Brad Pitt had initially pursued a career in journalism, but he made a last-minute decision to pursue acting, leaving the University of Missouri just two credits away from earning his Journalism degree.
His leap of faith into acting turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life.
Early Charisma
Pitt’s charm was already evident during his college days, where he participated in a campus calendar photo shoot before venturing into Hollywood.
His striking looks and undeniable appeal made him a standout even back then.
Recasting Kidman
When it came time to film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, Nicole Kidman was in the running to star opposite Pitt, but he felt they had no on-screen chemistry and was not convinced to do the film. However, things changed when Angelina Jolie was cast instead, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Help From Melissa Etheridge
When Brad Pitt first came to Hollywood as an unknown, he had very little money. Singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge helped him by letting him stay on her couch while he tried to break into acting. She even helped him learn to fly fish for his audition for “A River Runs Through It”.
A Side Hobby
Besides acting, Brad Pitt has a passion for architecture. He renovated a wine cellar in one of his homes, which led to an internship at an L.A. architecture firm.
Presidential Ties
Brad Pitt is distantly related to Barack Obama through a man named Edwin Hickman. The two met on several occasions, including a discussion about Pitt’s concept of green housing and its potential funding.
A TV Star First
Before making a name in movies, Brad Pitt started his career in television soaps, appearing in shows like “Another World” and “Dallas”.
Poster Boy
Early in his career, Brad Pitt also appeared in advertisements and modeling gigs, including a 1989 Pringles TV ad and posing for a college calendar.
Thanks, Billy!
Brad Pitt stepped in to play “JD” in the film “Thelma and Louise” after actor Billy Baldwin dropped out. This role became his breakthrough in Hollywood.
A Creepy Incident
A very young fan of Brad’s was quite obsessed.
One obsessed fan was so determined to get close to Brad Pitt that she somehow managed to find out where he lives and break into his home!
It seems that no one was in the house at the time. The young girl then dressed up in the actor’s clothes and fell asleep in his bed. Yikes. The housekeeper later found her, she was arrested and received a type of restraining order from Pitt (understandably so).
Nice to Meet You, Jen
With their affable personalities and sparkling good looks, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston became one of the most famous Hollywood couples of their generation. But it may surprise you that the two didn’t meet on set, at an industry event, or by a magical, happenstance meeting. Oh no, these two were set up by none other than their agents.
Pretty romantic, eh? Apparently, Hollywood agents can get you more than just acting roles. The pair immediately became iconic in Hollywood. They were together for seven years, five of them as a married couple, but now we all know how it turned out: with a divorce.
Wine Not?
It’s clear that Brad Pitt is a man of interesting hobbies and even highbrow ones — you don’t see common folks redoing their wine cellar as a passion project and then scoring an architecture internship with it. The actor decided to get involved in another potentially lucrative venture: a winery.
After he married Angelina Jolie in France, the two fell in love with the place. So much so that the couple bought a property in the country and began a winery. In 2012, their winery released a rosé wine and later on a white wine (which was not as popular). Sadly, after the pair divorced, they sold the property.
Grab a Chair
As an example of an eccentric hobby, Brad Pitt also developed his own line of furniture. Would you buy a chair designed by Brad Pitt? Probably. A lot of people would. Though, to be honest, a lot of people would also buy a chewed-up piece of gum if it was proven to have been stepped on by him.
In 2012 (which was pretty busy for him in terms of entrepreneurial ventures) Pitt partnered with furniture designer Frank Pollaro to create a line of luxury furniture. The line of furniture, of course, was inspired by his love of architecture and design.
Flying High
If you didn’t think Brad Pitt could get any cooler, think again. The amateur architect, furniture designer, and winery owner also has a pilot’s license. That’s right. If he’s ever on a plane and the pilot is feeling a little under the weather, Pitt can take over.
It was his ex-wife Angelina Jolie who first turned him to the idea of being able to fly his own plane. Jolie already had her pilot’s license and she also convinced Pitt that he was missing this specific exhilaration in his life. Pitt even spent a handsome 3.3 million in 2013 on a WWII airplane.
