18 Heartfelt Photos of Brad Pitt From the 1960s and 1970s

Before the world knew him as a movie star, he was born William Bradley Pitt on December 18, 1963. His journey began in Shawnee, Oklahoma, but his family soon moved to Springfield, Missouri. This is where he spent most of his childhood, growing up in a home that was both “modest and orderly.”

His parents, William Alvin Pitt and Jane Etta Hillhouse, worked hard to provide a stable life for their children. His father managed a trucking company, while his mother worked as a school counselor. Growing up with his younger brother, Doug, and his younger sister, Julie, Brad was part of a very “supportive and close-knit” family.

A Focus on Values and Education

Living in a Southern Baptist household, Brad was taught the importance of a “solid moral compass” from a young age. These traditional values played a big role in his upbringing. As a child, he was known for being very “energetic and inquisitive,” always eager to learn and explore the world around him.

During his time at Kickapoo High School, Brad was a very well-rounded student. He wasn’t just focused on his books; he was also very active in:

• Sports: He enjoyed swimming, golf, and tennis.
• School Activities: He was involved in student government and the debate team.
• The Arts: Even then, he felt a deep connection to movies. He once beautifully described films as a “gateway into other worlds.”

A Bold Move Toward Stardom

After finishing high school, Brad went to the University of Missouri. He chose to study journalism with a focus on advertising. He was very close to finishing his degree, but his heart was pulled in a different direction.

Only two weeks before he was set to graduate, he made a life-changing decision to move to California. He famously explained that he felt the “call of the West” before leaving for Los Angeles. It was a brave and “audacious choice” that eventually led him to the incredible career he has today.

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18 Heartwarming Photos of Brad Pitt in the 1960s and 1970s

Below, we take a look back at some of the most charming moments from Brad’s early life. These images capture his journey from a young boy in Missouri to a teenager on the verge of stardom.