Brad Pitt's College Major: The Path to Hollywood

William Bradley Pitt, born on December 18, 1963, is an acclaimed American actor and film producer. With a career spanning over three decades, Pitt has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Volpi Cup. An influential figure in popular culture, Pitt has been featured on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list (2006-2008) and the Time 100 list in 2007. He was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1995 and 2000, solidifying his status as a sex symbol. This article explores Pitt's journey from his college days to his rise to stardom.

Early Life and Education

Brad Pitt's early life laid the foundation for his eventual foray into acting. Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, he was raised in Springfield, Missouri, by his parents, Jane Etta (Hillhouse), a school counselor, and William Alvin "Bill" Pitt, a truck company manager. Pitt attended Kickapoo High School, where he actively participated in various activities, including golf, swimming, tennis, Key Club, Forensics Club, school debates, and musicals.

Following his high school graduation, Pitt enrolled in the University of Missouri in 1982. His initial academic pursuit was journalism, with a specific focus on advertising. However, as graduation approached, Pitt felt a sense of unease and a lack of readiness to settle down. This feeling prompted him to make a life-altering decision.

The Shift from Journalism to Acting

Pitt's journey took an unexpected turn as he neared the completion of his journalism degree. Despite his academic pursuits, he felt an unshakeable pull towards something different. "I just knew there were a lot more points of view out there," Pitt once said, reflecting on his decision. He recognized the power of film as a teaching tool, a medium that could expose him to ideas and perspectives he had never encountered before.

With only two weeks left until graduation, Pitt realized that if the opportunity he sought wasn't readily available, he would have to create it himself. This realization led him to leave the University of Missouri and head to California to pursue his acting dreams. It was a bold move, signifying his determination to follow his passion.

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Early Career Struggles

While striving to establish himself in Los Angeles, Pitt immersed himself in acting lessons, studying under coach Roy London. Before achieving success, Pitt supported himself through various jobs, including driving strippers in limousines, moving refrigerators, and even dressing as a giant chicken for El Pollo Loco.

Pitt's acting career commenced in 1987 with uncredited roles in films such as No Way Out, No Man's Land, and Less than Zero. His television debut occurred in May 1987, with a two-episode role on the NBC soap opera Another World. He also made guest appearances on sitcoms like Trial and Error and Growing Pains. Between December 1987 and February 1988, Pitt appeared in four episodes of the CBS primetime series Dallas.

In 1988, Pitt landed his first leading film role in the Yugoslavian-American co-production The Dark Side of the Sun, playing a young American seeking a remedy for a skin condition. He also portrayed Billy Canton, a drug addict, in the 1990 NBC television movie Too Young to Die?

Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom

After years of supporting roles and television guest appearances, Pitt gained wider recognition in Ridley Scott's 1991 road film Thelma & Louise. His portrayal of J.D., a small-time criminal, captivated audiences and marked a turning point in his career.

Pitt solidified his status as a leading man with his role as Paul Maclean in the 1992 biographical film A River Runs Through It, directed by Robert Redford. This performance proved that Pitt was more than just a "cowboy-hatted hunk." He has admitted to feeling under pressure when making the film and thought it was one of his "weakest performances … It's so weird that it ended up being the one that I got the most attention for." Pitt believed that he benefited from working with such a talented cast and crew. He compared working with Redford to playing tennis with a superior player, saying "when you play with somebody better than you, your game gets better."

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In 1994, Pitt starred in the horror film Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, based on Anne Rice's novel. Despite winning two MTV Movie Awards, his performance received mixed reviews. Later that year, he starred in Legends of the Fall, earning his first Golden Globe Award nomination.

Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success

Pitt's career continued to ascend with his role in the 1995 crime thriller Seven, alongside Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. He played a detective on the trail of a serial killer, a role that allowed him to move beyond the "pretty boy" image. His performance was critically acclaimed, with Variety praising his ability to deliver a "determined, energetic, creditable job." Seven grossed $327 million at the international box office.

Following the success of Seven, Pitt starred in Terry Gilliam's 1995 science fiction film 12 Monkeys, earning particular praise for his performance as the psychotic Jeffrey Goines. In 1997, he starred in Seven Years in Tibet, requiring months of training in mountain climbing and trekking.

In 1999, Pitt portrayed Tyler Durden in Fight Club, a film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel. He prepared for the role with lessons in boxing, taekwondo, and grappling. Despite divided critical opinion on the film as a whole, Pitt's performance was widely praised.

Continued Success and Recognition

Pitt's career remained strong in the 2000s and beyond. He made a guest appearance on the television series Friends in 2001, earning an Emmy Award nomination. He starred in the heist film Ocean's Eleven (2001) and its sequels, Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007).

In 2004, Pitt played Achilles in Troy and starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) alongside Angelina Jolie. He received critical acclaim for his performance in Babel (2006), earning a Golden Globe Award nomination. Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, produced The Departed, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Pitt continued to take on diverse roles, including Burn After Reading (2008), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Killing Them Softly (2012), World War Z (2013), and The Big Short (2015). He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).

Philanthropy and Other Ventures

Pitt has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, established in 2006 with Angelina Jolie. The foundation supports humanitarian causes around the world.

Pitt also has a strong interest in architecture, even studying computer-aided design at the Los Angeles offices of Frank Gehry. He narrated the PBS television series e2 design, which focuses on environmentally friendly structures.

Personal Life

Pitt's personal life has been a subject of media attention. He was married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005 and to Angelina Jolie from 2014 to 2019.

Legacy

Brad Pitt's journey from a journalism student at the University of Missouri to a global icon is a testament to his talent, determination, and willingness to take risks. His diverse filmography, critical acclaim, and box office success have solidified his place as one of the most influential actors of his generation. Pitt's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and anyone pursuing their dreams.

Other Notable Alumni from the University of Missouri

Brad Pitt is not the only notable figure to have emerged from the University of Missouri. The university boasts a diverse alumni network, including individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Norm Stewart

Norm Stewart is most prominently known for his 32-year career as the MU head basketball coach from 1967 to 1999. After winning his battle with colon cancer during the 1989-90 season, Stewart founded Coaches vs. Cancer, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Kate Capshaw

Kate Capshaw graduated from MU in 1975 with a bachelorâs degree in education. Upon graduating, she became a special education teacher at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia. She is best known for her acting career.

Michael Kim and Jim Lehrer

Michael Kim transitioned from being an athlete to a career in the sports industry, while Jim Lehrer was a prominent journalist. Both individuals have inspired others through their respective accomplishments.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm is a 1993 graduate who began his college education at the University of Texas, but transferred to MU to be closer to his hometown of St. Louis. Hamm graduated with a bachelorâs degree in English and later returned to his preparatory school to teach eighth-grade drama. He has since moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career and has received 16 Emmy nominations.

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