A Life Philosophy
What is your guiding principle in life? Most everyone has a philosophy that they live by, whether they admit it or realize it or not. The same goes for celebrities who, these days, are often looked to as influencers and examples of success.
Brad Pitt’s self-professed philosophy is to keep moving forward. Well, more or less. The actor has said that he prefers to “keep moving” most likely to stay relevant, resilient, and positive amidst life’s curveballs. So far, this philosophy seems to have proved to work, as the man has reaped immense success in fields too many to count.
Bill Pitt?
Celebrities often choose an alternate name from their birth name when they want to market themselves. When they feel like their name doesn’t sound glamorous enough (or their agents feel so), they fill out some forms and have it changed. That’s how Norma Jeane Mortenson became Marilyn Monroe.
What may come as a shock (though hardcore fans will already know) is that Brad Pitt’s real name is William Bradley Pitt. Pitt was named after his father and so basically, his name should be William Pitt or you could even call him “Bill”. Though Bill Pitt doesn’t exactly have the same Hollywood ring to it.
At Clooney’s Expense
Good friends can share a laugh or two and sometimes at the other’s expense. Brad Pitt and George Clooney have worked together on various projects since 2001 and become good friends over the years. Co-starring in three films on the “Ocean’s 11” franchise will do that to you.
One of their favorite pastimes together seems to be either pranking each other or making fun of one another (hey, to each their own). Brad has even taken some rather absurd tabloid rumors about Clooney and used them to poke fun at the actor — who has no problem laughing at himself.
Brad Pitt Chipped His Teeth for a Movie Role
Actors often go to great lengths for their roles, and Brad Pitt was no exception when he starred in “Fight Club.” To portray Tyler Durden, he went as far as arranging a dental appointment to deliberately chip his teeth, maintaining this look throughout filming before having them fixed afterward.
Brad Pitt Learned Greek for His In-Laws
When he was married to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt made a notable effort to impress his in-laws by learning the Greek language. Jennifer’s father, John Aniston, who had Greek heritage, likely appreciated Pitt’s dedication to connecting with their family background.
Meet Brad Pitt’s Siblings
Many fans may not know that Brad Pitt has a brother and a sister. His sister, Julie, also has a large family, including both biological and adopted children. Meanwhile, Brad’s brother, Doug Pitt, has a striking resemblance to the actor and has been involved in philanthropy and investment, occasionally stepping into the spotlight.
Brad Pitt’s Basketball Pursuit
Before rising to stardom, Brad Pitt aspired to play basketball in middle school but was not selected for the team. Undeterred, he went on to create his own team called the Cherokee Rejects and even recruited his father as the coach, showcasing his determination.
Brad Pitt’s Approach to Parenting
Concerned about how their children might perceive them based on tabloid gossip, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took measures to protect their kids from such content. Pitt revealed that they blocked their names from their children’s search engines, aiming to shield them from tabloid rumors.
Brad Pitt’s Swift Rise to Fame
While many actors faced years of struggle before achieving fame, Brad Pitt’s journey to success was relatively swift. Arriving in Los Angeles, he secured representation by an agent in just seven months, marking an impressive start to his Hollywood career.
Brad Pitt’s Early Acting Roles
Before his breakthrough, Brad Pitt took on uncredited roles to establish his presence in the industry. One of these roles was in the film “Less than Zero,” where he played a character involved in a party fight alongside stars like Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, and Robert Downey Jr.
Brad Pitt’s Car Ownership
In a surprising revelation, it turns out that Brad Pitt once owned a car, showing that even A-list celebrities have relatable experiences. His car ownership adds a human touch to his larger-than-life persona, connecting him with fans on a personal level.
Brad Pitt’s old car was a Datsun which he called “Run Around Sue”. The car held sentimental memories as he drove “Sue” from Missouri to Los Angeles.
In his films, Brad Pitt is often seen snacking on-screen, not necessarily as part of the script. This has become his signature move, adding another level of humanity to his characters.
Brad Pitt came from an average background, with no established Hollywood connections. His family instilled values of tenacity, hard work, and setting goals in him.
To prepare for his role as a mental patient in the film “Twelve Monkeys,” Brad Pitt once visited a mental institution in Philadelphia, showcasing his dedication to his work.
