William Bradley "Brad" Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and later raised in Springfield, Missouri. His parents, Jane Etta Pitt (née Hillhouse) and William Alvin "Bill" Pitt, were a school counselor and a truck company manager, respectively. Pitt's early life was marked by involvement in sports, debating, student government, and school musicals at Kickapoo High School.
After attending the University of Missouri, where he majored in journalism with a focus on advertising, Pitt left college two credits short of graduating to pursue a career in acting. Before achieving success, he supported himself by driving strippers in limousines, moving refrigerators, and dressing as a giant chicken while working for El Pollo Loco.
Pitt's early acting credits included television appearances on soap operas such as Another World and Dallas. He gained widespread attention with a small part in Thelma & Louise, which led to starring roles in films like Johnny Suede and Cool World. However, it was his performance in A River Runs Through It that cemented his status as a multi-layered actor.
Pitt's subsequent projects showcased his versatility, ranging from comedic cameos to romantic leads and intense dramatic roles. His portrayal of Jeffrey Goines in 12 Monkeys earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in films like Interview with the Vampire, Legends of the Fall, and Se7en, and played Achilles in the big-budget period drama Troy.
Pitt's personal life has been the subject of much media attention, particularly his marriage to Jennifer Aniston and his subsequent relationship with Angelina Jolie. He and Jolie have six children, three adopted and three biological.
