He may be one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, but at his core, Brad Pitt has always been a devoted son and proud brother with deep Midwestern roots. Today, that tight-knit family is mourning a very personal loss, the passing of Brad’s beloved mother, Jane Etta Pitt.
Let’s take a closer look at the Pitt family’s bond, values, and the roots that shaped one of the world’s biggest stars.
Brad Pitt was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1963 to William and Jane Pitt. Shortly after, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Brad was raised alongside his younger siblings, Doug Pitt, born in 1966, and Julie Neal, born in 1969.
All Three Pitt Siblings Share a Passion for Giving Back
While Brad eventually left Missouri for Hollywood and global fame, Doug & Julie stayed close to home. Despite their different paths, the siblings remain united by strong family ties and shared values.
Doug, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has occasionally spoken about his brother publicly and once humorously parodied life as Brad’s sibling in a Virgin Mobile commercial.
Julie, on the other hand, has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on raising her children and engaging in meaningful nonprofit work. One of the strongest connections between Brad, Doug & Julie is their dedication to philanthropy, something their late mother Jane Pitt was proud of.
“I’m very proud of all my children. They see a need and try to step in,” Jane told WorldServe International in 2018. “Whether it’s a disaster in New Orleans [which Brad helped with], or all the things in Tanzania that Doug will do, or Julie’s wonderful, wonderful work in Ethiopia.”
Brad Pitt’s Brother: How Doug Pitt Balances Business Success (He Also Has Acting Credits)
Though Doug Pitt has spent most of his life in Springfield, he carved out a highly successful career as a businessman.
In 1991, he founded ServiceWorld Computer Center, later launching Pitt Technology Group and Pitt Development Group, which focuses on medical real estate.
He’s also known for his sense of humor. In 2012, Doug starred in a playful commercial for Virgin Mobile.
In the commercial, he even jokingly calls himself the “second-most famous Pitt.”
Brad gave the project his blessing, telling Doug, “Hey, sounds fun. Go do it.”
Doug has been married to his wife Lisa for over 30 years. Together, they have three children: Landon, Sydney & Reagan.
Doug has also led several water access efforts in Tanzania as a WorldServe International board member and was named Goodwill Ambassador of Tanzania in 2010.
Pitt’s Sister: Julie Neal Is a Devoted Mom & Global Advocate
Julie Neal has also chosen a quieter life away from Hollywood, raising a large family with her husband, Rob, whom she’s been married to for over 30 years. The couple has five children, Caleb, Josie, Rylie, Caden & Cruz. They adopted two of their sons from Ethiopia.
“Honestly, I lived in a bubble here in our town with my three older kids, and I really didn’t think about much beyond here,” Julie shared with WorldServe International as per Hello. “God just called my family to adopt.”
Inspired by her sons’ birth country, Julie began working on water access projects in Ethiopia and now serves as a water ambassador for WorldServe International.
Her Instagram page reflects her devotion to family and motherhood. “These people are my world. My greatest title is ‘mom’ to these beautiful souls and daughter to one of the greatest humans ever,” she wrote in 2021. Julie became a water ambassador after adopting two children from Ethiopia and witnessing firsthand the need for clean water in their birth regions.
How The Pitt Kids Honored Their Mom
As per CBS, in 2009, the three siblings came together to donate $1 million to a Missouri children’s hospital. The donation helped open the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center, named in honor of their mother, and marked a turning point for pediatric oncology in the region.
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Brad Pitt’s Brother Doug: Get to Know the Icon’s Sibling