Brad Pitt is an undeniable presence in Hollywood, having appeared in a diverse array of films, from romantic comedies and cult classics to crime thrillers and dramas. His performances have earned him a multitude of awards and nominations. As of 2019, Pitt had received nominations for 148 acting awards, winning 61, which include an Academy Award and several Golden Globe Awards.
While many recognize Pitt for iconic roles like Tyler Durden in Fight Club, Billy Beane in Moneyball, and Achilles in Troy, fewer are aware of his past struggles with substance use, particularly alcohol.
Born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Pitt was raised in Springfield, Missouri, alongside his younger siblings.
In high school, he was active in sports, participating in golf, swimming, and tennis, and he was involved in various clubs, school debates, and musicals.
After graduating from high school, Pitt enrolled at the University of Missouri in 1982, majoring in journalism with a focus on advertising. However, just two weeks before finishing his degree, his passion for film led him to leave college and relocate to Los Angeles.
In California, he took acting classes and juggled odd jobs. His acting career took off in 1987 with uncredited roles in films like Less Than Zero and No Way Out.
Following several television appearances, Pitt landed his first leading role in The Dark Side of the Sun, an American-Yugoslavian production. He earned just over $1,500 for his work in 1988, but the film was shelved and didn’t release until 1997.
Pitt gained significant recognition for his supporting role in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise, which helped him build a larger fan base. However, his career truly took off with his breakthrough role in 1994.
That year, he starred in Interview With a Vampire, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, and Antonio Banderas. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it significantly advanced his career.
Later in 1994, Pitt appeared in Legends of the Fall, earning his first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor. While the film received a variety of reviews, his performance was widely acclaimed.
In 1995, Pitt starred in the crime thriller Seven, directed by David Fincher and co-starring Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. His performance in this murder mystery was highly praised and the film was a box office success.
Continuing his success, Pitt took on a supporting role in the 1995 science fiction film 12 Monkeys, which received generally favorable reviews, with Pitt being recognized as a standout performer. This role earned him his first Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
From the late 1990s to the present, Pitt has appeared in numerous successful films, ranging from cult classics like Fight Club to blockbuster hits such as Troy and the Oceans trilogy.
Despite his achievements in the film industry, Pitt faced personal challenges. According to GQ, he experienced a phase of marijuana use in his younger years. He reminisced, “Back in my stoner days, I wanted to smoke a joint with Jack and Snoop and Willie. You know, when you’re a stoner, you get these really stupid ideas.”
For a time, marijuana was part of Pitt’s life, but eventually, he turned to alcohol. He reflected, “I can’t remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn’t boozing or had a spliff, or something…”
After starting a family, Pitt gave up all substances except for alcohol. He admitted, “I mean I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family. But even this last year, you know – things I wasn’t dealing with. I was boozing too much.”
Pitt’s struggles with alcohol became public when he was involved in a high-profile incident in September 2016. While on a private jet with then-wife Angelina Jolie and their children, he lost his temper during a family dispute, which involved his 15-year-old son, Maddox. An anonymous call to authorities led to a serious investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
Ultimately, Pitt was cleared of any wrongdoing and no charges were filed. However, the incident contributed to the unraveling of his personal life, with Jolie filing for divorce just five days later.
Pitt stated, “I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good.”
With time, Pitt overcame his struggles with alcohol and replaced it with healthier alternatives, such as cranberry juice and sparkling water. While achieving sobriety can be challenging, it is worthwhile. Long-term sobriety not only extends life but also helps rebuild and maintain social relationships that may have suffered.
“It’s just become a problem. And I’m really happy it’s been half a year now, which is bittersweet, but I’ve got my feelings in my fingertips again.”
Next Steps
Brad Pitt is among the most recognizable and celebrated actors of his generation, having starred in numerous feature films and received many accolades for his work. Despite his on-screen successes, his struggles with substance use off-screen nearly led him into legal trouble. Pitt, who described himself as a former stoner, eventually stopped using marijuana and turned to alcohol, which became a significant issue for him. However, after recognizing his problem, he was able to overcome his challenges.
If you or a loved one is facing a similar substance use disorder, there are various treatment options available to assist in recovery. Sunrise Recovery is one facility that offers drug and alcohol treatment tailored to individual needs.
Get in touch with our admissions team today to learn more about the personalized addiction treatment plans available at Sunrise Recovery.
