60 and Fabulous: the Extraordinary Journey of Brad Pitt

Perhaps the best-known name in Hollywood, Brad Pitt’s timeless allure shows no sign of dying down, even as he gets set to enter his sixth decade.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Brad Pitt turns 60 this month, and the world’s most famous actor is still regularly nominated as one of the most handsome men in the world. A real-life Benjamin Button, his youthful 59-year-old self made quite the impact at numerous events this year including Silverstone and Wimbledon thanks to an almighty glow-up. In fact, blink and you would swear he was still 40.

To compare anyone to Pitt in any arena, be it talent, wealth, style or looks, is a cruel enterprise so, as he cruises into a new decade just like a fine wine, we get the modus operandi on Hollywood’s most bankable male star.

Brad Pitt: From School to Success

Born on December 18 1963 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, William Bradley Pitt spent his formative years in Springfield, Missouri. Early on, Pitt exhibited a love for the arts, attending the University of Missouri to study journalism and advertising. However, his true passion for acting led him to drop out and pursue a career in Hollywood.

And what a career it was set to become.

Gaining early recognition with breakout roles in films like Thelma & Louise (1991) and A River Runs Through It (1992), Pitt’s striking good looks and undeniable acting chops made him the most sought-after leading man in the '90s.

The late '90s and early 2000s saw Pitt's career ascend to new heights with critically acclaimed performances in films such as Fight Club (1999), Snatch (2000), and the Oscar-winning 12 Monkeys (1995). His collaboration with director Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds (2009) also brought him widespread acclaim, showcasing his ability to master both intense drama and dark comedy.

And The Award Goes To…

It’s safe to say that Pitt’s talent has been well recognised throughout his career, having received numerous nominations and awards including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).

His work as a producer for Plan B Entertainment, a film production company he co-founded, has also garnered critical acclaim, with films like 12 Years a Slave (2013) and Moonlight (2016) winning Best Picture Oscars.

Brad Pitt: Getting Better with Age

Known for his laid-back charm and wit, Pitt has embraced the changes that come with getting older – even if it seems he never actually appears to age! In interviews, he has highlighted the importance of evolving perspectives, valuing experiences over material possessions and finding fulfilment in a life well-lived, while his youthful appearance has prompted many magazines and newspapers to do a deep dive into his fashion and grooming routines.

Just this year, for example, we saw numerous articles from The Telegraph with headlines like ‘How Brad Pitt is looking better than ever at 59?’, while British GQ, the Daily Mail and Metro UK have all been pondering the exact same question.

Brad Pitt: Taking The Good With The Bad

While Pitt has enjoyed immense success in his professional life, his personal life has not been without challenges. His highly publicised divorce from actress Angelina Jolie – with who he shares six children with - in 2016 brought personal struggles into the spotlight, while most recently he has been back in the limelight once more due to a resurfaced Instagram post from 2020 when his son Pax, now 19, called his famous dad a ‘world-class a**hole’ and a ‘f*****g awful human being’.

However, Pitt's resilience and commitment to personal growth have seen him emerge from these challenges with grace and dignity.

Happy Birthday Brad Pitt!

As Pitt enters his sixth decade, he stands as a Hollywood icon, a philanthropist – he founded the non-profit Make It Right Foundation in 2007 to aid in the environmentally friendly rebuilding of houses in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina - and a man who has navigated the complexities of life with poise.

His cinematic legacy, coupled with his commitment to making a positive impact on the world, ensures that his influence will endure for generations to come.

Happy 60th birthday, Brad Pitt—may your future continue to be as bright and impactful as your illustrious past.