Brad Pitt has earned himself the reputation of being an all-time great heartthrob, much like fellow Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio. Since becoming a household name as a young man, Pitt’s remarkable talent has only grown, allowing him to take on roles in some of the most captivating films of all time. His achievements in the movie industry have been recognized numerous times, and he stands tall among the most revered actors of our generation.
Without a doubt, Pitt has won the hearts of many with his winning smile, his unique talent, and his charming wit, but it is his positive attitude and dedication to philanthropy that make him popular beyond the world of entertainment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the aspects that contribute to Brad Pitt being an icon of tinseltown.
Early Career
Brad Pitt was born in Oklahoma and raised in Missouri as an ordinary boy. After graduating college in 1986, Pitt moved to California with hopes of pursuing a career in acting. Following this move, he landed bit parts on television shows like Growing Pains and Dallas before finding fame in the acclaimed 1991 movie Thelma & Louise.
Pitt’s performance as J.D. in that film earned him Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and helped launch his career as an actor. From there, he went on to star in hit titles like A River Runs Through It, for which he earned additional recognition, as well as Kalifornia and Interview with the Vampire.
Main Roles
Over the years, Brad Pitt has solidified his place in Hollywood with leading roles in many high-profile films including:
Seven: This 1995 neo-noir crime thriller elevated Pitt to a new level of stardom as he it outwitted a group of serial killers.
Fight Club: This 1999 cult classic put Pitt alongside Edward Norton in a story about an unnamed protagonist attempting to take on an underground “fight club”.
Ocean’s 11: Pitt played the role of Rusty Ryan in the popular heist movie starring George Clooney and the rest of the thrilling cast.
Troy: Pitt made a big impact as the legendary warrior Achilles in this 2004 action-drama.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: In a career defining performance, he played Benjamin Button, a man who ages backward in this enchanting drama.
Moneyball: This 2011 sports film tells the story of Oakland Athletics GM Billy Beane as portrayed by Pitt.
The Big Short: Pitt earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in this 2015 comedy-drama about the housing bubble.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: In this 2019 film by Quentin Tarantino, Pitt played the character of Cliff Booth alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
Awards and Honors
With such a long career, it is no surprise that Brad Pitt has so many accolades to his name. Over the years, he has received acting nominations, most recently at the 2019 Oscars, as well as multiple awards. Here are some of the most meaningful:
BAFTA Awards: Pitt was awarded Best Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and a Leading Actor award for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Golden Globe Awards: He earned four nominations and won once for 12 Years a Slave.
Critics Choice Awards: He has been nominated for nine awards, winning four for The Big Short and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In addition, he was awarded an honorary prize in early 2020.
Academy Awards: To date, Pitt has obtained seven Oscar nominations, of which he has won two.
Charm and Charisma
Brad Pitt’s charismatic personality is often credited with helping him overcome setbacks, especially early in his career. Beyond that, his charm and generosity are appreciated by those who work with him and by millions of viewers around the world.
This is why it comes as no surprise that Pitt has been named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” twice, in 1995 and 2000. His impeccable movie performances help him stand out as much as his style and who he is as a person.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Efforts
Pitt is not only remembered for his movie roles, but also for his commitment to helping those in need. As a founding member of the Make It Right Foundation, he has been devoted to the recovery, preservation and revitalization of communities affected by natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Additionally, Pitt is actively involved in the One Campaign, a global effort that strives to help people living in poverty-stricken areas worldwide. Pitt has contributed money and time to many charities, including the Global Fund, Futures without Violence, Artists for Peace and Justice, and Heal The Bay.
Brad Pitt has earned a household name in Hollywood and beyond. His remarkable talents and boyish looks have made him one of the most beloved and romanticized stars in the world. Pitt’s dedication to philanthropy and his admirable sense of charm and charisma only add to his allure. As the charming icon of Tinseltown that he has become, it’s safe to say that we will be seeing more of Pitt’s iconic performances on the silver screen in the years to come.
