THE BIG 60: 'I'M HAVING SUCH A LAUGH, THE TIME OF MY LIFE'

Despite recent controversy, actor Brad Pitt's career continues to thrive as he approaches his milestone birthday

- ANNA BAILEY

With a hugely successful career spanning nearly four decades, Brad Pitt has much to be thankful for as he approaches his 60th birthday on 18 December.

While many his age are looking forward to putting their feet up, Brad can celebrate the big 6-0 with his star still in the ascendance, and no plans to get the pipe and slippers out any time soon.

From his breakout role in Thelma & Louise in 1991 to his first acting Oscar for 2019's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Brad Pitt has become one of the world's most recognisable names. Now, with a growing wellness empire and a blossoming relationship with Swiss jewellery designer Ines de Jamon, Brad's living his best life.

The actor, who has also been going behind the camera on the producing side, explains, "I'm one of those creatures that speaks through art. I just want to always make. If I'm not making, I'm dying in some way."

But despite his success, it's no secret that the past few years have been tumultuous, dominated by his bitter custody battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie and their legal feud over the Miraval winery they shared in the south of France - dubbed "The War of the Rosés".

It's all a far cry from Brad's quiet childhood in Springfield, Missouri, where he was raised with younger siblings Doug and Julie. A self-confessed "lone wolf" as a child, Brad found connection in movies.

"Planet Of The Apes is one of my all-time favourites," he recalls. "First grade, we'd go to the cinema... they'd do Ape-athons, and you'd watch all five movies." With the big screen beckoning, Brad dropped out of university just two weeks before completing his degree coursework to move to LA and pursue his acting dreams.