In addition to comedies and dramas, Brad Pitt also tried his hand at animated films, voicing roles in “Megamind,” “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas,” and the TV series “King of the Hill.”
Brad Pitt once sold one of his homes to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi for $13 million, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry real estate market.
Before pursuing acting, Brad Pitt was a part of the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Missouri.
Brad Pitt made a significant cameo on the TV show “Friends” alongside his then-wife Jennifer Aniston, where he played a character who was supposed to “hate” his real-life wife.
Brad Pitt has also learned the importance of giving back, in addition to tenacity, hard work, and humility.In 2006, a well-known actor decided to give back to the community by founding the Make It Right Foundation. The foundation was created with the goal of rebuilding homes in New Orleans that were destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
As of 2021, the Make It Right Foundation has constructed 109 houses for individuals affected by the disaster. In addition to its initial mission, the organization has broadened its efforts and assisted in building eco-friendly residences in New Jersey, Newark, Kansas City, and various other locations.
Aside from his acting talent, Brad Pitt is also skilled in home renovations, winemaking, and flying planes. Additionally, he has proven to have a flair for jewelry design, having been involved in the creation of expensive engagement rings, such as the one for Jennifer Aniston and the art deco style ring for Angelina Jolie.
During the filming of “Troy,” Pitt portrayed the ancient hero Achilles and chose not to use a stunt double. However, he sustained an injury to his Achilles tendon while partaking in a stunt, resulting in a long period of limping.
Before becoming famous, Brad Pitt had an interesting and somewhat amusing job – dressing up as a chicken to distribute flyers for El Pollo Loco, which translates to the “crazy chicken.”
In a groundbreaking move, Pitt became the first male spokesperson for Chanel, a renowned brand in the perfume industry. He was featured in major advertisements promoting Chanel Number 5 to a male audience, a departure from the brand’s typical female-focused campaigns.
Brad Pitt and his former partner Angelina Jolie, despite no longer being together, have always prioritized their large family of six children. They have made a concerted effort to ensure that at least one of them is available to be with the children while the other is working on a film.
In a rather extravagant gesture, Jolie once purchased a piece of land with a waterfall as a birthday gift for Pitt.
Brad Pitt surprised fans by appearing on two episodes of the show “Jackass” on MTV, which is known for its outrageous pranks. This move may not be too surprising considering his history of pranking with George Clooney.
These insights into Brad Pitt’s life shed light on his diverse talents and experiences, making him an intriguing figure both on and off the screen.Over the years, becoming an actor or actress in Hollywood has expanded beyond acting or pursuing a career in the arts. Today, actors and actresses are considered celebrities with significant influence in society, owing to their high-profile careers and massive fan followings. In 2007, Brad Pitt was recognized as one of Time Magazine’s most influential people of the year, underscoring the impact that celebrities like him have on public opinion.
Brad Pitt is known for dating women as famous as he is, including Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, as well as other well-known figures in the industry. However, he also had a less documented relationship with Jitka Pohlodek, an aspiring actress at the time. Not much is known about this relationship, as it preceded his more high-profile romances.
A particularly unusual aspect of Brad Pitt’s public persona is his tattoo of the Iceman, a reference to the oldest natural mummy known to man. This peculiar choice has intrigued fans, who are often curious about the meanings behind celebrity tattoos.
Like many actors, Brad Pitt had his first on-screen kiss during his early career, in his case on the primetime soap opera “Dallas” with Shalane McCall. This experience sheds light on the scripted and often unromantic nature of on-screen intimate scenes.
In a departure from his family’s staunch conservative beliefs, Brad Pitt adopted a more liberal Democratic stance as he ventured out on his own. Despite this fundamental difference, he has managed to maintain a positive relationship with his family, presenting a common struggle faced by individuals with differing beliefs from their relatives.
Brad Pitt has also been crowned People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” twice, in 1995 and 2000, reflecting his enduring appeal and popularity among fans and the broader public.
Moreover, Brad Pitt’s relationship history includes a significant age gap with Juliette Lewis, an actress who was much younger than him when they dated. Despite the controversy surrounding their relationship, Pitt has spoken positively about their time together in later interviews.
