William Bradley Pitt, widely known as Brad Pitt, stands as one of the most enduring and influential figures in contemporary Hollywood. Born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt's journey from a conservative Southern Baptist upbringing in Springfield, Missouri, to global superstardom is a testament to his talent, charisma, and astute career choices. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has not only redefined the leading man archetype but also established himself as a formidable force behind the camera through his acclaimed production company, Plan B Entertainment. His consistent ability to captivate audiences and critics alike, coupled with his deep engagement in humanitarian efforts, has cemented his status as more than just an actor, but a significant cultural icon.

Pitt's appeal transcends his physical attractiveness, which earned him the title of People's Sexiest Man Alive multiple times; it lies in his diverse acting range, his willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles, and his dedication to storytelling that often pushes boundaries. His filmography is a rich tapestry of genres, from intense dramas and psychological thrillers to lighthearted comedies and historical epics, demonstrating a versatility that few actors achieve. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Pitt has channeled his influence into significant philanthropic endeavors, particularly his work in advocating for global health, combating poverty, and supporting environmental sustainability. This multifaceted approach to his career and public life has solidified his legacy as a true Hollywood titan.

William Bradley Pitt was born to William Alvin Pitt, a trucking company proprietor, and Jane Etta (née Hillhouse), a school counselor, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on December 18, 1963. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where he spent his formative years alongside his younger siblings, Douglas and Julie Neal. Growing up in what he described as "Mark Twain country, Jesse James country," Pitt's upbringing was rooted in a conservative Southern Baptist household, which influenced his early perspectives and values.

During his time at Kickapoo High School, Pitt was an active and engaged student, participating in various sports including golf, swimming, and tennis. He also showcased an early inclination towards performance and public speaking, joining forensics clubs, participating in school debates, and performing in school musicals. Despite these artistic leanings, his initial academic pursuits led him to the University of Missouri in 1982, where he majored in journalism with a focus on advertising. However, the allure of the performing arts proved stronger than a career in advertising.

Just two weeks shy of earning his degree, Pitt made the pivotal decision to leave university and move to Los Angeles, driven by an ardent desire to pursue acting. Upon arriving in the bustling entertainment capital, he enrolled in acting classes with renowned coach Roy London, immersing himself in the craft. To support himself during these early, challenging years, Pitt took on a variety of odd jobs, including working as a limousine driver for exotic dancers, moving refrigerators, and even dressing as a giant chicken for a fast-food chain, all while diligently honing his acting skills and pursuing his dream.

Pitt's acting career officially began in 1987 with uncredited roles in films like "No Way Out" and "Less Than Zero," followed by his television debut in the NBC soap opera "Another World." He continued to make guest appearances on popular TV shows such as "Dallas" and "21 Jump Street," gradually gaining experience and exposure. His first leading role came in the 1988 Yugoslavian-American co-production "The Dark Side of the Sun," though the film's release was delayed until 1997 due to the Croatian War of Independence. His first film to reach theaters was the 1989 horror movie "Cutting Class."

The turning point in Pitt's career arrived in 1991 with his memorable supporting role as J.D., a charming cowboy hitchhiker, in Ridley Scott's acclaimed road film "Thelma & Louise." His brief yet impactful performance, particularly his love scene with Geena Davis, not only garnered him widespread recognition but also instantly propelled him into the realm of a Hollywood sex symbol. This newfound attention opened doors to more prominent roles, marking the beginning of his ascent to stardom.

Following "Thelma & Louise," Pitt sought to prove his acting prowess beyond his dashing looks. He took on the role of Paul Maclean in Robert Redford's 1992 biographical film "A River Runs Through It." While films like "Johnny Suede" (1991) and "Cool World" (1992) did not significantly advance his career, his performance in "A River Runs Through It" showcased his dramatic depth and earned him critical notice. He further demonstrated his versatility in 1993, playing a chilling serial killer in "Kalifornia" and delivering comic relief as a stoner in the cult hit "True Romance," earning him a ShoWest Award for Male Star of Tomorrow.

