**Brad Pitt Discusses Recovery Journey and the Transformative Power of AA**
Prominent Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has spoken candidly about his personal battle with alcohol and the impact that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings had on his life, particularly in the wake of his much-publicised divorce from fellow film star Angelina Jolie. Now 61, Pitt is one of the most recognisable faces in cinema, yet he reflected on a time when he felt he was at a crossroads and in need of a major reset in his personal life.
Pitt reportedly began attending men-only AA groups shortly after Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016, marking a turbulent chapter for the acting veteran. Speaking on the popular Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, Pitt delved into the emotional significance of those gatherings. He described the experience as “amazing” and noted that he felt broken and in desperate need of change, saying, “I was pretty much on my knees, and I was really open. I was trying anything and everyone. Anything anyone threw at me.”
His openness during a vulnerable period is something Pitt highlighted. He recalled that turning to AA was essential for him to ‘reboot’ and confront difficult truths about himself. “It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting. I needed to wake up in some areas. And it just meant a lot to me,” he admitted, underscoring both the personal pain and the hope that characterised that period in his life.
Beyond the challenge and discomfort, Pitt described the communal element of AA as deeply moving. He emphasised the camaraderie among the men and found solace in their willingness to share openly about their missteps, struggles, aspirations, and regrets – often using humour as a bridge for connection. “I just thought it was just incredible men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humour with it,” he observed, expressing gratitude for the bonds formed in those rooms.
The years following Pitt and Jolie’s separation have often played out in the media spotlight, with lengthy court proceedings over various matters, including custody of their six children. The pair ultimately reached a settlement in December 2024. In a notable recent development, their daughter Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt formally requested a legal name change, becoming the first of their children to take such a step.
A veteran of some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, Pitt’s personal life has often run parallel to his storied film career. Prior to his marriage to Jolie, he was wed to Friends star Jennifer Aniston until 2005. Despite his reputation for confidently tackling challenging roles, Pitt admitted to feeling shy when he initially attended AA meetings. However, he said that over time, these meetings became something he eagerly anticipated.
“When I’ve stepped in it, I’m pretty good at taking responsibility for it, owning up to it,” he shared on the podcast. “How can I write this and make sure it doesn’t happen again, or just be better? Step up. So I was really open to that, and I was really open to seeing what these guys were doing, who had their thing and been there for a while. Sure, I was a bit shy. I can generally be a bit shy in any kind of situation at first, but I just remember getting my arms around it pretty quickly, and it became a thing for me. It was really something I’d look forward to.”
Pitt’s filmography includes acclaimed performances in features like *Fight Club*, *12 Years A Slave*, and *Moneyball*. He has received six Academy Award nominations and has won two Oscars, most recently for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood*. This year sees him star in *F1: The Movie*, which tracks the journey of a fictional Formula 1 driver striving to revive a struggling racing team.
The film also features Damson Idris and Kerry Condon, and had its European premiere in London this week. Pitt was seen mingling at the event with fellow Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise, underscoring his continued prominence in both acting circles and pop culture.
Brad Pitt’s openness about his journey through addiction and recovery reminds us that vulnerability and personal growth can be found even at the height of professional success. His story continues to resonate with audiences both on and off the screen, sparking conversations about wellbeing, recovery, and the importance of seeking support during difficult times.