Brad Pitt believes his acting career is nearing its final phase, but not for the reasons fans might assume. In a recent interview with GQ, where he appeared alongside his Wolfs co-star George Clooney, Pitt shared his thoughts on what he meant by saying he’s on the “last leg” of his career.
Clarifying the phrase, Pitt explained, “I was referring to seasons of life. You start out by leaving the comfort of home, like when I left the Ozarks, and it’s all about discovery—exciting, interesting, painful, and at times, awful. Then, when you make it into the big leagues, it’s a different game, filled with responsibilities and opportunities, working with people you respect.”
At 60, Pitt spoke candidly about his current stage in life, reflecting, “Now, it’s about asking, ‘What will these last years look like?’ I see my parents, and I understand what George was talking about. In your 80s, the body gets frail. But then I look at Frank Gehry, who’s 95 and still creating incredible art with a beautiful family. That’s the formula—to stay creative and love life.”
Pitt had previously mentioned in a 2022 GQ interview that he was contemplating what the final chapter of his career would entail. Clooney, who joined Pitt in the interview, added that they’re fortunate to be in a profession where they can plan their futures without being forced into retirement.
When asked about the fear of not getting roles as they age, Clooney offered a nuanced perspective. “The phone stops ringing if you insist on being the same character you were at 35, demanding a softer lens. But if you’re open to moving down the call sheet and taking on interesting character work, you have to accept that you’re going to age—and that’s okay.”
Clooney, 63, shared a lighthearted moment, saying, “I’ll meet people who say, ‘Oh, you’re older than I thought.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m 63, what did you expect?’ That’s just life. As long as you can accept change, it’s fine. The tough part is when actors don’t let go of the past and try desperately to hold on to it.”
In their discussion, both actors highlighted the importance of adapting to life’s changes and finding new ways to stay passionate and fulfilled as they grow older in the industry.
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