actress Jennifer Aniston in
2000, but the couple divorced in 2005. He then began a relationship with
actress Angelina Jolie, with whom he has six children, three of whom are
adopted. They married in 2014 but separated in 2016, finalizing their divorce
in 2019.
Philanthropy
Beyond acting and producing, Pitt is known for his philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the Make
It Right Foundation in 2007, which aimed to build sustainable housing for
Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. Pitt is also actively involved in
various humanitarian causes, including efforts to combat AIDS and poverty in
Africa.
Recent Works
In recent years, Pitt has continued to deliver
compelling performances. His role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in
Hollywood” (2019) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He
also starred in the sci-fi drama “Ad Astra” (2019), demonstrating his continued
relevance and talent in the industry.
Legacy
Brad Pitt’s career spans over three decades,
marked by a willingness to take risks and explore diverse roles. From
heartthrob to critically acclaimed actor and producer, Pitt has cemented his
place in Hollywood history. His contributions to cinema, philanthropy, and his
ability to reinvent himself with each role ensure that he remains one of the
most respected and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
