Key Point Summary โ Brad Pitt Starstruck
- Brad Pitt admits only two stars ever left him starstruck
- The stars were Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon
- Pitt starred with them in Thelma & Louise (1991)
- He says he โgot over it quicklyโ while filming
- Davis and Sarandon praised Pittโs talent and charisma
- The film marked Pittโs breakout role as J.D.
- The movie became a feminist classic with lasting impact
Pittโs Confession: He Was StarstruckโBriefly
Even Hollywood royalty gets tongue-tied. Brad Pitt, one of the most recognizable faces in the world, opened up about a time when he found himself truly starstruck. During a candid moment on the New Heights podcast hosted by NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce, the 61-year-old Oscar winner revealed that only two women have ever stopped him in his tracks: Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon.
Pitt didnโt hold back. โWhen I first met Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, I was. Yeah,โ he confessed. โI got over it quickly, though.โ
A Breakout Role That Changed Everything
The now-legendary moment took place on the set of Thelma & LouiseโRidley Scottโs iconic 1991 film that marked Pittโs breakout performance as the sexy drifter J.D. The role shot Pitt into the limelight, forever branding him as Hollywoodโs new heartthrob.
But back then, Pitt was still finding his footing in the industry. Geena Davis, already a respected star, had nothing but praise for her young costar. Recalling their steamy love scene in a 2023 W Magazine interview, she said, โGeena was so sweet and kind and delicate. That love scene, I think, went on for two days of shooting. She took care of me.โ
Susan Sarandon Sees the Real Pitt
Susan Sarandon, never one to mince words, recalled being surprised by more than Pittโs looks. โWhen I saw the film, the part that really impressed me, in addition to his good looks and great body, was his sense of humor,โ she told Extra in 2021. โHe really fleshed that part out in a way that wasnโt necessarily in the script.โ
For Sarandon, Pittโs success wasnโt just about appearance. โHe took it as a character part and, as we can see from his career, he really continued to push the envelope in ways that he really didnโt have to when you look like that.โ
Davis Predicted His Stardom
Davis had no doubt back then that Pitt was going to be huge. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2020 for the 30th anniversary of Thelma & Louise, she said, โHe just has โit.โ I could tell when he was auditioning that he was super talented.โ
Now that he has a shelf full of awardsโincluding an Oscarโshe believes itโs exactly where he belongs. โHe really is the โstarโ of the moment, which is fabulous,โ she added. โAnd it is just great to see.โ
The Film That Became a Movement
Thelma & Louise isnโt just famous for making Pitt a star. It became a feminist rallying cry, breaking norms and changing how women were portrayed on screen. The filmโs endingโa defiant leap into the Grand Canyonโremains one of the most discussed finales in cinematic history.
โThelma & Louise changed my life,โ Davis said during a 2024 panel hosted by PEOPLE alongside Sarandon and Mira Sorvino. โAfter that movie came out, it was completely different in that people wanted to talk to me about itโฆ how it impacted them.โ
A Different Time, A New Star
Back in 1991, few wouldโve predicted the shy, shirtless drifter in Thelma & Louise would become one of the most decorated and enduring figures in Hollywood. Pittโs star power exploded overnight. But behind the scenes, it was two powerful women who gave him the platformโand left him genuinely in awe.
And as he confirmed this week, even decades later, their presence still resonates. Being starstruck may be fleeting, but for Pitt, those moments with Davis and Sarandon helped shape the career of a lifetime.
Public Reaction: A Dose of Nostalgia
Fans online were quick to gush over the throwback confession. Social media lit up with praise for Davis and Sarandonโtwo icons who broke the mold and helped launch a legend.
โGeena and Susan made Brad Pitt Brad Pitt,โ one fan posted on X. Another wrote, โWithout Thelma & Louise, we may never have gotten Fight Club Brad.โ
Many praised Pittโs humility in reflecting on the film. Others called for a rewatch of the classic, which continues to inspire new generations.
Looking Ahead: Pitt Still Has โItโ
Now in his 60s, Pittโs career remains as vital as ever. Whether producing Oscar contenders or starring in action flicks, he shows no signs of slowing down. But his latest podcast confession proves that even the most iconic stars have their own iconsโand that sometimes, those early moments leave the deepest impact.
From being the awestruck newcomer to the man everyone watches now, Brad Pittโs rise began with two legendsโand a little bit of starstruck magic.