The mid-1990s solidified Brad Pitt's position as a major Hollywood star, with a string of critically and commercially successful films that showcased his expanding range. In 1994, he starred in "Interview with the Vampire," where he portrayed the melancholic vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac alongside Tom Cruise. The same year, he delivered a compelling performance in the epic Western drama "Legends of the Fall" as Tristan Ludlow, further cementing his leading man status and broad appeal across various demographics.

His collaboration with director David Fincher began in 1995 with the dark crime thriller "Se7en," where Pitt played the determined Detective David Mills. This film was a commercial success and garnered him significant critical acclaim, establishing his ability to carry intense dramatic roles. Later that year, he astonished critics with his portrayal of Jeffrey Goines, a psychotic mental patient, in Terry Gilliam's science fiction film "12 Monkeys." This transformative performance earned him his first Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and his first Academy Award nomination in the same category, proving his mettle as a serious actor.

Pitt continued to take on diverse roles through the late 1990s, starring as Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer in "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997) and as Death incarnate in "Meet Joe Black" (1998). The decade concluded with another iconic collaboration with David Fincher in the 1999 cult classic "Fight Club." His portrayal of the enigmatic and anarchic Tyler Durden became one of his most memorable and impactful roles, further solidifying his reputation for choosing challenging and thought-provoking projects. This period marked a crucial evolution from a mere "heartthrob" to a respected and versatile performer.

Entering the new millennium, Brad Pitt cemented his status as one of the world's most bankable and recognizable stars. He achieved massive commercial success with the ensemble heist film "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), where he played Rusty Ryan alongside an all-star cast including George Clooney and Matt Damon. He reprised his role in the successful sequels "Ocean's Twelve" (2004) and "Ocean's Thirteen" (2007), showcasing his comedic timing and chemistry within a large ensemble.

The 2000s also saw Pitt take on lead roles in several blockbusters that reinforced his global appeal. He portrayed the legendary warrior Achilles in the historical epic "Troy" (2004), a role that demanded significant physical transformation and further broadened his international recognition. In 2005, he starred opposite Angelina Jolie in the romantic action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," a film that became a massive box office hit and garnered widespread media attention for their burgeoning real-life relationship. His dramatic work continued to earn accolades, notably his performance in Alejandro González Iñárritu's multi-narrative drama "Babel" (2006), which earned him critical praise and further demonstrated his commitment to artistically ambitious projects.

Toward the end of the decade, Pitt continued to impress with nuanced performances. He received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as the titular character in David Fincher's fantastical drama "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008), where he aged in reverse. He also starred in the Coen Brothers' black comedy "Burn After Reading" (2008) and Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed war film "Inglourious Basterds" (2009), showcasing his versatility across different genres and directorial styles.

Beyond his prolific acting career, Brad Pitt has made an indelible mark as a film producer through his company, Plan B Entertainment. Co-founded in 2001 with Brad Grey and Jennifer Aniston, Pitt became the sole owner of Plan B after his divorce from Aniston in 2005. Under his leadership, Plan B has become synonymous with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, often championing unique narratives and diverse voices. The company has produced numerous Oscar-winning movies, including "The Departed" (2006), "12 Years a Slave" (2013), and "Moonlight" (2016), demonstrating a keen eye for compelling storytelling and a commitment to cinematic excellence.

The 2010s saw Pitt balance his acting roles with his expanding producing portfolio. As an actor, he earned further Academy Award nominations for his performance in the sports drama "Moneyball" (2011) and as a producer for the same film. He starred in Terrence Malick's contemplative drama "The Tree of Life" (2011) and the post-apocalyptic zombie thriller "World War Z" (2013), which became his biggest commercial success as a leading actor, grossing over $540 million worldwide. His dual role as actor and producer in "12 Years a Slave" (2013), where he played a small but significant part as Samuel Bass, led to Plan B winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Pitt's commitment to diverse and impactful projects continued into the late 2010s and beyond. He starred in the war film "Fury" (2014) and earned another Best Picture nomination as a producer for "The Big Short" (2015). In 2019, he delivered a widely celebrated performance as Cliff Booth, a stuntman, in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." This role earned him his first acting Oscar, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, along with a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award. More recently, he starred in "Bullet Train" (2022) and has upcoming projects like the Formula One racing film "F1" (2025) and "Wolfs" (2024) alongside George Clooney, continuing to command significant upfront salaries, reinforcing his status as one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world.

