William Bradley Pitt, popularly known as Brad Pitt, is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.
He was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt has achieved global fame as an actor and producer, earning numerous accolades throughout his career.
He is known for his charismatic screen presence, versatility, and high-profile relationships, Brad Pitt remains an influential figure in entertainment.
This article covers everything you need to know about Brad Pitt, including his net worth, personal life, family background, education, and career.
Early Life and Family Background
Brad Pitt was born to William Alvin Pitt, who ran a trucking company, and Jane Etta Pitt, a school counselor.
He grew up in a devout Southern Baptist household alongside his siblings, Doug Pitt (born 1966) and Julie Neal(born 1969).
The family later moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Pitt spent most of his childhood.
Pitt described his upbringing in Springfield as “Mark Twain country” and credited the small-town setting for shaping his adventurous spirit.
Although raised in a religious environment, Pitt’s beliefs evolved over the years, with him exploring spirituality beyond formal religion.
Education
Brad Pitt attended Kickapoo High School, where he excelled in various activities, including sports, debates, and musicals.
His talents and outgoing nature made him a standout student.
After high school, Pitt enrolled at the University of Missouri in 1982 to study journalism and advertising.
Despite nearing graduation, Pitt left college two weeks before completing his degree.
His passion for films drove him to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
He took acting classes and worked odd jobs, including dressing as a giant chicken for a fast-food restaurant, before landing his first acting roles.
Career
Early Struggles and Breakthrough Brad Pitt’s Hollywood journey began with small roles in films and TV shows during the late 1980s.
His big break came in 1991 when he starred as a cowboy hitchhiker in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise.
His charm and rugged looks captivated audiences, making him an overnight sensation.
Rise to Stardom Following his breakout role, Pitt transitioned into lead roles, showcasing his acting range. Some of his early notable performances include:
– A River Runs Through It (1992)
– Legends of the Fall (1994)
– Interview with the Vampire (1994)
His performance in the thriller Seven (1995) alongside Morgan Freeman solidified his reputation as a leading man.
Blockbuster Success and Acclaimed
Performances Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Brad Pitt delivered iconic roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including:
– Fight Club (1999): A cult classic that showcased Pitt’s versatility.
– Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequels:
Commercial hits that introduced him to a new generation of fans.
– Troy(2004): Played the legendary warrior Achilles.
– Mr. & Mrs. Smith(2005): Starred alongside Angelina Jolie in a high-octane romantic thriller.
-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): An Oscar-nominated performance.
Career as a Producer In 2001, Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment, a production company that has produced several critically acclaimed films. Notable productions include:
– 12 Years a Slave(2013): Won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
– The Departed(2006)
– Moonlight (2016)
Recent Projects Pitt has continued to remain relevant in Hollywood with recent successes:
– Once Upon a Time in Hollywood(2019): Played Cliff Booth, a role that won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
– Bullet Train (2022): A fast-paced action thriller.
– Babylon (2022): Reunited with Margot Robbie.
Personal Life and Relationships
Brad Pitt’s personal life has been the subject of intense media attention.
He has been linked to several high-profile relationships, including:
1. Jennifer Aniston: Married in 2000, the couple was a fan favorite until their divorce in 2005.
2. Angelina Jolie: Pitt began dating Jolie during the filming of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
They married in 2014 and share six children. However, their relationship ended in a publicized divorce in 2016.
In 2022, Brad Pitt reportedly began dating Ines de Ramon, a jewelry designer born in 1992.
Children
Brad Pitt shares six children with Angelina Jolie:
1. Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt(adopted)
2. Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt (adopted)
3. Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt (adopted)
4. Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt (biological)
5. Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt and Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt (twins)
Despite ongoing custody battles, Pitt maintains a strong bond with his children.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Brad Pitt’s estimated net worth is $400 million.
He earns significant income from acting, producing, and endorsements.
Some of Pitt’s major earnings include:
– $20 million per film for leading roles.
– Notable pay cuts for artistic projects like Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, has further added to his fortune through successful films.
Awards and Accolades
Brad Pitt has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:
– 2 Academy Awards
– 2 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)
– 2 Golden Globe Awards
– 1 Primetime Emmy Award
His performances in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 12 Years a Slave, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood showcase his lasting impact on the film industry.
Conclusion
Brad Pitt’s journey from a small-town boy to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars is a testament to his talent, determination, and charisma.
However, with a net worth of $400 million, a successful production company, and a legacy of acclaimed films, Pitt continues to shape the entertainment industry.
Whether through his personal life or on-screen performances, Brad Pitt remains a global icon and a celebrated artist.