Born to William and Jane Pitt, Brad Pitt and his siblings spent their formative years in Springfield, Missouri. Their parents instilled strong values of community and service, which would later shape the lives of all three children.
Brad, the eldest, ventured to Hollywood and became a global superstar, while his younger siblings, Doug and Julie, pursued different paths. Despite their contrasting lifestyles, the Pitt siblings share a deep commitment to helping others.
Brad Pitt, accompanied by his mother and brother, arrives at Morgan’s Bar on March 28, 1996, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Doug Pitt: The Business Mogul with a Heart of Gold
Doug Pitt, born in 1966, is the second of the Pitt siblings and a proud lifelong resident of Springfield, Missouri. While his older sibling built a life in Hollywood, Doug chose to remain rooted in their hometown.
Doug Pitt attends the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s So The World May Hear Awards Gala on July 24, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
He raised his three children — Landon, Sydney, and Reagan — in the same house he grew up in. Together with his wife, Lisa, he has cultivated a family life focused on community, faith, and service. Doug’s career spans multiple industries, including real estate, technology, and philanthropy.
Doug Pitt and his family posing on the red carpet on July 20, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Lisa and Doug Pitt attend the 2013 Starkey Hearing Foundation’s So the World May Hear Awards Gala on July 28, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
As the founder of Pitt Technology Group, he transitioned a modest computer repair shop into a leading provider of professional technology solutions.
Alongside this, he owns Pitt Development Group, which specializes in developing medical office spaces. But Doug’s impact reaches well beyond business — his philanthropic efforts are the hallmark of his work.
Doug Pitt attends the premiere of “Operation Change” on June 18, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
In 2008, Doug founded Care to Learn, a nonprofit organization addressing children’s unmet needs in health, hunger, and hygiene. Since its inception, the organization has assisted over three million children across Missouri, ensuring they have access to essential resources.
Doug Pitt appears on the “Today Show” on July 9, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
His commitment to global causes is equally impressive, as evidenced by his appointment as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Republic of Tanzania in 2010.
Doug also collaborates with WorldServe International to provide clean water to East African communities, demonstrating his passion for creating a better world.
Doug Pitt poses as he is interviewed and named Goodwill Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania on April 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his serious contributions, Doug has a lighthearted side. In 2012, he starred in a tongue-in-cheek ad for Virgin Mobile Australia. The ad, titled “The Second Most Famous Pitt,” humorously highlighted his relative anonymity compared to his celebrity brother.
Doug Pitt on the “Today Show” on July 9, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The ad went viral, gaining over one million views in its first week. Similarly, Doug delighted fans by recreating Brad’s iconic “Se7en” scene for a local brewery ad, replacing the tragic reveal with a bottle of craft beer.
Doug’s dedication to both his family and his community has earned him numerous accolades, but he remains humble about his achievements.
Julie Pitt Neal: A Devout Mother and Advocate for Ethiopian Children
Julie Pitt Neal, born in 1969, is the youngest of the Pitt siblings and has charted a path defined by faith, family, and compassion. Contrary to her older brothers, Julie chose a quieter life, dedicating herself to her family and humanitarian work.
She has been married to Rob Neal for over 34 years, and together, they have raised five children — three biological and two adopted from Ethiopia. Julie’s journey into philanthropy began when she and Rob adopted their fourth child, Caden, from Ethiopia.
The experience of welcoming Caden, who was only six months old and faced health challenges, profoundly shaped their lives. Inspired by this life-changing adoption, the Neals returned to Ethiopia to adopt their youngest son, Cruz.
Julie’s connection to the country deepened as she witnessed firsthand the struggles many families faced, particularly regarding access to clean water. Driven by her faith and the needs she encountered, Julie began working with WorldServe International, a nonprofit organization focused on clean water initiatives.
Her efforts helped establish water wells in Ethiopian villages, bringing vital resources to communities in need. Reflecting on her family’s decision to adopt and expand their humanitarian efforts, Julie once said, “We have the space, the love…we just really felt God called us to Ethiopia.”
While philanthropy is a central part of Julie’s life, her role as a mother remains her greatest pride. She has seamlessly balanced raising her five children — Caleb, Josie, Rylie, Caden, and Cruz — while championing causes that align with her values.
Before dedicating herself full-time to family and philanthropy, Julie worked as a preschool teacher, demonstrating her lifelong passion for nurturing young lives.
From her role as a devoted mother to her impactful work in Ethiopia, Julie exemplifies the Pitt family’s commitment to making a difference. Her faith-driven approach and unwavering dedication to helping others continue to inspire those around her.
Brad Pitt and actress Jennifer Aniston, with Brad’s sister Julie and her husband Rob attending a premiere on February 23, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
The Pitts’ Legacy of Giving Back
The Pitt siblings, though pursuing vastly different paths in life, share a common thread of compassion and a commitment to philanthropy. One of their most notable collective efforts was a generous $1 million donation in 2009 to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
The funds were used to establish the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center, named in honor of their mother, whose passion for children’s issues inspired the gift. The center continues to provide critical care for young patients, including employing the only pediatric oncologist in the region.
Brad Pitt and his mother Jane Pitt at the 84th Annual Academy Awards, Hollywood & Highland Center, February 26, 2012, Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Their mother, Jane, has openly shared her pride in her children’s efforts to address needs both locally and globally. In a 2018 interview, Jane praised Brad, Doug, and Julie for their initiatives. “I’m very proud of all my children,” she stated. “They see a need and try to step in and [they] fill it.”
Jane highlighted Brad’s contributions to disaster recovery in places like New Orleans, Doug’s clean water initiatives in Tanzania, and Julie’s dedication to improving living conditions in Ethiopia. “It’s an amazing thing,” she said.
The lives of Doug and Julie may not attract the same spotlight as their brother Brad, but their work speaks volumes about the values they hold dear. Together, the Pitt siblings have built a legacy of service, each doing their part to make the world a better place.
From Brad Pitt’s global activism to Doug’s focus on Missouri communities and Julie’s faith-driven initiatives, the siblings have made a lasting impact in their respective fields.
