Do you call yourself an avid fan of Brad Pitt if you don’t know his life story? Perhaps not. The actor is a household name, thanks to decades of performing and producing. Plus, who could forget the handsome face that could easily sweep a woman off her feet? But these things aside, only a few people know how he came to the spotlight.
Before the Spotlight
Brad Pitt was born to Bill and Jane Pitt, a truck company owner and a family counselor respectively. He spent his childhood mostly in Springfield, Missouri, although he was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. When he was in high school, he excelled in sports – he was a member of the swimming, tennis, and golf teams at the Kickapoo High School.
The World War Z actor attended college at the University of Missouri, where he took journalism. Just two credits away from graduating, Brad decided to drop out of school to pursue a career in acting. In the ‘80s, he was obviously dreaming big as he took off for Los Angeles.
Starting a Career
Upon reaching LA, Brad didn’t immediately make it big. While taking acting classes, he worked as a driver, mascot, and even a furniture mover, but his moment came later when he met an agent. In 1987, he snatched roles in Another World and Growing Pains. The actor finally started making his name when he bagged a role for Thelma and Louise – although it was a small part, it ultimately led to his recognition.
The Spool | He acted alongside Tom Cruise
His luck was on a streak after being included in films like A River Runs Through It, Kalifornia, and Too Young to Die. But perhaps, one of the telling signs that he was bound for greatness was starring alongside Tom Cruise and Kristen Dunst in 1994’s Interview With The Vampire.
Making His Name
After impressive portrayals in films that followed the vampire movie, Brad went on to star in Legends of the Fall and Seven. But one of his bests was Twelve Monkeys, where he got his first Oscar nod and which won him a Golden Globe. As his career flourished, so was his love life – he started dating Gwyneth Paltrow in 1995 and got engaged. Two years after, they broke up.
US Weekly | Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt starred in Mr. and Mrs. Smith
By 1998 he was going out with Friends star Jennifer Aniston and got married. In 2004, there was a big shakeup in their relationship when Brad was linked to Angelina Jolie, his costar in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The following year, the couple announced their separation and he went on to date the Maleficent actress, whom he divorced in 2016.
More Films
The Independent | Brad Pitt produced Moonlight
His film credit got longer – Babel, Burn after Reading, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Inglorious Basterds, Moneyball, and 12 Years a Slave. Brad slowed down from acting and strengthened his producing skills – a testament to this are Lost City of Z and Moonlight.
