Brad Pitt: The Life and Career of a Hollywood Icon

Brad Pitt is an American actor and film producer who has become a household name in the entertainment industry. Born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also been nominated for several other awards for his work in movies and television shows.

Pitt's rise to fame began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he appeared in several popular movies, including "Thelma & Louise" and "A River Runs Through It." He quickly became known for his good looks, charm, and acting skills, and he soon became one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men. Over the years, he has worked with some of the industry's top directors and actors, and he has become known for his versatility and range as an actor.

Despite his success, Pitt has also faced his fair share of challenges in his personal life. He has been married twice, first to actress Jennifer Aniston and later to actress Angelina Jolie. His high-profile divorce from Jolie made headlines around the world, and it was rumored to have been a difficult and emotional time for him. Despite this, Pitt has continued to work in the entertainment industry and has remained one of its most popular and respected figures.

Early Life

Brad Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as William Bradley Pitt, the eldest of three children in a devoutly Southern Baptist family. His parents were Jane Etta Pitt (née Hillhouse), a school counselor, and William Alvin Pitt, a truck company manager. Pitt grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where he attended Kickapoo High School.

During his high school years, Pitt was involved in sports, debating, student government, and school musicals. He also participated in the Missouri State University's theater program for two years before dropping out to move to Los Angeles and pursue his acting career.

Pitt's early acting career began in 1987, with uncredited parts in the films No Way Out, No Man's Land, and Less than Zero. While struggling to establish himself in Los Angeles, Pitt took lessons from acting coach Roy London.

Overall, Pitt's early life was marked by his involvement in various activities and his pursuit of his passion for acting, which eventually led him to Hollywood.

Career Breakthrough

Brad Pitt's breakthrough role came in the 1991 film "Thelma and Louise," where he played a charming hitchhiker and one-night stand to Geena Davis' character. His performance was widely praised, and it helped him gain recognition in Hollywood.

Thelma and Louise

Pitt's portrayal of J.D. in "Thelma and Louise" was a small but memorable role that launched his career. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Pitt's performance was singled out for praise.

A River Runs Through It

After his success in "Thelma and Louise," Pitt went on to star in "A River Runs Through It" in 1992. The film, directed by Robert Redford, was based on the memoir of the same name by Norman Maclean. Pitt played the role of Paul Maclean, the younger brother of the main character, and his performance was once again praised by critics.

Legends of the Fall

In 1994, Pitt starred in "Legends of the Fall," a film based on the novella by Jim Harrison. Pitt played the role of Tristan Ludlow, the middle son of a Montana rancher. The film was a commercial success, and Pitt's performance earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Overall, Brad Pitt's breakthrough roles in "Thelma and Louise," "A River Runs Through It," and "Legends of the Fall" helped establish him as a leading actor in Hollywood. His performances in these films showcased his range as an actor and set the stage for his future success in the industry.

Established Actor

Brad Pitt is a well-established actor with a career spanning over three decades. He has acted in a wide range of films, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of his most notable performances.

Fight Club

One of Brad Pitt's most iconic roles was in the 1999 film "Fight Club." In the film, he played the role of Tyler Durden, a charismatic and mysterious character who forms a fight club with the protagonist, played by Edward Norton. Pitt's performance in the film was praised for its intensity and energy, and it helped cement his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.

Ocean's Eleven

In 2001, Brad Pitt starred in the heist film "Ocean's Eleven," alongside a star-studded cast that included George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. Pitt played the role of Rusty Ryan, a skilled con artist who helps plan a complex casino heist. The film was a commercial and critical success, and it spawned two sequels.

Troy

In 2004, Brad Pitt starred in the epic historical war film "Troy." He played the role of Achilles, a legendary warrior who fights in the Trojan War. Pitt's performance in the film was praised for its physicality and intensity, and it helped solidify his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Overall, Brad Pitt's performances in "Fight Club," "Ocean's Eleven," and "Troy" showcase his range as an actor and his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.

Producer Role

Brad Pitt is not only a talented actor but also an accomplished producer. He has produced several successful films that have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the films that Pitt has produced.

The Departed

One of the most successful films that Brad Pitt has produced is "The Departed" (2006). The movie, which was directed by Martin Scorsese, starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $290 million worldwide.

