Brad Pitt is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer known for his impactful performances. His illustrious career boasts numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Pitt's global influence is undeniable, as evidenced by his consistent presence on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list and Time magazine's 100 most influential people list.
On December 18, 1963, William Bradley Pitt was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Brad Pitt's younger brother, Douglas Pitt, was born in 1966.
Brad Pitt's younger sister, Julie (née Pitt) Neal, was born in 1969.
Brad Pitt enrolled at the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism with a focus on advertising in 1982.
Brad Pitt made his television debut in a two-episode role on the NBC soap opera "Another World" in May 1987.
In December 1987, Brad Pitt appeared as a guest star on the CBS sitcom "Trial and Error" and the ABC sitcom "Growing Pains."
Brad Pitt concluded a four-episode run as Randy on the CBS primetime series "Dallas" in February 1988.
Brad Pitt appeared in two films in 1989: "Happy Together" and "Cutting Class." The latter marked his first theatrical release.
Brad Pitt starred as Billy Canton in the NBC television movie "Too Young to Die?" in 1990.
Brad Pitt gained recognition for his role as a cowboy hitchhiker in Ridley Scott's "Thelma & Louise" in 1991.
Brad Pitt starred in the film "Across the Tracks" and a Levi's jeans TV commercial in 1991.
Brad Pitt starred in the drama film "A River Runs Through It" in 1992, one of his first leading roles in a big-budget production.
Brad Pitt starred in the films "Johnny Suede" and "Cool World" in 1992.
In 1992, Brad Pitt starred in the biographical film "A River Runs Through It," directed by Robert Redford. Pitt's performance as Paul Maclean was well-received, though he personally considered it one of his weaker performances.
In 1993, Brad Pitt reunited with Juliette Lewis for the road film "Kalifornia," where he played Early Grayce, a serial killer. He also made a notable appearance in the cult hit "True Romance" as Floyd. His performance in "Kalifornia" was particularly praised, with critics highlighting his chilling portrayal of a menacing character.
Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow began their highly publicized relationship in 1994, which stemmed from their work together on the film "Seven."
Brad Pitt starred in two significant films in 1994: the drama "Legends of the Fall" and the horror film "Interview with the Vampire" alongside Tom Cruise.
In 1994, Brad Pitt starred as Louis de Pointe du Lac in "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles." The film, based on Anne Rice's novel, featured an ensemble cast including Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, and Antonio Banderas. Despite winning two MTV Movie Awards for his role, Pitt's performance received mixed reviews.
In 1994, Brad Pitt starred in the film adaptation of Jim Harrison's novel "Legends of the Fall." Pitt's portrayal of Tristan Ludlow earned him his first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor.
Brad Pitt was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1995.
Brad Pitt's status as a sex symbol was solidified in 1995 when Empire magazine named him one of the 25 sexiest stars in film history, and People magazine crowned him the Sexiest Man Alive.
In 1995, Brad Pitt received critical acclaim for his performances in the films "Seven" and "12 Monkeys." He also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for "12 Monkeys" and his first Academy Award nomination.
In 1995, Brad Pitt starred in two successful films: "Seven," a crime thriller alongside Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey, and "12 Monkeys," a science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam. He received critical acclaim for both performances. Notably, his role as Jeffrey Goines in "12 Monkeys" earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and his first Academy Award nomination in the same category.
In 1995, Brad Pitt won two MTV Movie Awards for his role as Louis de Pointe du Lac in the film "Interview with a Vampire."
In 1996, Brad Pitt starred in the legal drama "Sleepers," based on Lorenzo Carcaterra's novel.
"The Dark Side of the Sun," a film starring Brad Pitt that was shelved due to the Croatian War of Independence, was finally released in 1997.
Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow ended their relationship in 1997 after three years of dating.
In 1997, Brad Pitt starred alongside Harrison Ford in "The Devil's Own." He portrayed Rory Devany, an Irish Republican Army terrorist. While the film was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews, with critics divided on Pitt's Irish accent.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston first met in 1998.
