Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt
Born	William Bradley Pitt 12/18/1963
Birthplace	Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor, film producer
Known for	Fight Club, Ocean's Eleven, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 12 Years a Slave
Spouse(s)	Jennifer Aniston (m. 2000; div. 2005); Angelina Jolie (m. 2014; div. 2019)
Children	6
Awards	Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (2020), Academy Award for Best Picture (2014)

William Bradley Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer whose career in film spans more than three decades. Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt rose from a brief appearance as a cowboy hitchhiker in Ridley Scott's Thelma & Louise (1991) to become one of the most recognizable leading men in Hollywood. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and one Volpi Cup. His films as a leading actor have grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide. Pitt first established himself as a star through a series of critically and commercially successful films in the 1990s, including A River Runs Through It (1992), Legends of the Fall (1994), Interview with the Vampire (1994), Seven (1995), Fight Club (1999), and Snatch (2000). He went on to cement his status as a leading man in blockbusters such as Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's film trilogy (2001–2007), Troy (2004), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), World War Z (2013), Bullet Train (2022), and F1 (2025). Beyond acting, Pitt co-founded the production company Plan B Entertainment in 2001, which produced the Academy Award for Best Picture winner 12 Years a Slave (2013). An influential figure in popular culture, Pitt has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive twice, in 1995 and 2000, and appeared on the Time 100 list in 2007.

Early Life

Brad Pitt was born William Bradley Pitt on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in the United States. He was raised in Springfield, Missouri. Pitt has a brother, Doug Pitt. Details of his childhood and upbringing in the Midwest have been widely documented in media profiles throughout his career. Before pursuing acting, Pitt attended the University of Missouri, where he studied journalism but reportedly left shortly before completing his degree to move to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in Hollywood. In Los Angeles, he took acting lessons and worked various jobs while auditioning for roles in film and television.

Pitt's early years in Hollywood were marked by small, uncredited roles and minor television appearances beginning in 1987. He steadily built experience through guest spots on television series and bit parts in films throughout the late 1980s before his breakout appearance in 1991.

Career

Early Roles and Breakthrough (1987–1994)

Pitt began his acting career in 1987 with minor, uncredited roles in film and television. His first significant exposure to a wide audience came with his appearance as a charming cowboy hitchhiker in Ridley Scott's road film Thelma & Louise (1991), a role that, despite limited screen time, generated considerable attention and established Pitt as a rising talent in Hollywood.

Following this breakthrough, Pitt quickly transitioned into leading roles. In 1992, he starred in Robert Redford's drama A River Runs Through It, a film adaptation of Norman Maclean's novella set in early twentieth-century Montana. The film was noted for its lyrical depiction of fly fishing and family life, and Pitt's performance as the reckless younger brother Paul Maclean drew critical praise. The influence of this film has continued to resonate; in 2026, SlashFilm reported that Taylor Sheridan's television series The Madison drew significant thematic inspiration from A River Runs Through It, from its narrative themes to its story structure.

In 1994, Pitt appeared in two high-profile productions. He starred in Edward Zwick's epic western Legends of the Fall, playing Tristan Ludlow, a wild and free-spirited figure in early twentieth-century Montana. The same year, he took on the role of the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac in Neil Jordan's horror film Interview with the Vampire, based on Anne Rice's novel, appearing alongside Tom Cruise. These two roles solidified Pitt's status as a bankable leading man with range across genres.

Critical Acclaim and Stardom (1995–2000)

The mid-to-late 1990s represented a period of significant artistic growth for Pitt. In 1995, he starred in David Fincher's crime thriller Seven (stylized as Se7en), opposite Morgan Freeman. The film, a dark and atmospheric tale of two detectives tracking a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins, was both a critical and commercial success.

Also in 1995, Pitt appeared in Terry Gilliam's science fiction drama 12 Monkeys, in which he played Jeffrey Goines, a mentally unstable animal rights activist. The performance marked a departure from Pitt's more conventional leading-man roles and earned him his first Academy Award nomination, for Best Supporting Actor. For this performance, he also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.

In 1998, Pitt starred in Meet Joe Black, a romantic fantasy drama directed by Martin Brest. The film received mixed reviews from critics.

