Brad Pitt is one of the most influential and recognizable actors in Hollywood. Known for his good looks, versatility, and powerful performances, Pitt has also built a strong reputation as a film producer. His career spans more than three decades, during which he has starred in blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed dramas, and award-winning productions. Beyond the screen, Pitt is admired for his humanitarian work, business ventures, and cultural influence.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Bradley Pitt |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1963 |
| Age (2025) | 61 years old |
| Place of Birth | Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA |
| Early Life | Raised in Springfield, Missouri; conservative household |
| Education | University of Missouri (dropped out to pursue acting) |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Early Career | Breakthrough in Thelma & Louise (1991) |
| Breakthrough | A River Runs Through It (1992), Legends of the Fall (1994) |
| Notable Films | Seven, Fight Club, Troy, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (2020); multiple nominations |
| Personal Life | Married Jennifer Aniston (2000–2005); married Angelina Jolie (2014–2016); 6 children |
| Philanthropy | Make It Right Foundation; Jolie-Pitt Foundation |
| Hobbies | Architecture, design, wine production |
| Personality Traits | Charismatic, driven, philanthropic |
| Legacy | Versatile actor and award-winning producer; global humanitarian influence |
Early Life and Background
William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. He was raised in Springfield, Missouri, by his parents, William Alvin Pitt, a trucking company owner, and Jane Etta, a school counselor. Brad grew up in a conservative household with his younger siblings, Doug and Julie.
Pitt attended the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism with a focus on advertising. However, just two credits short of graduation, he left college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. To support himself, he worked odd jobs, including chauffeuring strippers and dressing up as a chicken for a fast-food restaurant.
Breakthrough in Acting
Pitt’s first noticeable role came in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, where he played a charming drifter named J.D. Although it was a small role, his charisma and screen presence captured public attention and made him a Hollywood heartthrob overnight.
Soon after, Pitt began landing leading roles in films like A River Runs Through It (1992) and Legends of the Fall (1994). These films highlighted his talent and established him as a rising star.
Rise to Stardom
Throughout the 1990s, Pitt demonstrated his ability to take on diverse roles. In Seven (1995), he played Detective David Mills, opposite Morgan Freeman, in a gripping crime thriller that became a classic. He further proved his range with roles in 12 Monkeys (1995), for which he earned his first Academy Award nomination, and Fight Club (1999), which remains one of his most iconic performances.
Continued Success in the 2000s
In the 2000s, Pitt became an A-list star, appearing in big-budget films such as Troy (2004) and the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, alongside George Clooney and Matt Damon. His role as Achilles in Troy showcased his action star credentials, while Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) opposite Angelina Jolie not only became a box office hit but also sparked one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships.
Acclaimed Productions and Awards
In addition to acting, Pitt co-founded the production company Plan B Entertainment, which produced several award-winning films including The Departed (2006), 12 Years a Slave (2013), and Moonlight (2016). His involvement behind the camera earned him widespread respect as a producer.
Pitt’s acting also earned him critical acclaim in later years. His performances in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and Moneyball (2011) earned him Academy Award nominations. Finally, in 2020, he won his first acting Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
Personal Life
Brad Pitt’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. He married actress Jennifer Aniston in 2000, but the marriage ended in 2005. Soon after, his relationship with Angelina Jolie, his co-star from Mr. & Mrs. Smith, became public. The couple, nicknamed “Brangelina,” married in 2014 but divorced in 2016. Together, they share six children, three of whom were adopted internationally.
Despite publicized struggles, Pitt has spoken openly about self-improvement, sobriety, and focusing on his family.
Philanthropy
Brad Pitt is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. He co-founded the Make It Right Foundation, which built homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Along with Angelina Jolie, he also supported global initiatives through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, donating millions to causes such as education, healthcare, and human rights.
Legacy
Brad Pitt’s legacy is defined by his dual contributions as an actor and producer. He has combined box-office success with critical acclaim, cementing his place among the greatest actors of his generation. With his charm, talent, and philanthropy, Pitt continues to influence Hollywood and inspire fans worldwide.
