Brad Pitt – Biography
Early Life and Midwestern Roots
Born December 18 1963 in Shawnee Oklahoma William Bradley Pitt grew up in Springfield Missouri as the eldest of three children in a conservative Baptist family. His father ran a trucking company while his mother worked as a school counselor. Pitt studied journalism and advertising at the University of Missouri where he belonged to the Sigma Chi fraternity. Just two weeks before graduation he drove to Los Angeles to pursue acting taking odd jobs as a limo driver and refrigerator salesman while attending acting classes. His early struggles included being turned down as an extra on Growing Pains and living in a cheap apartment with no furniture.
Breakthrough Roles and 90s Stardom
Pitt’s first notable role came in 1991’s Thelma Louise as the charismatic cowboy thief who launched a thousand crushes. His breakout performance in 1994’s Legends of the Fall established him as a leading man capable of both intensity and vulnerability. The same year he delivered a chilling supporting turn in Twelve Monkeys earning his first Oscar nomination. During this period he balanced commercial projects like Interview with the Vampire with riskier indie films becoming known for his chameleon like ability to disappear into roles. His personal life became tabloid fodder as he dated costars including Gwyneth Paltrow and married Jennifer Aniston in 2000.
Hollywood Powerhouse and Producer
The 2000s saw Pitt ascend to Hollywood’s elite tier starring in the Ocean’s Eleven franchise and delivering acclaimed performances in Babel and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He founded Plan B Entertainment in 2002 which produced Best Picture winners 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight. His collaborations with director David Fincher including Fight Club and Seven became defining works of modern cinema. During this period he adopted a more selective approach to acting focusing on quality projects while expanding his producing portfolio. His 2005 separation from Aniston and subsequent relationship with Angelina Jolie created unprecedented media frenzy.
Later Career and Artistic Evolution
Pitt’s 2010s work showcased remarkable range from the minimalist survival drama Ad Astra to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood which earned him his first acting Oscar. He became known for character actor transformations including his unrecognizable performance in The Big Short. His producing work grew more ambitious with Plan B backing important films like Selma and Minari. Personal challenges including his 2016 divorce from Jolie and custody battle led him to take a career break focusing on sobriety and parenting their six children. He returned reinvigorated delivering some of his best work in his late 50s.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond acting Pitt is an accomplished sculptor and furniture designer with works exhibited in Finland. He founded the Make It Right Foundation to build sustainable housing in New Orleans post Katrina though the project faced later criticism. His Jolie Pitt Foundation donated millions to humanitarian causes worldwide. Known for his architecture passion he owns properties in France and California featuring cutting edge design. Despite global fame he maintains close friendships with peers like George Clooney and avoids social media preferring privacy for his family.
Legacy and Current Projects
Now in his 60s Pitt continues pushing creative boundaries starring in and producing the 2022 action film Bullet Train and preparing an F1 racing movie with director Joseph Kosinski. His Plan B company remains one of Hollywood’s most respected production houses championing diverse voices. Industry observers note his rare evolution from heartthrob to character actor to respected elder statesman of cinema. With his architectural firm and winemaking ventures in France he’s built a multifaceted career beyond acting that ensures his influence will endure for decades.
Conclusion
Brad Pitt’s journey from Missouri frat boy to Oscar winning actor producer and Renaissance man represents one of Hollywood’s most fascinating career arcs. His ability to balance blockbuster stardom with artistic risk taking while maintaining creative control serves as a model for modern actors. As he enters his seventh decade in the industry Pitt continues evolving proving that true movie stars can become even more interesting with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Oscars has Brad Pitt won
He has won two Academy Awards one as Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and one as producer for 12 Years a Slave.
What is Brad Pitt’s production company
Plan B Entertainment founded in 2002 which has produced multiple Best Picture winners.
How tall is Brad Pitt
He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall 180 cm.
Does Brad Pitt have any tattoos
Yes he has multiple including coordinates of his children’s birthplaces which he covers for roles.
What architecture projects has he done
He cofounded the design firm Make It Right and collaborated on furniture lines with Frank Pollaro.