In 1999, Pitt reunited with director David Fincher for Fight Club, based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel. Pitt played Tyler Durden, a charismatic and anarchic soap salesman, opposite Edward Norton. While the film underperformed at the box office upon initial release, it subsequently developed a devoted following and became widely recognized as a cult classic. Pitt himself has spoken highly of the film; in 2026, ComicBook.com reported that Pitt had called Fight Club "the best movie I'm ever going to be in."

In 2000, Pitt starred in Guy Ritchie's British crime comedy Snatch, playing the role of Mickey O'Neil, an Irish Traveller bare-knuckle boxer. The film was a commercial success and further demonstrated Pitt's versatility as a performer, particularly his skill with comedic and character-driven roles.

Blockbuster Films and Producing Career (2001–2012)

The early 2000s marked a new phase in Pitt's career as he combined major blockbuster roles with the launch of his career as a film producer. In 2001, he starred in Steven Soderbergh's heist film Ocean's Eleven, alongside George Clooney, Matt Damon, and an ensemble cast. The film was a major commercial hit and spawned two sequels: Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007).

Also in 2001, Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment, a production company that would go on to produce a range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. As a producer through Plan B, Pitt expanded his role in Hollywood beyond acting and became involved in developing projects across a variety of genres and themes.

In 2004, Pitt starred as the Greek warrior Achilles in the epic historical war film Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The film was a major commercial success globally, though it received mixed critical reception. In 2005, Pitt starred alongside Angelina Jolie in the action comedy Mr. & Mrs. Smith, directed by Doug Liman. The film was a significant box office hit and generated extensive media attention due to the on-screen chemistry between the two leads, who would later become a couple off-screen.

In 2006, Pitt appeared in Alejandro González Iñárritu's ensemble drama Babel, which explored interconnected stories across four countries. The film was critically well-received and premiered at major film festivals.

In 2007, Pitt starred in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, directed by Andrew Dominik. In the film, Pitt portrayed the legendary outlaw Jesse James in a contemplative, elegiac western that explored themes of celebrity, myth, and violence. The film received strong critical notices, particularly for Pitt's restrained performance and Roger Deakins' cinematography.

In 2008, Pitt starred in David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a fantasy romance in which he played a man who ages in reverse. The film earned thirteen Academy Award nominations, and Pitt received his second individual Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actor. The same year, at the Venice Film Festival, Pitt was awarded the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for this performance. Also in 2008, Pitt appeared in Joel and Ethan Coen's dark comedy Burn After Reading, in a comic role that showcased his ability in offbeat, satirical material.

In 2009, Pitt starred as Lieutenant Aldo Raine in Quentin Tarantino's war film Inglourious Basterds, a revisionist World War II tale. The film was a major critical and commercial success.

Pitt's work in the early 2010s continued to blend acting and producing. In 2011, he starred in Bennett Miller's Moneyball, a sports drama about Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane's use of sabermetrics to assemble a competitive baseball team. Pitt's performance earned him his third Academy Award nomination for acting (Best Actor), and the film was also nominated for Best Picture, with Pitt credited as a producer.

Also in 2011, Pitt appeared in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life, an experimental drama that explored existential and spiritual themes through the story of a 1950s Texas family. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Academy Award Wins and Continued Success (2013–2022)

In 2013, Pitt produced 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen and based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Pitt also appeared in a supporting acting role. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, giving Pitt his first Oscar as a producer. The same year, Pitt starred in World War Z, a zombie apocalypse action film based on Max Brooks' novel. The film was a substantial commercial success, grossing over $540 million worldwide.

In 2014, Pitt starred in David Ayer's World War II tank drama Fury, playing the commander of a Sherman tank crew fighting behind enemy lines in Germany. The film was generally well-received by critics and performed solidly at the box office.

In 2015, Pitt produced and starred in Adam McKay's The Big Short, an adaptation of Michael Lewis's book about the 2007–2008 financial crisis. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, marking another producing nomination for Pitt.

