A Bit of Unintentional Help From Robert Downey Jr.

Beginning his acting career at the age of 23, Brad Pitt has blossomed into an outstanding actor thanks to his versatility as he can portray any role from a violent and shady criminal to a goofy comedic relief.

And thanks to his bewitchingly good looks, magnetic charisma, and the ability to influence people have made him a relevant actor for so many years.

Brad Pitt in Se7en

Throughout his career, the actor has given a plethora of blockbuster films like Fight Club, Fury, Se7en, and many more. However, his initial days in the movie industry were not so comfortable, as he struggled to get roles even as an extra.

But Brad Pitt finally got the chance he needed as Robert Downey Jr. unintentionally helped him bag a role in the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise.

Robert Downey Jr. Unintentionally Helped in Shaping Brad Pitt’s Acting Career

Directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma & Louise is the first film that featured Brad Pitt in his first official major role in a film, where portrayed the role of J.D.

The actor worked alongside Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, who played the roles of Thelma & Louise. While Pitt was featured in the film, he was able to bag the role after Robert Downey Jr. could not impress the casting directors for the role.

Brad Pitt as J.D. in Thelma and Louise

Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge, a book by Becky Aikman tells the behind-the-scenes story of Thelma & Louise states how a number of actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., and George Clooney auditioned for the role of J.D. in the film. However, none of them could impress, as the book stated,

“Some adopted the spikey, tousled hair and winning charm of star of the moment Tom Cruise, while others went for the more retro effect of a shuffling, mumbling James Dean. Most fell short.”

However, the Iron Man actor couldn’t impress Geena Davis, as his height was a concern for the 6′ 0″ actress. Though RDJ was a more established name when compared to other actors auditioning for the role. However, Ridley Scott ruled him out, as his height and chemistry with Davis were a matter of concern.

The Fury actor was a last-minute participant for the role, he read his lines with Davis, and though she flubbed her line, their chemistry was outstanding.

A still from Thelma & Louise

Moreover, when Scott and the casting director asked who should play the role of J.D., Davis weighed in Pitt’s name for the role, as she said, “Would you be interested in what my impression was?” She told them to “go with the blond one.” 

The actress’ recommendation helped a young and struggling Pitt to become an eye candy and establish himself as a reputed actor in Hollywood.

Brad Pitt Is Done Playing Characters Fueled With Pain

With a career that spans 36 years and counting, Brad Pitt has been an extraordinary actor from his role in Thelma & Louise to his Oscar-winning performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

During an interview with GQ, the actor shared his readiness to embrace different challenges, and how he will not be playing a character, who is defined by their suffering.

“Yeah, I’m kind of done playing those. I think it was more pain tourism. It was still an avoidance in some way. I’ve never heard anyone laugh bigger than an African mother who’s lost nine family members. What is that? I just got R&B for the first time. R&B comes from great pain, but it’s a celebration. To me, it’s embracing what’s left. It’s that African woman being able to laugh much more boisterously than I’ve ever been able to.”

It is clear that the Ocean’s Eleven actor wants to play roles that offer different challenges and narratives, than just mere pain and suffering.