Soap Opera History

Brad Pitt Facts: Celebrities Who Started On Soaps

Published by

Shado Saeyang

5 years ago

Brad Pitt is arguably one of the most successful actors to ever work in Hollywood. He’s not only been in some of the biggest blockbusters, but he’s also starred in Academy-Award winning films and has also produced some great pieces of work. And like so many, he got his start on a soap.

Pitt is best known for his work in films like Thelma and Louise, Fight Club, the Ocean’s franchise, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Moneyball, and many others. From where he was born and raised to the reality show he loves, here are five fast facts about the popular actor.

Who Is Brad Pitt?

Pitt was born on December 18 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, but he was raised in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Kickapoo High School and was involved in sports, the debate team, and school musicals. He then went to the University of Missouri, where he majored in journalism. However, just two weeks before graduation, he decided to leave for Los Angeles to follow his acting dreams.

Soap Beginnings
Pitt began guest-starring on various television shows, including the soap opera Another World in New York. In fact, he played the character of Chris who interacted with John Hudson (David Forsyth). He then went on to appear on Growing Pains and other popular shows at the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Almost Looked Very Different
Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the film that established Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a couple, but the movie almost didn’t star the two A-listers. In fact, Nicole Kidman was originally going to play the role of Jane Smith, but she pulled out at the last minute. Johnny Depp and Will Smith were also considered for the John Smith role, while Gwen Stefani, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Cate Blanchett were also considered for the Jane role.

Huge Fan of THIS Reality Show

Pitt was a very big fan of the MTV reality show Jackass and even asked if he could be involved in one of their stunts. In fact, he appeared in an episode dressed in an ape outfit so that he wouldn’t be recognized.

Getting Personal With Brad Pitt
Pitt dated former co-stars like Robin Givens, Jill Schoelen, and Juliette Lewis in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He then got engaged to Gwyneth Paltrow, but that ended in 1997. Pitt went on to marry Jennifer Aniston in 2000 after meeting two years prior.

However, they split by 2005. Pitt became involved with Angelina Jolie and the couple has six children together — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox. They tied the knot in 2014, but they announced their split in 2016.