In 2019, Pitt had two major releases. He starred in James Gray's science fiction drama Ad Astra, playing an astronaut on a mission to find his missing father at the edge of the solar system. More significantly, he appeared in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, in which he played Cliff Booth, a stuntman and longtime companion to Leonardo DiCaprio's fading television actor. Pitt's performance was widely praised, and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, his first individual acting Oscar.

In 2022, Pitt starred in the action-comedy Bullet Train, directed by David Leitch, in which he played an assassin aboard a Japanese bullet train. The same year, he appeared in Damien Chazelle's Babylon, a period drama set during the transition from silent films to talkies in 1920s Hollywood.

Recent Work (2025–present)

In 2025, Pitt starred in F1, a film about motor racing directed by Joseph Kosinski. In a 2026 article, The Guardian described the film as "a sleek, technically inventive ode to motor racing" and argued in favor of its merits as a Best Picture contender at the Academy Awards.

Personal Life

Pitt's personal life has been the subject of sustained media attention throughout his career. He was in a relationship with actress Gwyneth Paltrow in the mid-1990s. During this period, Pitt reportedly confronted producer Harvey Weinstein after Paltrow disclosed that Weinstein had behaved inappropriately toward her. In 2026, a New York Post report on Weinstein referenced the longstanding account of Paltrow's allegations and Pitt's involvement in confronting the producer.

Pitt married actress Jennifer Aniston in 2000. The couple divorced in 2005. In 2014, Pitt married actress Angelina Jolie, with whom he shares six children. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, and the divorce was finalized in 2019. The couple's separation and subsequent legal proceedings received extensive media coverage.

Beyond his film career, Pitt has been involved in humanitarian and advocacy efforts. He was associated with the ONE Campaign, an advocacy organization focused on fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.

Pitt has also been a subject of media curiosity regarding his appearance and physical fitness. In 2026, celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow publicly commented on Pitt's youthful appearance, speculating on whether the actor had undergone cosmetic procedures.

Recognition

Pitt has received numerous awards and nominations across his career. He has won two Academy Awards: the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and the Academy Award for Best Picture as a producer of 12 Years a Slave (2013). He received additional Academy Award nominations for his acting in 12 Monkeys (1995), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), and Moneyball (2011), as well as producing nominations for Moneyball and The Big Short (2015).

He has won two Golden Globe Awards and has been nominated multiple times by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, winning two BAFTA Awards. Pitt has also won two Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2008, he received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Pitt received the ShoWest Male Star of the Year award and has been honored at various other industry events throughout his career. He won an MTV Movie Award in 1995.

Beyond formal industry accolades, Pitt has been recognized as a cultural figure. He was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in both 1995 and 2000. He appeared on Forbes magazine's annual Celebrity 100 list from 2006 to 2008 and was included in the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people in 2007.

Pitt has remained a prominent presence at major Hollywood events. In 2026, El País included an anecdote about Madonna whispering to Pitt at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar party, underscoring his continued stature as a fixture of Hollywood's social landscape.

Legacy

Over the course of more than three decades, Pitt has established himself as one of the most prominent actors and producers of his generation. His filmography encompasses a wide range of genres, from action blockbusters and epic historical dramas to independent films and experimental works. His collaborations with directors including David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, Joel and Ethan Coen, and Alejandro González Iñárritu reflect a career defined by consistent engagement with a variety of filmmaking styles and thematic concerns.

As a producer through Plan B Entertainment, Pitt has been credited with shepherding projects that address complex social and historical subjects, including 12 Years a Slave and The Big Short. The company's output has been recognized at the highest levels of the film industry, with multiple Academy Award nominations and wins.

Pitt's cultural impact extends beyond his filmography. His status as a leading man and public figure has made him a recurring subject of media attention for over thirty years. Films in which he has appeared, particularly Fight Club, have entered the broader cultural lexicon and continue to be referenced and discussed. The thematic influence of his earlier work has also persisted; as noted in 2026 coverage of Taylor Sheridan's The Madison, A River Runs Through It continues to serve as a creative reference point for filmmakers working in similar territory.

With his films as a leading actor having grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, Pitt remains one of the most commercially successful actors in the history of cinema. His dual achievements as both a performer and a producer, combined with his sustained cultural presence, have secured his place as a central figure in late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century American filmmaking.