Brad Pitt has made a remarkable return to the film set just two weeks after the passing of his beloved mother, Jane Pitt. Jane, who passed away at the age of 84 on August 5, was a significant figure in Brad’s life, and her loss has been deeply felt. On August 19, the 61-year-old actor was spotted in Los Angeles, donning his iconic costume as Cliff Booth while filming the highly anticipated sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 hit, “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.”
Despite the personal tragedy, a source shared with People that Pitt is “being his usual professional self,” demonstrating his dedication to his craft even in the face of grief. This resilience is a testament to his character and the influence of his mother, who instilled strong values in him from a young age.
Remembering Jane Pitt’s Legacy
Brad Pitt grew up in Springfield, Missouri, as the eldest of three children born to Jane and William Pitt. His upbringing was steeped in family values, and Jane was known for her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. In her obituary, she was fondly remembered for her role as “Grammy,” where she celebrated each grandchild’s individuality through special one-on-one traditions known as “Your Special Day.” These cherished moments are now treasured memories for all 14 of her grandchildren, highlighting the profound impact she had on their lives.
Pitt’s Public Affection for His Mother
Although Jane and William Pitt generally preferred to stay out of the limelight, Brad has often expressed his admiration and love for his mother. In a heartfelt moment during a June interview on the Today show with Savannah Guthrie, he made a point to send a message to her. “I gotta say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning,” he said, adding, “To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom.” This public display of affection underscores the close bond they shared and the respect he held for her throughout his life.
Filming “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”
As Brad Pitt resumes work, he has been actively filming “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” in Los Angeles. He was first spotted on set on July 29, fully immersed in his character, complete with a blond wig and mustache. By August 19, he was seen sporting an even longer, messier blond wig, a departure from his look in the original film.
This new project, directed by David Fincher and scripted by Tarantino, serves as a spinoff of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” The original film, which earned Pitt an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, followed the adventures of Cliff Booth, a stuntman navigating the complexities of Hollywood in the late 1960s. The narrative reimagined historical events, depicting Booth and his friend Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as they intervened to prevent the tragic murder of actress Sharon Tate by members of the Manson family.
As Pitt steps back into the role of Cliff Booth, he not only honors his character but also pays tribute to the values instilled in him by his mother. The resilience he demonstrates in returning to work so soon after her passing speaks volumes about his character and the legacy of love and support that Jane Pitt provided throughout his life.