Brad Pitt’s Secret Mentor: How a Little-Known Acting Coach Shaped a Hollywood Legend

Brad Pitt’s name is synonymous with Hollywood stardom. From his iconic roles in Seven, 12 Monkeys, Inglorious Basterds, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, to his production company’s contributions to critically acclaimed films like The Departed, 12 Years a Slave, and Moonlight, Pitt’s career is a testament to his unparalleled acting talent and relentless work ethic. His rise to fame and his eventual two Academy Awards are a culmination of decades of dedication. But like every great actor, Pitt’s success had a guiding hand—and that hand belonged to the late Roy London, an acting coach who played a pivotal role in shaping Pitt’s career.

Pitt’s journey to fame began in Missouri, where he had been studying advertising and graphic design at the University of Missouri. With a degree nearly in hand, Pitt made the life-altering decision to leave school and head to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Once in LA, he found himself struggling to break into the industry, working odd jobs like chauffeuring strippers to bachelor parties and collecting money. But he knew that to succeed in Hollywood, he needed to learn the craft of acting.

At this crossroads, Pitt met Roy London, a former Broadway and Off-Broadway actor turned acting coach. As Pitt recalled in an interview with Backstage, he knew “nothing about the arts or the profession” when he first arrived in Los Angeles. “I had no technique, I knew nothing, I’m fresh from Missouri,” Pitt admitted. He had tried a few acting classes, but they felt “guru-ish” and didn’t resonate with him—until he found London.

London, who had spent his career studying and teaching the craft of acting, became Pitt’s mentor for three years. According to Pitt, London’s teachings were rooted in the work of German-American theatre practitioner Uta Hagen, though London had made it uniquely his own. London’s approach was known for being “tough, lovely, and compassionate,” giving his students not just the techniques to excel in their craft, but also a deep love for storytelling.

Pitt credits London for pointing him in the right direction and providing the foundation for his future success. “I give him full credit for pointing me in this direction,” Pitt said. “I studied with him for three years, I think, then started getting some work. Then, I would work with him individually on projects.” London’s guidance helped Pitt gain confidence, providing him with the tools and knowledge to land his first roles and eventually achieve widespread success.

Through London’s mentorship, Pitt learned the value of the individual actor’s voice and what they could uniquely contribute to a role. This focus on personal growth and storytelling would be evident throughout Pitt’s career as he continued to take on diverse roles that showcased his versatility, from romantic leads to complex, intense characters.

Pitt’s success didn’t happen overnight, but rather was the result of years of hard work, learning, and growth—much of which can be attributed to Roy London’s mentorship. “I learned so much from that man,” Pitt said, reflecting on London’s influence. “I miss him.”

While Brad Pitt’s name is now etched in Hollywood history, it’s important to remember that behind every great actor is a mentor who helped shape their journey. For Pitt, that mentor was Roy London, whose wisdom and guidance gave him the skills necessary to become one of the most respected actors in the world. Without London, Pitt’s legacy might have been very different, and the Hollywood landscape would be missing one of its brightest stars.