We all know Brad Pitt as a Hollywood superstar — a man who’s been in big movies like Fight Club, Troy, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. But behind his fame is someone who never wanted the spotlight. That man is his father, William Alvin Pitt.
While Brad became famous around the world, William Alvin Pitt, Brad Pitt’s loving father, chose a quiet, simple life. He didn’t chase fame. Instead, he worked hard, raised his kids with strong values, and stayed out of the cameras. This article is about him — the man who helped shape one of the most successful actors of all time. We’ll talk about William’s life, his marriage to Jane Pitt, his job, how he raised Brad, and more.
William Alvin Pitt Quick Bio
| Full Name | William Alvin Pitt |
| Known For | Brad Pitt’s father |
| Birth Year | 1943 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 83 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Wife | Jane Etta Pitt (passed in 2025) |
| Children | Brad, Doug, Julie |
| Job | Trucking company owner |
| Net Worth | $2–3 million (estimated) |
| Lives In | Springfield, Missouri |
| Public Appearances | Oscars 2012, Unbroken premiere 2014 |
| Religion | Southern Baptist |
Who Is William Alvin Pitt?
William Alvin Pitt is best known as Brad Pitt’s father, but there’s much more to him. He was a truck company owner who lived a quiet life in Springfield, Missouri. He worked hard, stayed humble, and always put his family first.
William is a very private man. He doesn’t talk to the press or show up in public much. But even in silence, he has had a deep impact on Brad and his siblings. Brad has said that his dad was his rock — someone who gave him a strong foundation to stand on. William might not be a celebrity, but he’s a big part of Brad’s success story.
William Alvin Pitt’s Early Life and Roots
William grew up in the American Midwest, where life was simple but tough. He learned how to work hard from a young age. He didn’t have much growing up, but he had strong values — things like honesty, faith, and self-control.
These values stayed with him throughout his life. When he became a father, he passed them on to his children. Brad once said that his dad came from “extreme poverty” and was “dead set” on giving his own kids a better life. That tells you a lot about who William really is — a man who never gave up and always thought about others first.
How William Met Jane Pitt and Started a Family
William met Jane Etta Hillhouse at Oklahoma Baptist University. They fell in love and got married in 1962. Not long after that, their first child, Brad, was born in 1963. Then came Doug in 1966 and Julie in 1969.
The family moved a few times but settled in Springfield, Missouri, where they raised their three kids. William and Jane had a very strong marriage. They supported each other and worked together as a team. Jane was a school counselor, and William ran his own trucking company. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and stability.
William Alvin Pitt’s Job and Work Life
William was the kind of man who believed in doing things right. For over 36 years, he worked in the trucking industry. He wasn’t just an employee — he owned and ran his own company. That’s not easy to do, but William did it with quiet strength and focus.
Brad has shared stories about how his dad worked five or six days a week, then took the kids fishing on weekends. He didn’t complain. He just kept going because he wanted the best for his family. That kind of dedication left a big impression on Brad, who later said he understood just how hard his father worked after becoming a parent himself.
Raising Brad Pitt in Missouri
Growing up in Springfield wasn’t like growing up in Hollywood. It was full of church on Sundays, school during the week, and playing in the outdoors. William and Jane made sure their kids had a normal and safe childhood. Brad remembers being surrounded by cornfields, rivers, and the Ozark Mountains.
The Pitt home was a Southern Baptist household, and faith played a big role in daily life. Brad and his siblings were taught to be respectful, work hard, and take care of others. Even though Brad later left Missouri to follow his dream, he often talks about how his Midwestern roots shaped who he is today.
How William Alvin Pitt Inspired Brad Pitt’s Career
One of Brad’s favorite stories about his dad comes from a day when he was doing poorly in a tennis match. William walked up to him and asked, “Are you having fun?” Brad said no. His dad replied, “Then don’t do it.” That moment stuck with him forever.
Brad has said that this advice — to do what you love — gave him the courage to drive to California in an old Datsun with just a few hundred dollars. That journey led to his acting career. But it all started with a few simple words from his father. William Alvin Pitt, Brad Pitt’s father, never chased big dreams for himself, but he gave his son the strength to chase his.
