Brad Pitt: Full Biography
Full Name: William Bradley Pitt
Date of Birth: December 18, 1963
Place of Birth: Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
Early Life:
Brad Pitt was born to Jane Etta, a school counselor, and William Alvin Pitt, a businessman. He grew up in Springfield, Missouri, with his two younger siblings. From a young age, Pitt was involved in sports, particularly swimming, and was active in high school drama productions, sparking his interest in acting. He graduated from Kickapoo High School and went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he earned a degree in journalism with a focus on advertising. During college, he participated in theater and developed his acting skills.
Career Beginnings:
After graduating in 1986, Pitt moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He took on various roles in television, including appearances on series like “Growing Pains” and “Dallas.” His breakthrough came in 1991 with the film “Thelma & Louise,” where he played a charming drifter named J.D. The role earned him widespread recognition and established him as a rising star.
Rise to Fame:
Throughout the 1990s, Brad Pitt became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. He starred in a series of successful films, including:
- “A River Runs Through It” (1992): A coming-of-age drama that showcased his dramatic range.
- “Legends of the Fall” (1994): Pitt played Tristan Ludlow, a role that solidified his heartthrob status.
- “Se7en” (1995): In this psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, he portrayed a detective on the hunt for a serial killer.
- “Fight Club” (1999): Pitt’s role as Tyler Durden became iconic, challenging societal norms and exploring themes of identity and consumerism.
Acclaimed Work:
Pitt’s performances continued to garner critical acclaim in the 2000s. He received his first Academy Award nomination for “12 Monkeys” (1995), where he played a mentally ill man sent back in time to prevent a pandemic. In 2008, he starred in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” earning another Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a man aging in reverse.
In 2013, Pitt produced and starred in “12 Years a Slave,” a film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His production company, Plan B Entertainment, has been involved in several successful projects, further establishing his influence in Hollywood.
Personal Life:
Brad Pitt’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. He was married to actress Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005, and their high-profile relationship drew significant media attention. After their divorce, he began a relationship with actress Angelina Jolie, whom he met while filming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005). They were married in 2014 and have six children together, three of whom were adopted internationally. However, Pitt and Jolie separated in 2016, and their divorce proceedings have been complicated by legal disputes over custody and finances.
Philanthropy:
Pitt is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of disaster relief and sustainable housing. He co-founded the Make It Right Foundation, which aimed to build affordable, eco-friendly homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He has also supported various charities focusing on education, health care, and humanitarian causes.
Recent Work and Legacy:
In recent years, Pitt has continued to take on diverse roles, earning critical acclaim for his performances in films like “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also directed and produced films that reflect his artistic vision.
Current Status:
As of 2023, Brad Pitt remains a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his talent, charisma, and contributions to cinema. He continues to evolve as an actor and producer while maintaining an interest in various philanthropic initiatives.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | William Bradley Pitt |
Date of Birth | December 18, 1963 |
Place of Birth | Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA |
Early Life | – Born to Jane Etta and William Alvin Pitt |
– Grew up in Springfield, Missouri | |
– Graduated from Kickapoo High School | |
– Attended University of Missouri, studied journalism | |
Career Beginnings | – Moved to Los Angeles in 1986 to pursue acting |
– Early roles in TV shows like “Growing Pains” | |
Rise to Fame | – Breakthrough role in “Thelma & Louise” (1991) |
– Major films: | |
– “A River Runs Through It” (1992) | |
– “Legends of the Fall” (1994) | |
– “Se7en” (1995) | |
– “Fight Club” (1999) | |
Acclaimed Work | – First Oscar nomination for “12 Monkeys” (1995) |
– Nominated for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) | |
– Produced “12 Years a Slave” (2013), which won Best Picture | |
Personal Life | – Married Jennifer Aniston (2000-2005) |
– In a relationship with Angelina Jolie from 2005-2016 | |
– Six children (three adopted) | |
Philanthropy | – Co-founded Make It Right Foundation |
– Supports various charities focused on disaster relief and housing | |
Recent Work and Legacy | – Acclaimed for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) |
– Continues to act and produce films | |
Current Status | – Active in the film industry, involved in philanthropic initiatives |