Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt vaulted from unknown to heartthrob with a brief but electric turn as a charming drifter in Thelma & Louise (1991). That 1991 role made him an instant sensation and opened the door to a career that blended leading-man glamour with serious acting ambition.
Missouri to Hollywood
William Bradley Pitt grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and left the University of Missouri just shy of graduating to chase acting. A scene-stealing turn in Thelma & Louise made him famous almost overnight.
Star and Risk-Taker
Rather than coast on his looks, Pitt sought challenging roles in Se7en, Fight Club, and Twelve Monkeys. The choices earned critical respect alongside box-office clout.
Producer and Oscar Winner
Through Plan B Entertainment he became a major producer, winning Best Picture for 12 Years a Slave. He finally claimed an acting Oscar in 2020 for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Career Timeline
- 1991Breakout cameo in Thelma & Louise
- 1992Stars in A River Runs Through It
- 1994Plays a vampire in Interview with the Vampire
- 1995Oscar-nominated for Twelve Monkeys
- 1999Plays Tyler Durden in Fight Club
- 2001Stars in heist hit Ocean's Eleven
- 2004Plays Achilles in the epic Troy
- 2008Oscar nod for Benjamin Button
- 2014Wins Best Picture as producer of 12 Years a Slave
- 2020Wins Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- 2025Headlines racing drama F1
Biggest Hits
- Before stardom he worked odd jobs, including dressing as a giant chicken to promote a fast-food chain.
- He won his first Oscar as a producer, taking Best Picture for 12 Years a Slave, years before his acting win.
Portrait: DoD News Features · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons