Gallery: Brad Pitt through the years

Published 12:39 PM EST, Fri November 30, 2012
In honor of Brad Pitt's 50th birthday on December 18, The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARP" target="_blank" target="_blank">AARP marked the occasion with a special cover</a> featuring the star. Take a look back at his life and career through the years.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In honor of Brad Pitt's 50th birthday on December 18, The AARP marked the occasion with a special cover featuring the star. Take a look back at his life and career through the years.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
If we had to guess, we'd bet that Pitt's celebrating the milestone surrounded by his family, like he is here in this 2011 photo.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
If we had to guess, we'd bet that Pitt's celebrating the milestone surrounded by his family, like he is here in this 2011 photo.
Fame Pictures
In the 1980s, a young Pitt left the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri to pursue his dream of acting.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In the 1980s, a young Pitt left the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri to pursue his dream of acting.
Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
TV fans might remember a youthful Brad Pitt launching his career with appearances on "Another World," "21 Jump Street" and "Dallas" in his early 20s. Here, he's seen as a recurring character named Randy on "Dallas," a role he held from 1987 to 1988.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
TV fans might remember a youthful Brad Pitt launching his career with appearances on "Another World," "21 Jump Street" and "Dallas" in his early 20s. Here, he's seen as a recurring character named Randy on "Dallas," a role he held from 1987 to 1988.
From 'Dallas'/CBS
In 1991, Brad Pitt established himself as a sex symbol in the making thanks to his steamy shirtless work in "Thelma & Louise."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In 1991, Brad Pitt established himself as a sex symbol in the making thanks to his steamy shirtless work in "Thelma & Louise."
MGM
His breakout role came in 1992's "A River Runs Through It," which was directed by Hollywood great Robert Redford.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
His breakout role came in 1992's "A River Runs Through It," which was directed by Hollywood great Robert Redford.
Getty Images/File
Pitt's long locks were on full display at the September 1993 premiere of his film "True Romance." Looking back, Pitt told CNN, he wouldn't have any career advice for his younger self. "I think that guy did all right. I think he figured it out quite fine. I don't think I need to tell him much."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt's long locks were on full display at the September 1993 premiere of his film "True Romance." Looking back, Pitt told CNN, he wouldn't have any career advice for his younger self. "I think that guy did all right. I think he figured it out quite fine. I don't think I need to tell him much."
Brenda Chase/Getty Images/File
In 1994, Pitt turned in noted performances in "Legends of the Fall," as seen here, and in "Interview With the Vampire" alongside Tom Cruise.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In 1994, Pitt turned in noted performances in "Legends of the Fall," as seen here, and in "Interview With the Vampire" alongside Tom Cruise.
Getty Images/FIle
Brad Pitt was the vampire with the good heart, Louis de Pointe du Lac, in 1994's "Interview with a Vampire."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Brad Pitt was the vampire with the good heart, Louis de Pointe du Lac, in 1994's "Interview with a Vampire."
Geffn Pictures
In 1995, Pitt had another breakout role in the thriller "Se7en," in which he co-starred with Morgan Freeman.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In 1995, Pitt had another breakout role in the thriller "Se7en," in which he co-starred with Morgan Freeman.
Getty Images/File
Pitt attended the Academy Awards in 1996 as a best supporting actor nominee for his work in the acclaimed "12 Monkeys." It was his first Oscar nod, and the actor arrived with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik1cvFbdE2I" target="_blank" target="_blank">the "love of his life"</a> at the time, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt attended the Academy Awards in 1996 as a best supporting actor nominee for his work in the acclaimed "12 Monkeys." It was his first Oscar nod, and the actor arrived with the "love of his life" at the time, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Kim Kulish/Getty Images/File
After "12 Monkeys," Pitt went on to knock out "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997), "Meet Joe Black" (1998) and "Fight Club" (1999), as seen here. The then 35-year-old actor captivated audiences as the volatile Tyler Durden.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
After "12 Monkeys," Pitt went on to knock out "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997), "Meet Joe Black" (1998) and "Fight Club" (1999), as seen here. The then 35-year-old actor captivated audiences as the volatile Tyler Durden.
20th Century Fox
In 1999, Pitt was just as famous for his relationship with Jennifer Aniston, whom he started dating in 1998, as he was for his film career.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In 1999, Pitt was just as famous for his relationship with Jennifer Aniston, whom he started dating in 1998, as he was for his film career.
Lucy Nicholson/Getty Images/File
A match made in Hollywood A-list heaven, Pitt and Aniston tied the knot in July 2000.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
A match made in Hollywood A-list heaven, Pitt and Aniston tied the knot in July 2000.
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images/File
By 2004, Pitt was a sculpted leading man, landing roles in comedy capers such as 2001's "Ocean's Eleven" and action epics such as 2004's "Troy."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
By 2004, Pitt was a sculpted leading man, landing roles in comedy capers such as 2001's "Ocean's Eleven" and action epics such as 2004's "Troy."
Thos Robinson/Getty Images/File
George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt brought back the gang from "Oceans Eleven" in the 2004 sequel "Ocean's Twelve."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt brought back the gang from "Oceans Eleven" in the 2004 sequel "Ocean's Twelve."
Warner Bros
When Pitt and Aniston arrived for the premiere of "Troy" at Cannes in May 2004, they were just months away from announcing the end of their marriage. That news came with a formal statement in January 2005.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
When Pitt and Aniston arrived for the premiere of "Troy" at Cannes in May 2004, they were just months away from announcing the end of their marriage. That news came with a formal statement in January 2005.
Francois Guillot/Getty Images/File
Fans took sides in the Pitt-Aniston breakup as <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1069520,00.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">reports claimed that</a> Pitt's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" co-star Angelina Jolie -- seen here with Pitt and producer Arnon Milchan at a premiere of the film in June 2005 -- was a factor in the split.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Fans took sides in the Pitt-Aniston breakup as reports claimed that Pitt's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" co-star Angelina Jolie -- seen here with Pitt and producer Arnon Milchan at a premiere of the film in June 2005 -- was a factor in the split.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images/File
After his split from Aniston, it wasn't long before Pitt was seen spending time with Jolie's two adopted children, Maddox and Zahara, whom Pitt carries here through the New Tokyo International Airport in November 2005.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
After his split from Aniston, it wasn't long before Pitt was seen spending time with Jolie's two adopted children, Maddox and Zahara, whom Pitt carries here through the New Tokyo International Airport in November 2005.
Junko Kimura/Getty Images/File
In January 2006, the pair (seen here in Switzerland at the time) announced that they were expecting a baby. Pitt and Jolie's daughter, Shiloh, arrived that May.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In January 2006, the pair (seen here in Switzerland at the time) announced that they were expecting a baby. Pitt and Jolie's daughter, Shiloh, arrived that May.
Eric Feferberg/Getty Images/File
Brad moved to adopt Zahara and Maddox toward the end of 2005, officially making them Jolie-Pitts. Here, the family walks along the seafront promenade in Mumbai, where Jolie was filming "A Mighty Heart," a project Pitt produced.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Brad moved to adopt Zahara and Maddox toward the end of 2005, officially making them Jolie-Pitts. Here, the family walks along the seafront promenade in Mumbai, where Jolie was filming "A Mighty Heart," a project Pitt produced.
Getty Images/File
"The Departed," the lauded 2006 film starring Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan and Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, was one of Brad Pitt's first successful forays into producing.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
"The Departed," the lauded 2006 film starring Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan and Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, was one of Brad Pitt's first successful forays into producing.
Warner Bros.
Pitt and Jolie quickly became a fixture on the red carpet and in celebrity gossip magazines as they continued to grow their family. Seen here, the pair arrive at the June 2007 premiere of Pitt's "Ocean's Thirteen."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt and Jolie quickly became a fixture on the red carpet and in celebrity gossip magazines as they continued to grow their family. Seen here, the pair arrive at the June 2007 premiere of Pitt's "Ocean's Thirteen."
Kevin Winter/Getty Images/File
Along with his partner Jolie, Pitt made an effort to give back. Through his <a href="http://makeitright.org/about/" target="_blank" target="_blank">"Make It Right"</a> organization, which builds sustainable homes for communities in need, he planned the construction of 150 eco-friendly homes in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Along with his partner Jolie, Pitt made an effort to give back. Through his "Make It Right" organization, which builds sustainable homes for communities in need, he planned the construction of 150 eco-friendly homes in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
Matthew Hinton/Getty Images/File
By 2008, Pitt and Jolie's family had grown to include six kids as the couple welcomed twins that July, following the May "Kung Fu Panda" premiere at Cannes, as seen here.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
By 2008, Pitt and Jolie's family had grown to include six kids as the couple welcomed twins that July, following the May "Kung Fu Panda" premiere at Cannes, as seen here.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images/File
Pitt ages backward in the 2008 film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt ages backward in the 2008 film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
Warner Bros.
Brad Pitt earned rave reviews in 2009 as Lt. Aldo Raine in "Inglourious Basterds."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Brad Pitt earned rave reviews in 2009 as Lt. Aldo Raine in "Inglourious Basterds."
