8 of Brad Pitt’s most underrated film and TV roles: he dazzles in Fight Club and Seven, but don’t miss Thelma & Louise, By the Sea – starring his ex Angelina Jolie – or his Friends cameo

Dec 11 , 2023

Brad Pitt has starred in a series of memorable roles over the years, but you may have missed him in Thelma & Louise or By the Sea. Photo: AFP

Pitt may be best known for appearing in Ocean’s Eleven and Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, but his roles in Sleepers and Killing Them Softly also deserve honourable mentions

Besides films, the Hollywood leading man also appeared in an episode of Friends as a character who hates Rachel Green – played by Jennifer Aniston, to whom he was then married

On December 18, one of Hollywood’s leading men and acting royalty turns 60. Initially known as a heartthrob of a generation, Pitt quickly gained respect for taking on – and excelling in – experimental roles like Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Snatch, Ocean’s Eleven and Seven, cementing his reputation as a serious actor and a force to behold.

Pitt has been described as a “character actor in a leading man’s body”, and was twice named People’s Sexiest Man Alive. His highly successful and lucrative career continues to draw plenty of attention. But there are roles that you may have forgotten about in between the big blockbusters and awards – here are eight of them you may have forgotten.

1. Thelma & Louise (1991)

Brad Pitt shines as J.D. in Thelma & Louise, Ridley Scott’s take on a female-centric road movie. Photo: IMDB

Pitt had some early success in the late 1980s after starring in a number of independent films, but it was his appearance in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise that truly introduced him to Hollywood. Although co-stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon were already household names, it was Pitt who stole the spotlight for his appearance as J.D.

Davis, who had a love scene with Pitt in the movie, wrote in her memoir Dying of Politeness that the actor had been concerned about a small pimple on his butt, which was subsequently covered up by the make-up assistant.

2. Sleepers (1996)

Brad Pitt plays Michael Sullivan in this film directed by Barry Levinson. Photo: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers/YouTube

Director Barry Levinson took charge of this dramatic thriller released in 1996. Starring Jason Patric, Billy Crudup and Ron Eldard, the film explores the friendship between childhood friends and how a prank lands the boys in a detention centre, which alters the course of their life.

Pitt plays the most central role in the film: Michael Sullivan, who devises a plan after his friends sought vengeance for the trauma they endured at the detention centre. Pitt portrayed the character with effortless ease.

3. The Counsellor (2013)

Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender star in The Counsellor (2013), directed by Ridley Scott. Photo: Handout

Another Scott crime thriller that didn’t make an impression was this 2013 flick. The film centres around a lawyer played by Michael Fassbender known as the titular counsellor who attempts to buy a ring for his fiancée, played by Penélope Cruz. He reaches out to an exotic dealer played by Javier Bardem. Despite the A-list cast, the film was widely considered a flop, but Pitt’s performance has been singled out.