Shifting his focus beyond acting, Brad Pitt has embraced the role of producer, following the path of many seasoned actors and actresses in Hollywood.Brad Pitt: Behind the Scenes
A Producer at Heart
Hollywood A-listers are often drawn to producing movies. It’s a way for them to gain creative control over their projects. Brad Pitt is no exception. He co-owned the production company Plan B with Jennifer Aniston and later took it over entirely. His involvement as a producer exceeds sixty projects, including a co-production credit for the 2007 film “The Departed”.
A Bad Memory
Brad Pitt, despite his many talents, struggles with his memory. He confessed to having difficulty recognizing people he’s met before, which has led to misconceptions about his attitude.
A Fellow Famous Neighbor
Living next to a famous neighbor has its perks. Brad Pitt shares a neighborhood with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey in New Orleans. The two have even been seen throwing things to each other from their balconies.
Family Roots
Celebrities’ ancestral backgrounds have gained popularity, and Brad Pitt’s is no exception. His lineage is a mix of Irish, Scottish, German, Welsh, Dutch, French, Swedish, and other ancestries, adding depth to his family history.
His Very First Official Role
Before his breakthrough in “Thelma & Louise”, Brad Pitt’s first credited film role was in the 1988 movie “The Dark Side of the Sun”. Prior to this, he had uncredited and small TV roles.
A Famous Vampire
Brad Pitt starred in “Interview with the Vampire”, a film that helped elevate his status in Hollywood. The gothic tale, featuring a star-studded cast, remains one of his most renowned productions.
Fight Prep
Brad Pitt is known for dedicating himself to physical roles such as in “Fight Club”. He underwent rigorous training in grappling, boxing, and Taekwondo to ensure he was well-prepared for the demands of the role.
A Musician Too
Aside from acting and producing, Brad Pitt is also a musician. He has diverse talents beyond the silver screen.
Brad Pitt is more than just an actor. He also has a passion for playing the guitar and owns multiple Taylor brand guitars. In addition to his acting career, Brad Pitt has been involved in some interesting legal matters. He once sued the company that created the engagement ring he designed for Jennifer Aniston, as they were selling replicas of his exclusive design without his endorsement. Pitt has also found success in the Asian market, appearing in ads for companies such as Toyota and Edwin Jeans in Japan.
While Pitt is best known for his roles in major films like “Thelma and Louise”, “Inglorious Bastards”, and “Ocean’s Eleven”, he has also taken on lesser-known projects. For instance, he starred in the thriller “Kalifornia” alongside Juliette Lewis, another one of his former costars. Pitt and Angelina Jolie also starred in the drama “By the Sea” together, which unfortunately did not perform well at the box office.
Pitt has been involved in several other lesser-known films, such as “Cool World”, an unusual combination of animation and live-action, and “The Devil’s Own”, a thriller co-starring Harrison Ford. Another example is “Cutting Class”, a horror/mystery film in which Pitt played the character of a high school student wary of a potentially dangerous classmate.In the movie “Across the Tracks,” Brad Pitt co-starred with his brother, and a love triangle between Dwight, Brian, and Paula Carson is a part of the plot. It’s worth noting that despite being 26 at the time, Pitt played a high school student. In “Allied,” he played a Canadian intelligence officer during World War Two, and his co-star was Marion Cotillard.
The film “Allied” didn’t perform well and may not stand out too much for Pitt fans. “Killing Them Softly” is a 2012 film centered around a Mafia poker game robbery, and it showcased Pitt’s talent for dark humor. “Voyage of Time: Life’s Journey” is a documentary about the creation of the universe, and Pitt contributed as a producer and narrator.
Additionally, he learned to speak Japanese during his time in Asia. When Shiloh Nouvel, their first biological child, was born, Brad and Angelina took advantage of public interest by selling their family photos and donating the proceeds to their nonprofit. While filming “Se7en,” Pitt injured his hand, and the injury was integrated into the plot. He also won an Oscar for Best Picture for his work as a producer in “12 Years a Slave.”he received an Oscar nomination for his work on “12 Monkeys”, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, and “Moneyball”. He also won a similar award at the BAFTAs for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”.
Image Source: Jay Hirano Photography / Shutterstock
