Brad Pitt opens up about his future, believes he’s on the ‘last legs’ of his career
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood's most enduring leading men, recently opened up about the evolving nature of his acting career, fueling ongoing speculation about his possible retirement.
The 60-year-old actor, who has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over three decades, first hinted at a new chapter two years ago in an interview with GQ, where he mentioned feeling like he was "on (his) last leg."
Brad Pitt discusses transitioning to a new phase in life and career
During a recent GQ interview, Pitt revisited those comments during a joint conversation with his 'Wolfs' co-star, George Clooney. Although Pitt made it clear that he isn't retiring from acting just yet, he did admit that his career has entered a new phase.
“I consider myself on my last leg. This last semester or trimester. What is this section gonna be? And how do I wanna design that?” he said.
"Well, now I’m doing one movie in a year and a half," Pitt added, explaining that he's still following the same path but with a renewed focus on enjoying life and the people around him. “I’m still kind of on the same trajectory. I feel the same. I’m really just trying to enjoy the people that I love around me and just living."
Pitt elaborated on his perspective, likening his professional life to "seasons." He reflected on his journey from his early days in Missouri to his rise in Hollywood and how each phase of his career has presented new challenges and opportunities.
"You know, there was moving out from the safety of the Ozarks. You embark on this thing and it’s all about discovery and it’s really exciting and interesting and painful and awful and all of it,” he explained. “And then when you’re allowed into the big leagues, it becomes another game of responsibilities and things to answer to. But also opportunity and delight and working with people you really respect. And then it’s this time now."
"What are these last years going to be?" he pondered, contemplating the future.
Pitt also touched on the reality of aging, particularly in a physically demanding industry like film. While acknowledging the inevitable toll that age takes on the body, Pitt found inspiration in architect Frank Gehry, who continues to create groundbreaking work well into his 90s.
“In your 80s, the body becomes more frail,” he continued. “And yet I look at Frank Gehry. He’s just the loveliest man. And he’s 95 and still making great art and he’s got a beautiful family. And I think that’s kind of the formula to stay creative and keep loving your life.”
Clooney, 63, shared his thoughts on aging in Hollywood, noting that actors who embrace change and are willing to take on different roles can continue to thrive in the industry.
“The phone stops ringing if your decision is that you want to continue to be the character that you were when you were 35, and you want a softer lens,” Clooney said.
“But if you’re willing to, say, move down the call sheet a little bit and do interesting character work, then you can kind of — you have to make peace with the idea that you’re going to die!” he told GQ.
Clooney further noted, “And so as long as you can make peace with the idea of change, then it’s okay. The hard part is, and I know a lot of actors who do this — and you do too — who don’t let that go and try desperately to hold onto it.”
The pair's upcoming film, 'Wolfs,' marks their latest collaboration after their successful partnership in the 'Ocean’s trilogy. The film, featuring Clooney and Pitt as fixers responsible for covering up a high-profile crime, is already generating significant buzz, with reports suggesting a sequel is already in development.
Pitt's career shows no signs of slowing down, as he will also be seen in the Formula 1 racing drama 'F1,' set to be released next year.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt reflect on decades-long friendship
George Clooney and Brad Pitt have captivated audiences not only with their on-screen chemistry but also with their enduring off-screen friendship.
The pair, who first teamed up in 2001 for the blockbuster 'Ocean's Eleven,' is once again starring together in the highly anticipated Apple Studios thriller, 'Wolfs.' As they gear up for the film’s September 20 release, the two actors are opening up about the deep-rooted connection that has kept them close for decades.
In a joint cover interview for the September issue of GQ, Clooney, 63, and Pitt, 60, reflected on the unique bond they share, one that has weathered the ups and downs of life and Hollywood.
"We’ve been friends for a long time," Clooney said. "And it’s fun because we also check in on each other every once in a while, which is an important part of this. Things get complicated in life, and you always have to make sure everybody’s okay."
Pitt praised Clooney as not just a friend, but someone who truly understands the complexities of life in the spotlight. "George is probably the best at understanding, seeing the chessboard and the potential moves," Pitt said, highlighting how Clooney’s wisdom has been invaluable during tough times.
"I’ll call George on numerous occasions when things get bumpy. George is going to understand something that no one else is going to understand, that we don’t even have to speak about," Pitt added.
Over the years, they've navigated countless twists and turns, both personally and professionally. "We have been through so much life at this point and so many twists and curves and turns," Pitt noted. "I know he’s got my back. I got his back."
A source close to the pair confirmed the strength of their friendship, describing them as "forever friends" who have always supported each other, regardless of how much time has passed between projects.
"Brad and George are forever friends," the source said. "They like and respect each other no matter how many years in between gigs together. They go way back and were happy to work together on this film."
