Brad Pitt Biography

Brad Pitt was born William Bradley Pitt on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. His parents, William Alvin Pitt, a truck company manager, and Jane Etta Pitt, a school counselor, raised him in Springfield, Missouri.

Brad grew up in a traditional, middle-class family with his younger brother, Douglas Pitt, and sister, Julie Pitt Neal. His childhood was filled with sports, church activities, and a love for films, though he didn’t initially consider acting as a career.

Education and Early Interests

Pitt attended Kickapoo High School, where he was actively involved in sports, debate, and theater. He later enrolled at the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism with a focus on advertising. However, just two weeks before graduation, he dropped out and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Early Acting Career and Struggles

Like many aspiring actors, Pitt faced several rejections in his early days. He took on odd jobs, including dressing as a chicken mascot for a restaurant and working as a chauffeur to make ends meet.

His first break came with small television roles in shows like Dallas (1987) and Growing Pains (1987-1989). In 1991, he landed a small but memorable role in Thelma & Louise, where he played a charming drifter, gaining attention for his good looks and charisma.

Rise to Stardom

After his breakout role, Brad Pitt’s career skyrocketed with leading roles in several critically acclaimed films.

• “A River Runs Through It” (1992) – This film established him as a serious actor.
• “Legends of the Fall” (1994) – Played Tristan Ludlow, a role that cemented his heartthrob status.
• “Interview with the Vampire” (1994) – Starred alongside Tom Cruise and Kirsten Dunst in this gothic horror drama.
• “Se7en” (1995) – A psychological thriller where he played Detective David Mills opposite Morgan Freeman.
• “12 Monkeys” (1995) – Earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

By the mid-1990s, Pitt had established himself as a versatile actor capable of delivering powerful performances across genres.

Hollywood’s Leading Man

The 2000s saw Brad Pitt solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest superstars.

• “Fight Club” (1999) – One of his most iconic roles as Tyler Durden in this cult classic.
• “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) and sequels – Played Rusty Ryan in this successful heist trilogy.
• “Troy” (2004) – Starred as the legendary Greek warrior Achilles.
• “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) – This action-comedy not only became a blockbuster but also led to his high-profile relationship with Angelina Jolie.
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) – Earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
• “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) – Collaborated with Quentin Tarantino for this World War II epic.

Academy Award Success

Though Pitt was already a box office giant, he long sought Oscar recognition. His first Academy Award win came as a producer for 12 Years a Slave (2013), which won Best Picture.

As an actor, he won his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Cliff Booth in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019), a film directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Personal Life and Relationships

Marriages and Partners

• Gwyneth Paltrow (1994-1997) – They were engaged but eventually split.
• Jennifer Aniston (2000-2005) – One of Hollywood’s most famous couples before their divorce.
• Angelina Jolie (2005-2016) – Their relationship, dubbed Brangelina, led to marriage and a family before their high-profile divorce.

Children

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie share six children:

• Maddox Jolie-Pitt
• Pax Jolie-Pitt
• Zahara Jolie-Pitt
• Shiloh Jolie-Pitt
• Knox Jolie-Pitt
• Vivienne Jolie-Pitt

Humanitarian Work and Business Ventures

Beyond acting, Pitt is involved in philanthropy and business.

• Make It Right Foundation – Focuses on rebuilding homes for disaster victims.
• Plan B Entertainment – His production company has produced award-winning films like 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight.
• Wine Business – Co-owns the Château Miraval winery in France.

Physical Attributes and Personal Details

• Nickname: Brad
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
• Weight: 172 pounds (78 kg)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Blonde
• Shoe Size: 11 (US)
• Body Measurements: Athletic build

Net Worth and Financial Status

Brad Pitt’s estimated net worth is around $400 million as of 2025. He earns millions from acting, producing, and business ventures.

Social Media Presence

Unlike many celebrities, Brad Pitt does not have official social media accounts. However, fan pages and updates about his career can be found across platforms like Instagram and Twitter.