In 1998, Brad Pitt starred in "Seven Years in Tibet" as Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and in "Meet Joe Black" as a personification of death. Pitt dedicated himself to the role in "Seven Years in Tibet," undergoing months of training for the physically demanding mountain climbing scenes. However, "Meet Joe Black" garnered mixed reviews, with some critics criticizing Pitt's performance.
Brad Pitt starred in the cult classic film "Fight Club" in 1999.
In 1999, Brad Pitt starred as Tyler Durden in David Fincher's "Fight Club," based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel. Pitt's performance was widely praised, with many critics considering it one of his best. To prepare for the role, Pitt took lessons in boxing, taekwondo, and grappling. He even had pieces of his front teeth removed for the role, which were restored after filming.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston married in a private ceremony in Malibu on July 29, 2000.
Brad Pitt received the title of People's Sexiest Man Alive for the second time in 2000, cementing his position as a global heartthrob.
Brad Pitt was named People's Sexiest Man Alive for the second time in 2000.
In 2000, Brad Pitt co-authored an architectural book on the Blacker House with architects Thomas A. Heinz and Randell Makinson, showcasing his sustained interest in architecture.
In 2000, Brad Pitt starred as an Irish Traveller boxer with a thick accent in Guy Ritchie's gangster film "Snatch." Despite mixed reviews for the film overall, Pitt's performance was largely praised.
In 2000, the DVD release of "Fight Club" further solidified its cult classic status.
On November 22, 2001, Brad Pitt made a guest appearance on the popular TV show "Friends", playing a character who dislikes Rachel Green, who was played by Jennifer Aniston, Pitt's wife at the time.
In December 2001, Brad Pitt starred as Rusty Ryan in the heist film "Ocean's Eleven", a remake of the 1960 original. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over \$450 million worldwide.
Brad Pitt co-founded the production company Plan B Entertainment in 2001.
Brad Pitt starred in "Ocean's Eleven" in 2001, a critical and commercial success.
In 2001, Brad Pitt starred alongside Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy "The Mexican" and opposite Robert Redford in the Cold War thriller "Spy Game." While "The Mexican" enjoyed box office success, "Spy Game" garnered a range of reviews, with some critics finding the emotional connection lacking.
Brad Pitt made two cameo appearances on the MTV reality show "Jackass" in February 2002.
In 2003, Brad Pitt took on his first voice-acting roles in the animated film "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" and an episode of the animated TV series "King of the Hill".
In October 2004, Brad Pitt visited the University of Missouri campus to encourage students to vote in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, supporting John Kerry. Later in the month, he endorsed Proposition 71, advocating for public funding for embryonic stem-cell research.
Brad Pitt starred as Achilles in the historical epic "Troy" in 2004.
In 2004, Brad Pitt starred in two major films: "Troy", where he played Achilles, and "Ocean's Twelve", reprising his role as Rusty Ryan. "Troy" was the first film produced by Plan B Entertainment, Pitt's production company.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston announced their separation in January 2005.
In April 2005, paparazzi photographs of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and her son Maddox fueled speculation of a relationship between Pitt and Jolie, who met on the set of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."
Angelina Jolie adopted her second child, a daughter, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2005, with Brad Pitt accompanying her.
The Los Angeles Superior Court finalized Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's divorce on October 2, 2005, marking the end of their five-year marriage.
By December 3, 2005, Brad Pitt was in the process of becoming the adoptive father of Angelina Jolie's two children.
Brad Pitt starred alongside Angelina Jolie in the action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" in 2005.
Brad Pitt's relationship with Angelina Jolie became a subject of intense media scrutiny in 2005, marking the beginning of the "Brangelina" phenomenon.
In 2005, Brad Pitt showcased his versatility by starring in a Heineken commercial directed by David Fincher, which aired during the Super Bowl.
In 2005, Brad Pitt starred alongside Angelina Jolie in the action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", which became a major box office success.
Angelina Jolie publicly confirmed her relationship with Brad Pitt on January 11, 2006, when she announced her pregnancy with his child.