Brad Pitt's personal life has often been a subject of intense media scrutiny, particularly his high-profile relationships and marriages. Before his two marriages, Pitt was linked to several notable figures, including British singer Sinitta in the mid-1980s and actress Shalane McCall during his stint on "Dallas." He was famously engaged to actress Gwyneth Paltrow from 1994 to 1997 after they met on the set of "Se7en," a relationship that garnered significant public attention.

In 1998, Pitt began dating actress Jennifer Aniston, and the couple quickly became one of Hollywood's most beloved duos. They married in a private ceremony in Malibu in 2000, becoming a symbol of celebrity romance. However, their marriage lasted five years, concluding in 2005 amidst widespread media speculation and rumors of Pitt's growing relationship with Angelina Jolie, his co-star in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Their divorce, though amicable in its official statement, marked a significant moment in Hollywood's public consciousness.

Pitt's subsequent relationship with Angelina Jolie, dubbed "Brangelina" by the media, captivated the world. Together, they raised six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox. After nearly a decade together and considerable public interest, they officially married in 2014. However, this high-profile union also came to an end, with Jolie filing for divorce in 2016. The subsequent years involved complex legal battles, with their divorce becoming official in December 2024. Despite the separation, Pitt has continued to prioritize his role as a father. More recently, Pitt has reportedly been in a relationship with jewelry executive Ines de Ramon since late 2022, with reports indicating they have been living together since early 2024.

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Brad Pitt is widely recognized for his profound commitment to philanthropy and social activism. His humanitarian efforts often focus on global health, poverty eradication, and environmental sustainability. In 2005, he narrated the PBS public television series "Rx for Survival: A Global Health Challenge," which aimed to raise awareness about pressing global health issues. That same year, following the devastating Hurricane Katrina, Pitt became deeply involved in the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.

In 2007, Pitt founded the Make It Right Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly homes in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, an area severely impacted by Katrina. The foundation aimed to construct 150 green homes, with Pitt reportedly contributing $5 million of his own money and garnering an award from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2009 for his efforts in sustainable design. While the project faced some challenges and legal issues regarding construction quality in later years, Pitt's initial dedication brought crucial attention and resources to the area.

Pitt has also been a vocal advocate for various international causes. He actively supports the ONE Campaign, an organization dedicated to combating AIDS and poverty in the developing world. Together with Angelina Jolie, he established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006, which focused on aiding humanitarian causes globally, including significant donations to organizations like Doctors Without Borders and efforts to help Pakistani refugees displaced by conflict. He is also a co-founder of Not On Our Watch, an organization that seeks to draw global attention to and prevent mass atrocities, such as those in Darfur. His ongoing engagement highlights a genuine and sustained commitment to using his platform for positive global impact.

Brad Pitt's extensive and acclaimed career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and nominations, solidifying his place among Hollywood's most decorated actors and producers. He has received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), two Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. His journey to Oscar recognition began with his first nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his captivating performance in "12 Monkeys" (1995).

Throughout his career, Pitt has consistently earned nominations for his compelling acting. He received Best Actor nominations for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008) and "Moneyball" (2011), showcasing his versatility in portraying complex characters across diverse genres. His first Academy Award came in 2014, not for acting, but as a producer when "12 Years a Slave" (2013), a film produced by his company Plan B Entertainment, won the coveted Best Picture Oscar. This win underscored his significant influence and success behind the camera.

The crowning achievement in his acting career came in 2020 when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his critically lauded role as Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019). This win was widely celebrated, marking his first acting Oscar after years of nominations and critically praised performances. In addition to these major awards, Pitt has also been recognized with numerous other accolades, including MTV Movie Awards for "Interview with the Vampire" (1995) and Teen Choice Awards for "Troy" (2004), reflecting both critical respect and widespread popular appeal.

Brad Pitt's acting style is characterized by a remarkable versatility and a deep commitment to understanding the psychological and emotional motivations of his characters. While he has never publicly adhered to a single acting method, his approach often reflects influences from various techniques, including elements of the Stanislavski System and the Meisner Technique. He is known for his ability to seamlessly transition between intense dramatic performances and more lighthearted, comedic roles, often infusing his characters with a nuanced blend of charm, vulnerability, and gravitas.