12 Years a Slave

Another critically acclaimed film that Brad Pitt produced is "12 Years a Slave" (2013). The movie, which was directed by Steve McQueen, is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film starred Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, and Michael Fassbender. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Nyong'o. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $187 million worldwide.

Moonlight

Brad Pitt also produced "Moonlight" (2016), which was directed by Barry Jenkins. The film follows the life of a young black man named Chiron, who grows up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. The movie starred Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Mahershala Ali. "Moonlight" won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Ali, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $65 million worldwide.

Overall, Brad Pitt has proven himself to be a successful producer, with a keen eye for compelling stories and talented filmmakers. His films have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, cementing his place as one of Hollywood's most respected producers.

Personal Life

Relationships

Brad Pitt has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Jennifer Aniston in 2000, but they divorced in 2005. In 2014, he married actress Angelina Jolie, whom he met on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. However, they separated in 2016 and their divorce was finalized in 2019.

Children

Pitt has six children with Jolie, three of whom were adopted internationally. Maddox, Pax, and Zahara were adopted from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, respectively. The couple also has three biological children: Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.

Philanthropy

Pitt is involved in various philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the Make It Right Foundation, which aims to build affordable and sustainable homes for people in need. He has also been involved in supporting various causes, such as the fight against AIDS and cancer research. In 2016, he and Jolie donated $1 million to the UN Refugee Agency to support refugees around the world.

In summary, Brad Pitt has been married twice, has six children with Angelina Jolie, and is involved in various philanthropic efforts.

Awards and Nominations

Brad Pitt is an accomplished actor and producer who has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. In this section, we will highlight some of his most notable achievements.

Academy Awards

Pitt has been nominated for an Academy Award a total of seven times and has won two. His first win came in 2020 for Best Supporting Actor in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He also won an Academy Award for Best Picture as a producer of 12 Years a Slave in 2014.

Here is a table summarizing his nominations and wins:

Year	Category	Film	Result
1996	Best Supporting Actor	Twelve Monkeys	Nominated
2009	Best Actor	The Curious Case of Benjamin Button	Nominated
2012	Best Actor	Moneyball	Nominated
2012	Best Picture	Moneyball	Nominated
2014	Best Picture	12 Years a Slave	Won
2020	Best Supporting Actor	Once Upon a Time in Hollywood	Won
2020	Best Picture	Once Upon a Time in Hollywood	Nominated

Golden Globe Awards

Pitt has won four Golden Globe Awards out of his nine nominations. His wins include Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for The Revenant.

Here is a table summarizing his nominations and wins:

Year	Category	Film	Result
1996	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture	Twelve Monkeys	Nominated
2007	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture	Babel	Nominated
2012	Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama	Moneyball	Nominated
2012	Best Motion Picture Drama	Moneyball	Nominated
2014	Best Motion Picture Drama	12 Years a Slave	Nominated
2015	Cecil B. DeMille Award	N/A	Won
2016	Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical	The Big Short	Nominated
2020	Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture	Once Upon a Time in Hollywood	Won
2020	Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy	Once Upon a Time in Hollywood	Nominated

Overall, Brad Pitt's numerous awards and nominations are a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of acting and producing.

Notable Collaborations

Brad Pitt has worked with many talented directors throughout his career, but some of his most notable collaborations have been with David Fincher and Quentin Tarantino.

David Fincher

Pitt and Fincher first worked together on the 1995 film "Se7en," which was a critical and commercial success. They later collaborated on the films "Fight Club" (1999) and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008), both of which were also well-received.

In "Fight Club," Pitt played the charismatic and unpredictable Tyler Durden, a role that earned him critical acclaim. The film has since become a cult classic.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was a unique and ambitious project that required extensive use of special effects to age Pitt's character in reverse. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Quentin Tarantino

Pitt and Tarantino first worked together on the 2009 film "Inglourious Basterds," in which Pitt played the leader of a group of Jewish soldiers who plot to assassinate Nazi leaders during World War II. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Pitt a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globes.

They later collaborated on the 2019 film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," in which Pitt played a stuntman named Cliff Booth. The film was another critical and commercial success and earned Pitt his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Pitt has praised Tarantino's unique style and vision, describing him as "a master storyteller."

