Early Life and Education
William Bradley Pitt, born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to William Alvin Pitt and Jane Etta Hillhouse, spent his formative years in Springfield, Missouri, alongside his younger siblings, Douglas Pitt and Julie Neal. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Pitt’s religious beliefs evolved over time, eventually embracing spirituality after oscillating between agnosticism and atheism. He attended Kickapoo High School, actively participating in various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Pitt pursued a degree in journalism with a focus on advertising at the University of Missouri but left two weeks shy of completing his coursework to pursue acting in Los Angeles, where he took lessons and worked odd jobs.
Career Beginnings (1987–1993)
Pitt’s acting career commenced in 1987 with minor roles in films and television series. He made his television debut in NBC’s “Another World” and subsequently appeared in various shows like “Growing Pains” and “21 Jump Street.” Pitt’s breakthrough came with his role as J.D. in Ridley Scott’s “Thelma & Louise” (1991), which propelled him to prominence. Despite early setbacks in films like “Johnny Suede” and “Cool World,” Pitt’s performance in “A River Runs Through It” (1992) garnered critical acclaim and marked a turning point in his career.
Worldwide Recognition (2004–2008)
In the mid-2000s, Pitt achieved worldwide recognition with roles in blockbusters such as “Troy” (2004) and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005), the latter co-starring Angelina Jolie, whom he later married. He continued to deliver notable performances in films like “Babel” (2006) and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007), earning critical acclaim and awards nominations.
Established Actor (2009–Present)
Pitt’s stature as an established actor solidified in the late 2000s and beyond with roles in films like “Inglourious Basterds” (2009), “Moneyball” (2011), and “12 Years a Slave” (2013). He also ventured into producing, co-founding the production company Plan B Entertainment, which produced several acclaimed films like “The Departed” (2006) and “Moonlight” (2016). Pitt’s philanthropic efforts include advocacy for causes like embryonic stem-cell research and support for Proposition 71 in California.
Personal Life
Pitt’s personal life has been the subject of widespread media attention, particularly his relationships with actresses Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. He has six children with Jolie, three of whom were adopted internationally. Pitt and Jolie’s highly publicized divorce involved legal battles and allegations of abuse.
Throughout his career, Pitt has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the American entertainment industry.