William Pitt’s Role as a Father and Mentor
Being a dad wasn’t just something William did — it was who he was. He didn’t raise his kids with big speeches or long talks. Instead, he led by example. He showed up, worked hard, and stayed steady. That kind of love is quiet but strong.
Brad Pitt has said that his father’s way of parenting was very “old school.” William believed in being strong, capable, and calm. Brad also said that his dad didn’t always show emotion, but he always made sure the family felt safe. That kind of steady love shaped Brad into the man he is today.
Brad Pitt’s Reflections on His Dad
Over the years, Brad has shared many touching stories about William Alvin Pitt, his loving father. In interviews, he talks about how his dad worked all week and still found time to take his kids fishing on weekends. Brad now understands how hard that must have been.
He also says he sees his dad in himself. When Brad became a father, he realized how much he copied William’s quiet strength. But Brad also wants to grow — to be more open and emotionally available. Still, the foundation his father gave him will always be part of who he is.
William and Jane Pitt’s Relationship with Grandkids
Before Brad’s divorce, William and Jane Pitt had a close bond with their grandchildren. They were loving grandparents who enjoyed time with the kids. They even walked the red carpet with Brad and his children at the Unbroken premiere in 2014.
Sadly, after the split with Angelina Jolie, reports say that William and Jane had little to no contact with the kids. Some sources even said they were afraid they might never see them again. This made things very hard for the couple, especially since family meant so much to them.
Red Carpet Appearances with Brad Pitt
Even though William and Jane were private people, they made a few rare public appearances to support Brad. In 2012, they attended the Academy Awards with Brad and Angelina. Brad even joked that they had biscuits and gravy that morning — just a regular family moment before a big Hollywood night.
In 2014, William and Jane walked the red carpet again for the premiere of Unbroken. Angelina directed the film, but she wasn’t able to attend. So Brad showed up with his kids and his parents by his side. It was a sweet and proud moment for the whole family.
Remembering Jane Pitt, Brad Pitt’s Late Mother
In August 2025, Jane Pitt sadly passed away at the age of 84. The news was shared by Brad’s niece, Sydney, who posted a heartfelt tribute online. She said her “Grammy” was full of love and never missed a beat, even with all 14 grandchildren.
Jane was more than just a mom and grandma. She was also a school counselor and a kind woman who gave her heart to others. In 2009, Brad and his siblings helped open the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center in her honor. That’s how much she meant to her family and her community.
Where Is William Alvin Pitt Today?
Now in his 80s, William Alvin Pitt still lives a quiet life in Springfield, Missouri. He stays close to his children, especially Doug and Julie, who also live in the area. Though he rarely appears in public, William remains proud of his family.
He may not be in Hollywood, but his love and strength are still felt — especially by Brad, who often speaks about his father with deep respect. William’s legacy isn’t about movies or awards. It’s about love, faith, and family. And that’s something far more lasting.
Final Thoughts
William Alvin Pitt, Brad Pitt’s father, is not a man of fame. But he is a man of great character. He worked hard, loved deeply, and raised a family that continues to do good in the world. His quiet strength helped shape Brad into the actor and father he is today.
This is the story of a man who never needed the spotlight to shine — because his actions spoke louder than words. William Alvin Pitt is a reminder that behind every great person, there’s often someone quietly guiding the way.
(FAQs)
How tall is William Alvin Pitt?
William Alvin Pitt is around 5 feet 11 inches tall, just like his son Brad Pitt. Many fans are surprised that he shares a similar build with the Hollywood star!
How old is William Alvin Pitt, and when was he born?
As of 2026, William Alvin Pitt is 83 years old. He was born in 1943, but he has always stayed out of the spotlight despite being the father of one of the most famous actors in the world.
Who was William Alvin Pitt’s wife?
He was married to Jane Etta Pitt, a kind and caring school counselor. They were together for over 60 years until Jane sadly passed away in August 2025 at age 84.
Did William Alvin Pitt act in any movies?
No, William Alvin Pitt never acted in movies. Even though he attended red carpets with Brad, he never wanted fame and stayed far away from Hollywood work.
What is William Alvin Pitt’s net worth?
William Alvin Pitt’s estimated net worth is around $2–3 million, earned from running his own trucking company for more than three decades. He built a successful life away from fame.
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