A California judge approved Angelina Jolie's request to change her children's surnames from "Jolie" to "Jolie-Pitt" on January 19, 2006, shortly before the adoptions by Brad Pitt were finalized.
Angelina Jolie gave birth to her and Brad Pitt's daughter in Swakopmund, Namibia, on May 27, 2006, marking their first biological child together.
In September 2006, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie established a charitable organization, the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, to aid humanitarian causes around the world. The foundation made initial donations of $1 million each to Global Action for Children and Doctors Without Borders.
In October 2006, Brad Pitt expressed his support for same-sex marriage, stating his intention to marry Angelina Jolie once everyone in America had the legal right to do so.
Brad Pitt appeared on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list in 2006.
Brad Pitt's influence and success were recognized in 2006 as he made his debut on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, ranking at number 20.
Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, produced "The Departed," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006.
In 2006, Brad Pitt starred in Alejandro González Iñárritu's multi-narrative drama "Babel", receiving critical acclaim for his performance. His company, Plan B Entertainment, also produced "The Departed", which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
The media frenzy surrounding Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reached its peak in 2006 when they welcomed their daughter Shiloh in Namibia, amidst a highly publicized effort to escape the paparazzi.
A global industry survey conducted by ACNielsen in 2006 revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were the world's most popular celebrity endorsers.
Brad Pitt starred in the critically acclaimed film "Babel" in 2006.
Angelina Jolie adopted her third child, a three-year-old boy, from an orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on March 15, 2007.
In May 2007, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie donated $1 million to three organizations in Chad and Sudan dedicated to those affected by the crisis in the Darfur region.
Brad Pitt starred as Jesse James in the Western film "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" in 2007.
In 2007, Brad Pitt's impact extended beyond Hollywood as he was included in Time magazine's Time 100 list, highlighting his efforts to bring attention to important global issues.
In 2007, Brad Pitt starred in "Ocean's Thirteen", the third installment of the "Ocean's" franchise, and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford", for which he won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
Brad Pitt was included in the Time 100 list in 2007. He also appeared on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list again this year.
Brad Pitt officially adopted Angelina Jolie's third child in the United States on February 21, 2008.
Angelina Jolie announced her pregnancy with twins at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008.
Angelina Jolie gave birth to twins, a son and a daughter, on July 12, 2008, in Nice, France.
In September 2008, Brad Pitt donated $100,000 to oppose California's Proposition 8, which aimed to overturn the legalization of same-sex marriage.
In October 2008, the first six homes of the Make It Right Foundation, founded by Brad Pitt, were completed. The foundation aimed to build sustainable, affordable houses in New Orleans’s Ninth Ward following Hurricane Katrina.
Brad Pitt climbed to the fifth position on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list in 2008, further solidifying his status as one of the most powerful celebrities globally.
In 2008, Brad Pitt starred in the Coen brothers' black comedy "Burn After Reading" and David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", earning him his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Brad Pitt starred in the black comedy "Burn After Reading" in 2008. He also received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" the same year.
Brad Pitt made his final appearance on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list in 2008.
In February 2009, Brad Pitt stated that he and Jennifer Aniston remained on good terms despite media reports of an acrimonious split.
Brad Pitt starred in Quentin Tarantino's war film "Inglourious Basterds" in 2009.
Brad Pitt starred in Quentin Tarantino's war film "Inglourious Basterds", which premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
Brad Pitt's influence and contributions to various fields earned him a spot in the "Builders and Titans" category of Time magazine's Time 100 list in 2009.
Brad Pitt voiced the superhero Metro Man in the animated film "Megamind".
Brad Pitt starred in Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life", which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and portrayed Billy Beane in "Moneyball", earning him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Brad Pitt starred in two critically acclaimed films in 2011: "The Tree of Life" and "Moneyball," the latter earning him another Academy Award nomination.
Plan B Entertainment, co-founded by Brad Pitt, received Academy Award nominations for two of their productions in 2011: "The Tree of Life" and "Moneyball."
