Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts about Brad Pitt

This blog uncovers 50 unknown and interesting facts about Brad Pitt, covering everything from his childhood to his philanthropic endeavors.

1. Early Life in Missouri

• Brad Pitt was born as William Bradley Pitt on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and grew up in Springfield, Missouri. His father ran a trucking company, while his mother was a school counselor.

2. High School Activities

• During high school, Pitt was involved in several extracurricular activities. He participated in debate, student government, and various sports, including swimming, tennis, and golf.

3. Nickname in High School

• In high school, Pitt’s classmates gave him the nickname “Brad the Pit-Bull” because of his tough and determined demeanor.

4. Originally Majored in Journalism

• Before pursuing acting, Pitt enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he majored in journalism and advertising. He was only two weeks away from graduating when he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.

5. Worked as a Limo Driver

• After moving to Los Angeles, Pitt worked several odd jobs to support himself while auditioning. One of his jobs was driving limousines for strippers.

6. First Acting Gig

• Brad Pitt’s first professional acting gig was in a commercial for Pringles in the late 1980s. It wasn’t the most glamorous start, but it got him noticed.

7. Early TV Roles

• Before making it big in movies, Pitt appeared in TV shows like Dallas (1987) and 21 Jump Street (1988), gaining small but significant roles.

8. Breakthrough Role

• Pitt’s breakthrough came in 1991 when he played a seductive hitchhiker in Thelma & Louise. Though it was a brief role, his performance left a lasting impression.

9. Turned Down Major Roles

• Brad Pitt famously turned down roles in some major films, including The Matrix (1999) and Apollo 13 (1995). The roles eventually went to Keanu Reeves and Tom Hanks, respectively.

10. Biggest Box Office Hit

• His role in World War Z (2013) became one of the biggest box office hits of his career, grossing over $540 million worldwide.

11. Multiple Academy Award Nominations

• Pitt has been nominated for the Academy Awards several times. He finally won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).

12. First Oscar Win as a Producer

• Although he won an acting Oscar in 2020, Pitt’s first Academy Award came as a producer for the film 12 Years a Slave (2013), which won Best Picture.

13. Passion for Architecture

• Brad Pitt is passionate about architecture and has even worked alongside renowned architects like Frank Gehry. He founded the Make It Right Foundation to rebuild homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, focusing on sustainable and affordable housing.

14. Loves Motorcycles

• Pitt has a passion for motorcycles and owns a large collection, including several custom-made bikes. He is often seen riding around Los Angeles and other locations on two wheels.

15. He’s a Pilot

• In addition to his love for motorcycles, Brad Pitt is also a licensed pilot. He earned his pilot’s license in 2012 and enjoys flying as a hobby.

16. Learning to Play Guitar

• Brad Pitt started learning to play the guitar in his 50s. He is known for immersing himself in new skills and enjoys playing during his downtime.

17. Struggles with Alcohol

• Pitt has been open about his struggles with alcohol. In 2016, after his high-profile divorce from Angelina Jolie, he sought treatment for alcohol addiction and has since embraced sobriety.

18. Involved in Multiple Humanitarian Projects

• In addition to his work with the Make It Right Foundation, Pitt has been involved in numerous other humanitarian projects. He co-founded the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which has donated millions to various causes.

19. Buddhist Influence

• Though he hasn’t claimed any specific religious affiliation, Brad Pitt has expressed interest in Buddhism, especially during his time with Angelina Jolie, who is known for her interest in the religion.

20. Fluent in French

• While not completely fluent, Brad Pitt has been learning French for years, especially during his relationship with Angelina Jolie, who owns a home in France.

21. Publicly Supports Same-Sex Marriage

• Pitt has been a vocal advocate for same-sex marriage and has donated substantial amounts to LGBTQ+ causes. He once famously said he wouldn’t marry until everyone had the right to marry.

22. Missouri Boy at Heart

• Despite his glamorous Hollywood life, Pitt has often stated that he still identifies as a “Missouri boy” and fondly remembers his childhood in the Midwest.

23. Art Collector

• Pitt has an extensive art collection, including works by artists like Banksy and Neo Rauch. He’s been collecting for years and is deeply interested in contemporary art.

24. Passion for Wine

• In 2011, Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased a vineyard in France, Château Miraval, where they produced award-winning wines, including rosé. Even after their split, Pitt remains involved in the business.

25. Studied Acting under a Famous Coach

• In his early years in Los Angeles, Brad Pitt studied acting under Roy London, a renowned acting coach who also taught stars like Geena Davis and Sharon Stone.

26. Injury on Set

• While filming Se7en (1995), Brad Pitt accidentally broke his arm during a chase scene. The injury was written into the script to accommodate his cast.

27. Animal Lover

• Pitt has a deep love for animals and has owned multiple dogs over the years. He’s also an advocate for animal rights.

28. Almost Played Neo in The Matrix

• Brad Pitt was considered for the role of Neo in The Matrix (1999) before Keanu Reeves was cast. Pitt turned down the role, saying he couldn’t see himself in the character.

29. Working with Quentin Tarantino

• Pitt has worked with director Quentin Tarantino on two major projects: Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Both collaborations earned critical acclaim, and he won an Oscar for the latter.

30. Devoted Father

• Pitt is the father of six children: three biological and three adopted. He’s known to be a dedicated and involved father despite his busy schedule.