Behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, Brad Pitt, stands a figure of quiet strength and integrity: his father, William Alvin Pitt. While the world knows Brad for his roles in movies like Fight Club and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the story of his father is one of hard work, family values, and a life lived far from the glamour of the red carpet. He is a successful businessman, a dedicated husband, and a loving patriarch who built a strong foundation for his family in the heart of America.
Quick Bio of William Alvin Pitt
Fact | Detail |
Full Name | William Alvin Pitt |
Born | March 23, 1941 |
Age (as of late 2025) | 84 years old |
Birthplace | Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA |
Nationality | American 🇺🇸 |
Occupation | Retired Businessman, Trucking Company Owner |
Company Name | Pitt-Brad |
Spouse | Jane Etta Pitt (née Hillhouse) |
Children | Brad Pitt, Doug Pitt, Julie Pitt Neal |
Famous Relative | Son, Brad Pitt (Actor) |
Residence | Springfield, Missouri, USA |
Known For | Being the father of Brad Pitt and a respected businessman. |
The Early Years: An Oklahoman Beginning
William Alvin Pitt was born on March 23, 1941, in the city of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Growing up in the American Midwest, his upbringing was shaped by the values of humility, discipline, and community. These principles would become the cornerstone of his life and the lessons he would one day pass on to his own children.

While details about the high school William Alvin Pitt attended are private, his early life was typical of his generation. He understood the importance of a strong work ethic from a young age. Pictures of a younger William Alvin Pitt show a clear resemblance to his future movie-star son, but his path was set not for the screen, but for building a successful career and family in a more traditional setting.
A Career Built on Hard Work: The Trucking Company
Before he was known as Brad Pitt’s father, William Alvin Pitt was a respected figure in the business community of Springfield, Missouri. He was the owner and manager of a successful local business, proving that his talents lay in leadership and enterprise.
His professional life was defined by his role at the William Alvin Pitt trucking company. He owned a company named Pitt-Brad, a business he managed for many years before his retirement. This venture was not just a job; it was the result of his dedication and business sense, allowing him to provide a comfortable and stable home for his wife and three children.
The success of his company means that the William Alvin Pitt net worth is substantial, earned through his own hard work long before his son became famous. He built his own wealth, ensuring his family’s security through his efforts in the logistics industry. This financial independence is a testament to his character.
The Heart of the Family: Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Family has always been the center of William’s world. He has been married to his wife, Jane Etta Pitt (born Hillhouse), for decades. Their enduring partnership is a source of stability and love that has guided their family through all of life’s challenges and triumphs. Together, they created a warm and supportive home in Springfield.
As a father, William Alvin Pitt raised three children who each went on to find their own success. His children are:
- William Bradley “Brad” Pitt, the oldest, born in 1963, who became a global superstar.
- Douglas “Doug” Pitt, born in 1966, a successful businessman and well-known philanthropist.
- Julie Pitt Neal, born in 1969, who is also dedicated to her family and charitable causes.
Despite having a son who is one of the most famous people on the planet, William and Jane ensured all their children grew up with a sense of normalcy. They were raised with a strong sense of faith and community involvement, attending the James River Church in Missouri. His influence is evident in the close-knit bond the family shares.
The role of a grandfather is one he also cherishes deeply. The William Alvin Pitt grandchildren include the six children of his son Brad Pitt and his former wife, Angelina Jolie: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. He is also a grandfather to the children of his son Doug and daughter Julie, enjoying a large and loving extended family.
Midwestern Values and Enduring Influence
One of the most significant parts of the William Alvin Pitt story is his quiet but powerful influence on his children. Brad Pitt has often spoken about his father’s impact on his life, describing him as a tough but fair man who taught him the meaning of integrity.
These weren’t Hollywood values; they were Midwestern values. William Alvin Pitt taught his children the importance of earning their own way and staying humble, no matter the level of success they achieved. It was this grounded perspective that helped Brad navigate the pressures of fame throughout his long career. The lessons learned from his father have always been a guiding force.
A Private Life Away From the Spotlight
While his son lives a life constantly watched by the public, William Alvin Pitt has chosen a different path. He and his wife Jane continue to live a quiet and private life in their home state of Missouri. They are respected members of their community, but they have never sought the fame that came to their family.
This deliberate choice to stay out of the spotlight speaks volumes about his character. He is a man who values privacy, family, and his long-standing connection to his community over the temporary allure of celebrity culture. For him, a fulfilling life has always been found in simple, meaningful things like his faith, his family, and his home.
Clearing Up Common Questions and Rumors
Because he is connected to a major celebrity, some incorrect information about William Alvin Pitt circulates online. It is important to clarify these points and present the facts accurately.
First, searches for “william alvin pitt death” are based on false information. As of October 2025, he is alive and enjoying his retirement and time with his family. His age is 84. Similarly, there is no public information regarding a specific “cause of death,” because he is still living.
William Alvin Pitt is an American citizen with roots in Oklahoma and Missouri and has absolutely no connection to any form of royalty, Australian or otherwise. This appears to be a data error in online search algorithms.

Finally, there are no “william alvin pitt books.” He is a retired businessman, not a published author. While there is no official William Alvin Pitt Wikipedia page dedicated solely to him, his story is an important part of the biography of the entire Pitt family. It is the story of an ordinary man who raised an extraordinary family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is William Alvin Pitt still alive?
Yes, as of late 2025, William Alvin Pitt is alive. Rumors of his passing are incorrect. - What did William Alvin Pitt do for a living?
He was a successful businessman who owned and managed his own trucking company in Springfield, Missouri, called Pitt-Brad. - Who are William Alvin Pitt’s children?
He has three children with his wife, Jane Pitt: Brad Pitt (the actor), Doug Pitt (a businessman and philanthropist), and Julie Pitt Neal. - How many grandchildren does he have?
He is a grandfather to many, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s six children (Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne) and the children of his son Doug and daughter Julie. - Where does William Alvin Pitt live?
He lives a quiet, private life in Springfield, Missouri, where he has resided for many years with his wife.
Conclusion
In the end, the story of William Alvin Pitt is about more than just being the father of a movie star. It’s a story about the power of a stable home, the value of hard work, and the importance of integrity. He represents a form of quiet dignity, proving that a successful life isn’t measured by fame or headlines, but by the love of family and the respect of one’s community. His legacy lives on through his successful children and his beloved grandchildren. The strong moral compass he provided has been a guiding light for them all, making him the firm foundation upon which the Pitt family was built.
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