Jane Etta Pitt is a name you may not immediately recognize, but she’s the mother of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars – Brad Pitt. Let’s take a closer look at the life and background of this fascinating woman who raised an A-list actor.
Jane Etta Pitt Bio
Jane Etta Pitt, formerly Jane Etta Hillhouse, was born around 1940 in Joplin, Missouri. She grew up as the daughter of Hal Knox Hillhouse.
Not much is publicly known about Jane’s childhood and upbringing in Joplin. But we do know that faith and education were important to her from a young age. These values would stay with Jane throughout her life and guide her as a parent.
Jane went on to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, a private Christian college. It was there, on campus, that she would meet her future husband, William Alvin Pitt. The two fell in love and married in 1962, ready to start a life and family together.
Early Life and Family
After marrying William, Jane became Mrs Jane Etta Pitt. The newlyweds initially made their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early years of their marriage. Before long, they started a family, welcoming three children. In 1963, Jane gave birth to their first child and son, William Bradley Pitt – the future actor known as Brad. Son Doug followed in 1966, and daughter Julie arrived in 1969.
When the kids were still young, the Pitt family decided to relocate to Springfield, Missouri. Jane and William wanted to raise their children in the close-knit community there. Springfield is where Brad, Doug and Julie grew up and spent their formative years.
Throughout their upbringing, Jane instilled her values of faith, family, education and helping others in her children. The lessons she taught them from an early age stuck with the Pitt kids into adulthood.
Marriage to William Alvin Pitt
Jane Etta Hillhouse became Jane Etta Pitt when she married William Alvin Pitt in 1962. The pair had met as students at Oklahoma Baptist University and fell in love.
William, known as Bill, came from a modest background in Oklahoma. He was firmly rooted in his Christian faith, just like Jane. Together, the couple built a tight-knit, religious household for their kids.
Bill worked hard to provide for his family, starting as a trucking company manager. He later found success as the owner of a trucking business serving the Midwest. Jane took care of the home and children as Bill focused on his career.
From all accounts, Jane and Bill had a strong, loving marriage and partnership. They shared the same values and commitment to family. Even as their son Brad became a global superstar, Jane and Bill remained humble and grounded.
In recent years, Jane expressed pride in her children’s accomplishments, including their charitable endeavours. She and Bill raised them to make a difference, and they have, through organizations like Brad’s Make It Right Foundation.
After nearly 50 years of marriage, William Alvin Pitt passed away in 2008. He and Jane had set an example of lasting love and devotion for their children and grandchildren to follow. Today, Jane continues to live her faith and enjoys spending time with her large extended family.
Jane Etta Pitt’s Son Brad Pitt
Jane Etta Pitt’s son Brad Pitt is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He’s starred in blockbuster films like Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. But before he was a household name, Brad was just a boy from Missouri with a loving mom.
Jane raised Brad and his siblings, Doug and Julie, in Springfield, Missouri. She instilled in them strong values of hard work, kindness, and giving back to the community. These values have stayed with Brad throughout his career and inspired him to use his platform for good.
In 2009, Brad and his siblings donated $1 million to establish the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center at a Missouri hospital. This generous act shows just how much Jane’s influence has shaped her children’s lives and their desire to make a difference.
Jane Etta Pitt’s Career
While Jane Etta Pitt is best known as Brad Pitt’s mother, she’s had an interesting life and career of her own. Jane met her husband, William Alvin Pitt, while attending Oklahoma Baptist University. The couple married in 1962 and started their family together.
Not much is publicly known about Jane’s specific career path. However, raising three successful and compassionate children is certainly an impressive accomplishment in itself. Jane’s dedication to her family and her community has had a lasting impact.
Jane Etta Pitt’s Influence on Her Children’s Charitable Efforts
Perhaps Jane Etta Pitt’s greatest legacy is the philanthropic spirit she’s passed down to her children. All three of the Pitt siblings are involved in various charitable causes, undoubtedly inspired by the values their mother instilled in them. Brad, Doug, and Julie have made significant contributions to various causes. One of the highlights of their philanthropic efforts is the establishment of the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center at a Missouri hospital. The centre, funded in part by a $1 million donation from Brad and his siblings, stands as a testament to the values Jane has passed down to her children.
Brad Pitt has been involved with disaster relief efforts and has used his platform to raise awareness for important issues. His brother Doug works in Tanzania, while his sister Julie focuses her efforts on helping people in Ethiopia.
In an interview, Jane expressed her pride in her children’s commitment to helping others. It’s clear that she raised them to look beyond themselves and to use their talents and resources to make the world a better place.
Conclusion
Jane Etta Pitt may not be a celebrity herself, but her impact on the world through her children is immeasurable. As a mother, she raised her kids with love, strong values, and a desire to give back. As a result, Brad, Doug, and Julie Pitt are making a real difference in the lives of others.
So the next time you watch a Brad Pitt movie or hear about his latest charity project, remember the woman behind the scenes who helped shape him into the person he is today. Jane Etta Pitt is a true inspiration and a reminder of the power of a mother’s love and guidance.
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