11 August,2026 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Brad Pitt (picture via X)
Brad Pitt has opened up about one of the darkest periods of his life, revealing that he experienced suicidal thoughts amid intense family troubles. The Oscar-winning actor made the revelation while speaking to Esquire, reflecting on the emotional pain he experienced during a particularly difficult phase.
Pitt, who described himself as a "congenital optimist", said he had never previously experienced suicidal thoughts. However, he admitted that there was one period when the emotional pain became so overwhelming that he could not see a way out. While he did not elaborate on the circumstances, he referred to "family stuff" when discussing what contributed to his deteriorating mental health.
The actor clarified that he never intended to act on the thoughts. Instead, he described them as an understanding of suicide as a possible escape from unbearable pain. He said that his survival instincts eventually kicked in and helped him move through the difficult period.
Pitt has previously been candid about his struggles with alcohol and his journey towards sobriety. In the latest interview, he revealed that after maintaining sobriety for seven years, he has returned to drinking. However, he said he now approaches alcohol in a far more restrained manner and is conscious of his limits.
The actor's sobriety journey began around 2016, following a turbulent period in his personal life. He later attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and spoke publicly about how the experience helped him confront his problems. Pitt has also credited fellow actor Bradley Cooper with supporting him during his recovery.
His comments come against the backdrop of his prolonged and highly publicised divorce from Angelina Jolie. The couple met while working together on Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2004 and went on to build a family of six children. They married in 2014 but separated in 2016, after which they became embroiled in a lengthy legal battle. Their divorce was finally settled in December 2024.
Pitt's latest remarks offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that the years of family conflict and personal upheaval took on him. Despite acknowledging how deeply he struggled, the actor's account also highlights the role of resilience and recovery in helping him navigate that period.
Recently, Brad and Angenila's son Knox made headlines for using his mother's surname in graduation certificate.
