Brad Pitt
“The face that learned to produce. Plan B, odd parts, a later life of making things.”
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
- 1963Born in Shawnee. Raised in Springfield, Missouri.
- 1991Thelma & Louise. A few scenes. A national problem.
- 1999Fight Club.
- 201312 Years a Slave. Plan B, Best Picture.
- 2020Supporting Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
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