Before Brad Pitt became the ultimate Hollywood heartthrob and A-list powerhouse, he was just a charming guy from Missouri trying to land bigger roles. That all changed with one small but unforgettable part in the 1991 classic Thelma & Louise — and he has openly credited director Ridley Scott along with co-stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis for helping launch him into superstardom.

The road movie directed by Ridley Scott became a cultural phenomenon, earning Oscar nominations including Best Director for Scott and Best Actress nods for Sarandon and Davis. But for Pitt, playing the smooth-talking, hitchhiking drifter J.D., it was his breakout moment. His shirtless, seductive scenes with Davis stole the show and had audiences buzzing. Suddenly, everyone in Hollywood wanted to know: Who is this guy?

Brad Pitt has shared in interviews how the experience on set was transformative. He has praised the supportive environment created by the film’s key players, who encouraged him to lean into his natural charisma and screen presence. Coming off smaller parts and auditions where he sometimes felt overlooked, Pitt found mentors in Scott, Sarandon, and Davis. They saw his potential early and gave him the confidence to shine in a film dominated by its leading ladies.

Geena Davis played a big part in getting Pitt cast. During chemistry reads, she reportedly advocated for him after testing with several actors, including big names like George Clooney and Mark Ruffalo. Davis found Pitt’s charm irresistible — she even admitted to flubbing lines because she thought he was “so cute.” Her push helped seal the deal after the role bounced around (it was initially offered to others like Billy Baldwin, who dropped out).

Susan Sarandon also spoke highly of Pitt’s work ethic and talent. In later reflections on the film, she noted how he elevated the role of J.D. beyond what was on the page, bringing humor and depth to the charming but opportunistic character. Sarandon highlighted his sense of humor and acting chops, saying it showed he was more than just a pretty face — a quality that has defined his career ever since.

Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind hits like Alien and Blade Runner, gave Pitt room to explore. Scott has discussed the casting process, noting he had his eye on Pitt early but let the chemistry reads play out. The trust Scott placed in the young actor allowed Pitt’s effortless cool to come through, turning a supporting role into a star-making turn.

The impact was immediate. After Thelma & Louise hit theaters, Pitt’s phone started ringing nonstop. The film grossed over $45 million domestically on a modest budget and became a feminist icon, but it also put Pitt on the map as the sexy bad boy everyone wanted. From there, he landed leads in films like A River Runs Through It, Interview with the Vampire, and Legends of the Fall, cementing his status as a leading man.

Decades later, Pitt still looks back fondly on those early days. In various chats over the years, including retrospectives around anniversaries of the film, he has expressed gratitude for the encouragement from Scott, Sarandon, and Davis. They didn’t just cast him — they believed in him, pushed him to embrace his strengths, and helped transition him from supporting player to box-office draw.

Fans of the movie often rewatch for the empowering story of Thelma and Louise hitting the road and defying expectations, but let’s be real: Brad Pitt’s shirtless hitchhiker scene remains one of the most talked-about moments. It’s the kind of breakout that doesn’t happen without the right guidance and support.

In an industry full of tough breaks, Thelma & Louise proved to be the perfect launchpad. Thanks to Ridley Scott’s direction, Susan Sarandon’s wisdom, and Geena Davis’s championing, Brad Pitt didn’t just appear in a great film — he exploded onto the scene and never looked back.

Today, with Pitt continuing to dominate with roles in major projects and earning acclaim (including Oscars), it’s clear that early mentorship from legends like these made all the difference. Hollywood magic doesn’t happen in a vacuum — sometimes it takes a director and co-stars who see the star potential and help bring it out.

What do you think — is Thelma & Louise still Brad Pitt’s most iconic early role? Drop your thoughts below!