Deals & Steals on Lara's fabulous finds!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Culture

Brad Pitt talks sobriety, 'being open and honest' in Alcoholic Anonymous

VIDEO: First look at Brad Pitt in new sci-fi thriller 'Ad Astra'
2:48
First look at Brad Pitt in new sci-fi thriller 'Ad Astra'
ABCNews.com
PHOTO: Michael Rothman
ByMichael Rothman
September 04, 2019, 4:04 pm

Brad Pitt spent the past few years "taking inventory of" himself, the famed actor told The New York Times in a candid new profile.

The recently single movie star, whose breakup with Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie has made headlines for years now, spoke about the part of himself that "is weak and goes through self-doubts" as well as learning to "identify and accept those things.”

The "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood" star is having a big year, and his latest, "Ad Astra," has led him to ask questions including, "What’s it all about?" and "Why are we here?’"

PHOTO: Brad Pitt attends "Ad Astra" photocall during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 29, 2019, in Venice, Italy.
Brad Pitt attends "Ad Astra" photocall during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 29, 2019, in Venice, Italy.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

(MORE: Beverly Hills mansion once owned by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston is on the market)

When filming began on the new movie in 2017, Pitt said, "I had family stuff going on."

"The fact is, we all carry pain, grief and loss. We spend most of our time hiding it, but it’s there, it’s in you. So you open up those boxes,” he told the Times.

In 2017, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt after two years of marriage and more than a decade together.

Since the split, Pitt has spoken about major changes in his life, like his sobriety.

(MORE: Angelina Jolie Pitt Files for Divorce From Brad Pitt)

"I had taken things as far as I could take it, so I removed my drinking privileges," he said, adding that he learned a lot from being in Alcoholics Anonymous. "You had all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard. It was this safe space where there was little judgment, and therefore little judgment of yourself.

"It was actually really freeing just to expose the ugly sides of yourself."

Up Next in Culture—

Meet the support systems behind your favorite 'Dancing with the Stars' pros

September 26, 2023

'Disney Princess - The Concert' to return in 2024

September 26, 2023

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean celebrates 2 years of sobriety: 'Life is grand'

September 26, 2023

'Dancing with the Stars' season 32: Meet the celebrity cast ahead of tonight's premiere

September 26, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Meet the support systems behind your favorite 'Dancing with the Stars' pros

September 26, 2023

'Disney Princess - The Concert' to return in 2024

September 26, 2023

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean celebrates 2 years of sobriety: 'Life is grand'

September 26, 2023

'Dancing with the Stars' season 32: Meet the celebrity cast ahead of tonight's premiere

September 26, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News