Brad Pitt asserts that the ‘greatest actors’ are not necessarily those who fit the mold of ‘beautiful sex symbols’.
Having shared the screen with other iconic actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Julia Roberts, who are often hailed as some of the most attractive in our time, Pitt sees physical appearance as merely a ‘first impression’ and not a crucial factor in evaluating talent.
In a 1996 interview with Tiger Beat magazine, Pitt disclosed that there are actually ‘very few men’ he ‘look[s] up to’ within his list of favorite actors in the industry.
He elaborated: “That’s why I appreciate the older films because they show a man standing up for his principles.”
“Like [Robert] Redford. He portrayed the kind of man men wanted to be, and the kind of man women wanted men to be.”
Though appearance appears to play a significant role in attaining Hollywood fame, Pitt believes that the most remarkable stars are not always the ones labeled as ‘sex symbols’.
Pitt remarked: “When you see a person, do you just concentrate on their looks? It’s just a first impression. Then there’s someone who doesn’t catch your eye immediately, but you talk to them, and they become the most beautiful thing in the world.”
He further stated: “I’ll tell you who my favourite actress is: Dianne Wiest. And you wouldn’t call her a sex symbol. Dianne Wiest is, to me, the most beautiful woman on the screen.”
The 76-year-old actor is best known for roles in Edward Scissorhands and Footloose. She more recently featured in 2020’s I Care a Lot and stars in the Paramount+ crime thriller The Mayor of Kingstown.
Wiest began her journey in theatre at the University of Maryland and made her Broadway debut in 1971 with Robert Anderson’s Solitaire/Double Solitaire.
She built a thriving stage career before transitioning into film.
Wiest is well-known for her performances in Woody Allen films such as Hannah and Her Sisters and Bullets Over Broadway, with the latter earning her an Oscar.
Additionally, Dianne starred in the 80s vampire movie The Lost Boys.
Throughout her acting career, Wiest has been honored with four Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in Road to Avonlea and In Treatment, along with two additional nominations.
She has also received a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.