Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt
Name	Brad Pitt
Caption	Pitt at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con
Birth name	William Bradley Pitt
Birth date	18 December 1963
Birth place	Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, film producer
Years active	1987–present
Spouse	* Jennifer Aniston (2000–2005) * Angelina Jolie (2014–2019)
Partner	Gwyneth Paltrow (1994–1997)
Awards	Academy Awards (2), BAFTA Awards (2), Golden Globe Awards (2), Primetime Emmy Award (1)

Brad Pitt. William Bradley Pitt is an American actor and film producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular figures in Hollywood. His career, spanning over three decades, has seen him evolve from a charismatic supporting player to a leading man and acclaimed producer, earning numerous accolades including two Academy Awards. Beyond his cinematic work, Pitt is known for his high-profile relationships, philanthropic efforts through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, and ventures in architecture and sustainable development.

Early life and education

William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Jane Etta, a school counselor, and William Alvin Pitt, who ran a trucking company. He was raised with his younger siblings, Douglas and Julie, in Springfield, Missouri, within a conservative Southern Baptist household. Pitt attended Kickapoo High School, where he participated in sports, debating, and school musicals before enrolling at the University of Missouri to study journalism with a focus on advertising. Shortly before graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, taking odd jobs and studying under renowned coach Roy London while auditioning for television roles.

Acting career

Pitt's early career included guest spots on television series such as *Dallas* and *21 Jump Street* before his breakthrough role as a charming hitchhiker in Ridley Scott's 1991 road film *Thelma & Louise*. He solidified his leading man status with performances in *A River Runs Through It* and *Interview with the Vampire*, before earning his first Academy Award nomination for *12 Monkeys*. Major commercial successes followed, including *Fight Club*, the *Ocean's* trilogy, and *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*. Later, he received critical acclaim for roles in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, *Moneyball*, and *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, winning his first acting Academy Award for the latter. His production company, Plan B Entertainment, has produced acclaimed films like *The Departed*, *12 Years a Slave*, and *Moonlight*.

Personal life

Pitt's personal life has been a constant subject of intense media scrutiny. He had high-profile relationships with actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Juliette Lewis before marrying *Friends* star Jennifer Aniston in 2000; their marriage ended in divorce in 2005. During the filming of *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*, he began a relationship with co-star Angelina Jolie, which became a global media sensation dubbed "Brangelina". The couple had six children together, three of whom were adopted from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, before marrying in 2014 at their estate in Château Miraval in Correns, France. They filed for divorce in 2016, engaging in a protracted and public custody dispute. Pitt has been open about his past struggles with substance abuse and has stated he is now sober.

Filmography and accolades

Brad Pitt's extensive filmography includes over sixty film credits as an actor and many more as a producer through Plan B Entertainment. Notable acting credits span genres, from thrillers like *Se7en* and *World War Z* to dramas like *Babel* and *The Tree of Life*. His accolades include two Academy Awards (one for acting, one for producing *12 Years a Slave*), two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as a producer on the HBO film *The Normal Heart*. He has also received honors from the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.

Public image and media

Often cited as one of the world's most attractive men by publications like *People* magazine, Pitt's public image has evolved from a Hollywood heartthrob to a respected actor and producer. His relationships, particularly with Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, have fueled decades of tabloid coverage in outlets like TMZ and *The Sun*. Despite the intense scrutiny, he has maintained a reputation for professionalism and charm in interviews, often using his platform to discuss architectural projects and humanitarian causes. His style and endorsements, including a long-running campaign for Brioni and De'Longhi, have also cemented his status as a global fashion icon.

Business ventures and philanthropy

Beyond film, Pitt co-founded the production company Plan B Entertainment in 2001, which has become a powerhouse for prestige cinema. He has a deep interest in architecture, founding the Make It Right Foundation to build sustainable homes in New Orleans's Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina, though the project faced later criticism. He also co-designed furniture for Frank Pollaro and is involved in luxury real estate development. Philanthropically, he established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation with Angelina Jolie, donating millions to causes worldwide, including refugee support with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and conservation efforts. He has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality and environmental sustainability.

Category:American film actors Category:Best Supporting Actor Academy Award winners Category:Best Picture Academy Award winners