Influence and Legacy

Brad Pitt has had a significant impact on the film industry since his debut in the late 1980s. He has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019).

Pitt's acting style is often described as natural and understated, with a focus on physicality. He is known for his ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and body language. This approach has influenced many actors who have come after him, including Ryan Gosling and Michael Fassbender.

In addition to his acting, Pitt has also made a significant impact in the world of philanthropy. He and his ex-wife Angelina Jolie have donated millions of dollars to various charities, including the Make It Right Foundation, which aims to build affordable and sustainable homes in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Pitt's legacy is one of versatility and longevity. He has been able to successfully transition from heartthrob roles to more serious and complex characters, earning critical acclaim along the way. His influence can be seen in the careers of many actors who have followed in his footsteps, and his philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on the world.

Recent Works

Brad Pitt has been busy in recent years, with several notable projects under his belt. Here are some of his most recent works:

• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): In this Quentin Tarantino film, Pitt plays stuntman Cliff Booth, who becomes embroiled in the Manson Family murders. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood received critical acclaim and earned Pitt an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

• Ad Astra (2019): In this science fiction film, Pitt stars as astronaut Roy McBride, who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of humanity. Ad Astra received positive reviews for its stunning visuals and Pitt's performance.

• The King (2019): In this historical drama, Pitt serves as a producer and also has a small role as the English nobleman John Talbot. The film follows the ascension of King Henry V to the throne and his subsequent battles in the Hundred Years' War.

• Bullet Train (2022): This upcoming action-thriller film stars Pitt as one of several assassins on a train in Tokyo. The movie is directed by David Leitch, known for his work on Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde.

• Babylon (2022): Another upcoming project, Babylon is a drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and set in the golden age of Hollywood. Pitt will star alongside Margot Robbie and Tobey Maguire.

Overall, Brad Pitt's recent works showcase his versatility as an actor and producer, with a range of genres and styles represented. His upcoming projects also demonstrate his continued commitment to challenging and interesting roles.

Future Projects

Brad Pitt has several exciting projects in the works that fans can look forward to.

One of the most anticipated films is Babylon, a 1920s Hollywood drama directed by Damien Chazelle, known for his work on La La Land and Whiplash. Pitt will star in the film alongside Margot Robbie, and the cast also includes Tobey Maguire, Katherine Waterston, and Max Minghella. The film is set to be released in 2024.

Another upcoming project for Pitt is Wolfs, a thriller movie written and directed by Jon Watts. Pitt will star alongside his longtime friend and collaborator George Clooney. The film centers on two lone-wolf professional fixers who get involved in a dangerous situation. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.

Pitt is also set to produce the upcoming film Bullet Train starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film is directed by David Leitch and is based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka. The story follows a group of assassins who board a train in Tokyo with different missions. The film is set to be released in 2022.

In addition to his film projects, Pitt will also be producing the upcoming series The Lost City of D, starring Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock. The series follows a romance novelist who discovers that her fictional city of love actually exists. The series is set to be released on Amazon Prime Video in 2022.

Overall, Brad Pitt's future projects show that he is continuing to take on diverse and exciting roles in the film industry. Fans can look forward to seeing him on both the big and small screens in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Brad Pitt married to now?

As of November 2023, Brad Pitt is not married to anyone. He was previously married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005 and to Angelina Jolie from 2014 to 2019.

What are some of Brad Pitt's most famous movie roles?

Brad Pitt has had many famous movie roles throughout his career, including Tyler Durden in "Fight Club," Billy Beane in "Moneyball," and Cliff Booth in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." He has also starred in other notable films such as "Thelma & Louise," "Se7en," and "Inglourious Basterds."

Does Brad Pitt have any siblings?

Yes, Brad Pitt has two younger siblings, a brother named Doug and a sister named Julie.

What is Brad Pitt's height?

Brad Pitt is 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.

What upcoming movies is Brad Pitt starring in?

As of November 2023, Brad Pitt has not announced any upcoming movies that he will be starring in.

Does Brad Pitt have a college degree?

No, Brad Pitt does not have a college degree. He attended the University of Missouri, where he studied journalism and advertising, but he dropped out two weeks before graduating to pursue a career in acting.