In March 2012, Brad Pitt participated in a performance of Dustin Lance Black's play, "8," which reenacted the federal trial that overturned California's Proposition 8, highlighting his continued support for same-sex marriage.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie announced their engagement in April 2012 after seven years together.
Brad Pitt reaffirmed his support for Barack Obama in September 2012, publicly backing Obama's U.S. election campaign.
Brad Pitt starred as mob hitman Jackie Cogan in Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly".
Brad Pitt mentioned experiencing challenges recognizing people's faces in 2013, hinting at a potential struggle with prosopagnosia.
Brad Pitt starred in and produced "World War Z", his highest-grossing film to date, and also produced and had a small role in the critically acclaimed historical drama "12 Years a Slave".
Brad Pitt starred in the zombie horror film "World War Z" in 2013.
Plan B Entertainment, co-founded by Brad Pitt, produced "12 Years a Slave," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013.
On August 14, 2014, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie officially legalized their union.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie celebrated their marriage with a private wedding ceremony at Château Miraval in France on August 23, 2014.
On October 17, 2014, Brad Pitt starred in Fury, a World War II film directed and written by David Ayer. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing more than $211 million worldwide and receiving highly positive reviews from critics.
Plan B Entertainment, co-founded by Brad Pitt, produced "Selma," which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014.
Plan B Entertainment, co-founded by Brad Pitt, saw its first television series, "Resurrection", picked up by ABC for the 2013-2014 season.
On June 2, 2015, Brad Pitt received a unique honor when the minor planet 29132 was named "Bradpitt" in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Brad Pitt starred in the biographical comedy-drama "The Big Short" in 2015.
Plan B Entertainment, co-founded by Brad Pitt, produced "The Big Short," which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015.
Brad Pitt was investigated by the FBI and Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse in September 2016, following an alleged incident on a plane. However, he was not charged.
Brad Pitt made the decision to embrace sobriety and began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in September 2016.
Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt on September 19, 2016, citing irreconcilable differences and marking the start of a highly publicized legal battle.
Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, produced "Moonlight," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2016.
A custody agreement was reached in November 2018, granting Angelina Jolie primary physical custody and Brad Pitt "custodial time" with their minor children.
As of January 2019, Brad Pitt considers "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" to be his favorite of his own films.
The court legally declared Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie single on April 12, 2019, amidst their ongoing divorce proceedings.
In December 2019, Brad Pitt engaged in a candid conversation with Anthony Hopkins, his co-star in "Legends of the Fall" and "Meet Joe Black," about their personal experiences with addiction and recovery, shedding light on his journey to sobriety.
Brad Pitt won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a stuntman in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" in 2019.
On April 25, 2020, Brad Pitt portrayed Dr. Anthony Fauci in the cold open on Saturday Night Live. This performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
In October 2020, Brad Pitt narrated an advertisement for Joe Biden's presidential campaign, demonstrating his political engagement.
Brad Pitt was granted joint custody of his children with Angelina Jolie in May 2021, a significant development after over four years of legal proceedings.
In 2021, Brad Pitt entered the recording business by creating a company with French record producer Damien Quintard. Miraval Studios, located in Pitt's Chateau Miraval in South of France, is set to re-open in 2022 after two decades of inactivity.
On January 5, 2022, Brad Pitt signed on to star in and produce a racing film on Formula One, directed by Joseph Kosinski. He will earn $30 million for this project.
Angelina Jolie filed a countersuit against Brad Pitt in 2022 related to their co-owned vineyard. The legal action revealed allegations of abusive behavior by Pitt towards Jolie and their children during their marriage.
Brad Pitt began a relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon in 2022.
Brad Pitt openly addressed his struggles with recognizing faces in 2022, suggesting a possible diagnosis of prosopagnosia, a condition that affects facial recognition.
Brad Pitt starred in the action film "Bullet Train" in 2022.
In 2022, Brad Pitt's interest in art led him to showcase his sculptures alongside works by Nick Cave and Thomas Houseago at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland.
The exhibition featuring Brad Pitt's sculptures, alongside works by Nick Cave and Thomas Houseago, continued its run at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland, into 2023.