Early in his career, Pitt was often cast in "pretty boy" roles, but he quickly demonstrated a desire to break free from this stereotype by taking on grittier and more challenging parts. His performances in films like "Kalifornia" (1993), "Se7en" (1995), and "Fight Club" (1999) showcased his willingness to explore dark and complex characters, earning him critical respect and proving his range. Directors and co-stars often praise his collaborative spirit and his dedication to finding the "truthful moments" within a scene, rather than over-planning or forcing a performance.

Pitt's evolution as an actor also involves a keen eye for character development, emphasizing thorough research and empathy to delve deep into the psyche of those he portrays. Whether it's the subtle mannerisms of a baseball general manager in "Moneyball," the ancient weariness of a reverse-aging man in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," or the effortless cool of a stuntman in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," he consistently delivers performances that are both believable and memorable. This continuous pursuit of growth and authenticity in his craft has allowed him to maintain his relevance and critical acclaim throughout his long and distinguished career.

Brad Pitt's cultural impact extends far beyond his filmography; he embodies the archetype of a modern Hollywood superstar. Recognized consistently as one of the most famous and highest-paid entertainers in the world, his presence alone can attract audiences to a film. He was twice named People's Sexiest Man Alive, in 1995 and 2000, a testament to his enduring appeal and global recognition as a sex symbol. Yet, his influence is not merely superficial; he has leveraged his celebrity to champion significant social and political causes, becoming a role model for philanthropic engagement within the entertainment industry.

His career has spanned diverse cinematic movements and generations of filmmakers, from working with established auteurs like Robert Redford and Terrence Malick to collaborating repeatedly with distinctive voices such as David Fincher and Quentin Tarantino. Through Plan B Entertainment, he has also profoundly shaped the landscape of modern cinema by producing critically acclaimed, socially relevant, and artistically daring films that might not otherwise have reached a wide audience. This dual role as a prominent actor and influential producer highlights his multifaceted contribution to the art form.

Pitt's enduring legacy is built on a foundation of consistent quality, a willingness to take creative risks, and an uncanny ability to reinvent himself while remaining true to his core artistic principles. He has navigated the ever-changing tides of Hollywood with remarkable grace, maintaining both commercial viability and critical respect. His consistent pursuit of meaningful storytelling, coupled with his humanitarian efforts, ensures that his impact will resonate for generations to come, solidifying his place as a true Hollywood icon.

As Brad Pitt moves further into his illustrious career, he continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to new and exciting projects, both in front of and behind the camera. His recent acting roles in films like "Bullet Train" (2022) showcase his ongoing ability to deliver compelling performances in diverse genres, proving his enduring appeal and physical prowess. Looking ahead, he has several highly anticipated projects, including the Formula One racing movie "F1," for which he reportedly earned a significant upfront salary, and "Wolfs," a comedy-thriller where he reunites with his "Ocean's Eleven" co-star George Clooney.

His work as a producer through Plan B Entertainment remains a cornerstone of his professional endeavors. The company continues to develop a robust slate of films and television series, further cementing its reputation for high-quality, thought-provoking content. In late 2022, Plan B strategically partnered with French media giant Mediawan, which acquired a 60% stake in the company, a move that provides Plan B with expanded capital and opportunities to diversify into global markets while maintaining creative autonomy. This strategic partnership underscores Pitt's foresight in navigating the evolving entertainment landscape, particularly in the age of streaming and global content demands.

Beyond traditional film and television, Plan B has also ventured into new mediums, such as an exclusive, multi-project development deal with Audible to create a slate of Audible Originals, signaling a forward-thinking approach to storytelling. Pitt's continued involvement in these various facets of the entertainment industry, from high-profile acting roles to shrewd business decisions in production, suggests that he will remain a dominant and influential figure in Hollywood for years to come. His dedication to challenging himself creatively and his ongoing philanthropic efforts ensure that his legacy will continue to grow, leaving an indelible mark on both cinema and society.