Explore the fascinating timeline of Brad Pitt, covering significant milestones in his life and career from his early beginnings to becoming a Hollywood icon. Discover key events, notable films, relationships, and achievements that have shaped the life of this acclaimed actor.
William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. He was raised by his parents, William Alvin Pitt, who ran a trucking company, and Jane Etta, a school counselor. The family later moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he grew up with his younger siblings. Pitt attended the University of Missouri, where he majored in journalism with a focus on advertising, before leaving two weeks before completing his degree to move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career.
Brad Pitt's role as a charming drifter in 'Thelma & Louise', a 1991 film directed by Ridley Scott, marked his breakthrough performance. Although he had only a small role as J.D., a cowboy hitchhiker who seduces Geena Davis's character, his performance was memorable and caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. This role established Pitt as a rising star in Hollywood, leading to more prominent parts in subsequent films.
In 1995, Brad Pitt starred in the crime thriller 'Se7en' directed by David Fincher. Pitt played the role of Detective David Mills, alongside Morgan Freeman. The movie follows two detectives on the hunt for a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Se7en was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $320 million worldwide and is considered one of the greatest films of the 1990s. Pitt's performance further solidified his place as a leading actor in Hollywood.
October 15, 1999, marked the release of 'Fight Club', a film directed by David Fincher in which Brad Pitt played the enigmatic Tyler Durden. The movie, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, co-starred Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. Initially controversial and misunderstood, 'Fight Club' has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of Pitt's defining roles. His portrayal of Tyler Durden is frequently cited as a significant factor in the film's enduring popularity and cultural impact. The film challenges themes of consumerism, identity, and societal norms.
On July 29, 2000, Brad Pitt married Jennifer Aniston in a private wedding ceremony in Malibu, California. The glamorous event was attended by numerous celebrities and received extensive media coverage. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston became one of Hollywood's most famous couples during their marriage. However, they announced their separation in January 2005 and finalized their divorce in October of the same year. Despite their split, they have remained on amicable terms, and their relationship still garners public interest.
On November 12, 2005, 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith', directed by Doug Liman, was released. The action-comedy film starred Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a married couple who are secretly spies working for opposing agencies. The film was a box office success, grossing over $487 million worldwide. Notably, Pitt and Jolie's chemistry was a highlight and led to widespread rumors of a romantic relationship. This movie marked the beginning of their highly publicized relationship, which would lead to a blended family and eventual marriage.
In 2006, Brad Pitt legally adopted Angelina Jolie's two adopted children, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt and Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt. This significant step not only solidified Pitt's role as their father but also marked the beginning of the Jolie-Pitt family, which continued to grow in subsequent years. The couple also gave birth to and adopted more children over the years. Their family life often captured the attention of media outlets worldwide, with Pitt expressing pride in his family life.
On May 25, 2008, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie welcomed their daughter, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, into the world in Swakopmund, Namibia. Shiloh's birth was surrounded by media frenzy and extensive press coverage, given her parents' mega-celebrity status. The couple chose to give birth in Namibia to distance themselves from media scrutiny, and news of Shiloh's birth was highly anticipated by fans and entertainment media across the globe. Shiloh was the couple's first biological child, and they later had more biological children, including twins Knox and Vivienne.
On August 23, 2014, Brad Pitt married Angelina Jolie in a private ceremony at their estate, Château Miraval, in France. The event was attended by their six children and held in the presence of a small group of family and friends. The couple who had been partners for nearly a decade by that time, shared their vows and the joyous occasion was celebrated in an intimate setting. Their marriage caught substantial media attention around the world, with fascination surrounding their relationship from fans and entertainment journalists. However, after two years, Jolie filed for divorce in 2016.
On September 20, 2016, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. The news of their separation shocked both fans and media, as the couple had been one of Hollywood's most high-profile pairs. Their divorce proceedings and custody battle over their children have been widely covered by tabloids and major news outlets alike. Despite the challenges faced during the divorce, both Pitt and Jolie have focused on co-parenting their children and have publicly stated their commitment to their family's well-being.
Brad Pitt won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' at the 77th Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020. The film, directed by Quentin Tarantino, was released in 2019 and Pitt's role as stuntman Cliff Booth was widely praised by critics. Pitt's performance brought humor and depth to the film, earning him not only the Golden Globe but also an Academy Award for the same role. His work in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is seen as one of his finest performances to date, bringing him renewed acclaim as one of Hollywood's top actors.
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