The Weinstein Company
Pitt's influence has stretched beyond Hollywood and into politics. Here, the actor appears alongside former President Bill Clinton at 2009's Clinton Global Initiative meeting to discuss New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt's influence has stretched beyond Hollywood and into politics. Here, the actor appears alongside former President Bill Clinton at 2009's Clinton Global Initiative meeting to discuss New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Mario Tama/Getty Images/File
Pitt has done voice work in kid-friendly animated films such as 2010's "Megamind" and 2011's "Happy Feet Two."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt has done voice work in kid-friendly animated films such as 2010's "Megamind" and 2011's "Happy Feet Two."
Bertrand Langlois/Getty Images/File
Pitt portrays a strict father, Mr. O'Brien, in the 2011 Terrence Malick film "The Tree of Life."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt portrays a strict father, Mr. O'Brien, in the 2011 Terrence Malick film "The Tree of Life."
fox searchlight pictures
Every so often, photographers will catch the entire Jolie-Pitt clan all at once, which is what happened here as the family arrives at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo in November 2011. They were in town to promote Pitt's film "Moneyball," which earned him another Oscar nomination, his third for acting.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Every so often, photographers will catch the entire Jolie-Pitt clan all at once, which is what happened here as the family arrives at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo in November 2011. They were in town to promote Pitt's film "Moneyball," which earned him another Oscar nomination, his third for acting.
Toru Yamanaka/Getty Images/File
Pitt played a mob enforcer in 2012's "Killing Them Softly."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt played a mob enforcer in 2012's "Killing Them Softly."
Weinstein Company
Pitt is also a passionate advocate for marriage equality. He and his pal George Clooney appeared in a play about the issue in March 2012, and he told CNN in November 2012 that marriage is "one of our last big issues of equality. ... [T]here's a certain faction of our society that is not being included."
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt is also a passionate advocate for marriage equality. He and his pal George Clooney appeared in a play about the issue in March 2012, and he told CNN in November 2012 that marriage is "one of our last big issues of equality. ... [T]here's a certain faction of our society that is not being included."
Kevin Winter/Getty Images/File
Pitt and Jolie are supporters of marriage equality and have said that they won't marry until everyone can. Yet the couple has taken one step closer to the altar this year as Pitt and Jolie announced their engagement in April, a few months after they were seen at the 2012 SAG Awards. The two were prompted by their kids to get engaged, Pitt told CNN in November 2012, but he clarified that they're also getting married for themselves.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Pitt and Jolie are supporters of marriage equality and have said that they won't marry until everyone can. Yet the couple has taken one step closer to the altar this year as Pitt and Jolie announced their engagement in April, a few months after they were seen at the 2012 SAG Awards. The two were prompted by their kids to get engaged, Pitt told CNN in November 2012, but he clarified that they're also getting married for themselves.
Joe Klamar/Getty Images/File
In June 2013, <a href="http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/07/brad-pitt-is-everywhere/?iref=allsearch" target="_blank">Brad Pitt went on a whirlwind global press tour</a> to promote his zombie epic, "World War Z." Critics haven't overlooked the film's flaws, but they also haven't ravaged it, as was expected. At the time of the film's release, <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brad-pitt-hints-world-war-572533" target="_blank" target="_blank">Pitt was hinting at possible sequels. </a>
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In June 2013, Brad Pitt went on a whirlwind global press tour to promote his zombie epic, "World War Z." Critics haven't overlooked the film's flaws, but they also haven't ravaged it, as was expected. At the time of the film's release, Pitt was hinting at possible sequels.
Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International
Jolie and Pitt's relationship was strengthened after he supported her when she <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/14/showbiz/angelina-jolie-double-mastectomy/index.html">had a double mastectomy in May 2013. </a>
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Jolie and Pitt's relationship was strengthened after he supported her when she had a double mastectomy in May 2013.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
In 2008 Pitt and Jolie bought Chateau Miraval, a vineyard estate in southeastern France. In November 2013, their Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Côtes de Provence Rosé Miraval wine made the <a href="http://2013.top100.winespectator.com/list/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2013 list. </a>
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
In 2008 Pitt and Jolie bought Chateau Miraval, a vineyard estate in southeastern France. In November 2013, their Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Côtes de Provence Rosé Miraval wine made the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2013 list.
Michel Gangne/AFP/Getty Images
Brad Pitt had a bit role as an abolitionist in the film "12 Years a Slave." He also served as a producer on the film.
Brad Pitt: Celebrating 50 years —
Brad Pitt had a bit role as an abolitionist in the film "12 Years a Slave." He also served as a producer on the film.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Brad Pitt: From 'Dallas' to 'World War Z'
CNN  — 
Related