Key Point Summary – 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 “got over it quickly” while filming
- Davis and Sarandon praised Pitt’s talent and charisma
- The film marked Pitt’s breakout role as J.D.
- The movie became a feminist classic with lasting impact
Pitt’s Confession: He Was Starstruck—Briefly
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 didn’t hold back. “When I first met Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, I was. Yeah,” he confessed. “I got over it quickly, though.”
A Breakout Role That Changed Everything
The now-legendary moment took place on the set of Thelma & Louise—Ridley Scott’s iconic 1991 film that marked Pitt’s breakout performance as the sexy drifter J.D. The role shot Pitt into the limelight, forever branding him as Hollywood’s 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, “Geena was so sweet and kind and delicate. That love scene, I think, went on for two days of shooting. She took care of me.”
Susan Sarandon Sees the Real Pitt
Susan Sarandon, never one to mince words, recalled being surprised by more than Pitt’s looks. “When I saw the film, the part that really impressed me, in addition to his good looks and great body, was his sense of humor,” she told Extra in 2021. “He really fleshed that part out in a way that wasn’t necessarily in the script.”
For Sarandon, Pitt’s success wasn’t just about appearance. “He 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 didn’t have to when you look like that.”
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, “He just has ‘it.’ I could tell when he was auditioning that he was super talented.”
Now that he has a shelf full of awards—including an Oscar—she believes it’s exactly where he belongs. “He really is the ‘star’ of the moment, which is fabulous,” she added. “And it is just great to see.”
The Film That Became a Movement
Thelma & Louise isn’t just famous for making Pitt a star. It became a feminist rallying cry, breaking norms and changing how women were portrayed on screen. The film’s ending—a defiant leap into the Grand Canyon—remains one of the most discussed finales in cinematic history.
“Thelma & Louise changed my life,” Davis said during a 2024 panel hosted by PEOPLE alongside Sarandon and Mira Sorvino. “After that movie came out, it was completely different in that people wanted to talk to me about it… how it impacted them.”
A Different Time, A New Star
Back in 1991, few would’ve predicted the shy, shirtless drifter in Thelma & Louise would become one of the most decorated and enduring figures in Hollywood. Pitt’s star power exploded overnight. But behind the scenes, it was two powerful women who gave him the platform—and 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 Sarandon—two icons who broke the mold and helped launch a legend.
“Geena and Susan made Brad Pitt Brad Pitt,” one fan posted on X. Another wrote, “Without Thelma & Louise, we may never have gotten Fight Club Brad.”
Many praised Pitt’s 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 “It”
Now in his 60s, Pitt’s 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 icons—and that sometimes, those early moments leave the deepest impact.
From being the awestruck newcomer to the man everyone watches now, Brad Pitt’s rise began with two legends—and a little bit of starstruck magic.