Roy London: The Visionary Behind Brad Pitt’s Acting Career

It’s tough to imagine Hollywood without the likes of Brad Pitt. Hits like Inglorious Basterds and Fight Club would have been completely different without Pitt. The award-winning actor has charted a successful trajectory for himself as he continues to work on ventures that bring him fame. However, none of it would have been possible without the help and guidance of acting coach Roy London.

Not just with acting, Pitt has furthered the Hollywood agenda to make cinematic wonders with his production company as well. Nevertheless, Pitt’s journey in the industry is interesting, to say the least. The man rose through the ranks to become one of the most coveted actors, and that journey began when he met London in Los Angeles.

When did Brad Pitt start his acting career?

Brad Pitt began his career when he was very young. With nothing but a dream in his eyes and hope in his heart, he made his way to Los Angeles like many other people to make it big in Hollywood. His desire to act was so stimulating that he dropped out of college and took up all kinds of jobs he could to finance his acting lessons.

One of his earlier jobs had him dress up as a chicken to guide customers into the restaurant. Another one of his means of livelihood was driving strippers around for parties which sometimes even meant that he had to sleep in a car.

How did Brad Pitt meet Roy London?

But nothing helped as much until he came across Roy London. He was the man who taught him the tricks of the trade and helped him carve a niche for himself. Talking about his experience learning from the man, he told Backstage,

When I first moved to L.A., I discovered Roy London. I didn’t know anything about the arts, the profession; I had no technique, I knew nothing, I’m fresh from Missouri. I sat in on a few classes, and they just felt a little guru-ish and just didn’t feel right to me. Until I met Roy.

Pitt could have never imagined a career trajectory so successful had London not guided and helped him. Interestingly, Pitt met London through an odd job where he was responsible for driving around strippers for parties. When he learned of London and started classes with him, he saw the potential he could achieve.

Roy London’s Teaching Method for Brad Pitt

London had unique methods for all his students aligned with their existing skill sets and talents. This is what made him such a passionate and successful acting coach. Not only did he help make the careers of various actors but he also gave them the confidence to shine bright in the field. Pitt opened up about the method London used with him as he shared,

It was kind of based on Uta Hagen, but I think [Roy] really made it his own. He was tough, lovely, compassionate, tough. I give him full credit for pointing me in this direction. I studied with him for three years, I think, then started getting some work. Then I would work with him individually on projects. He loved film, and he loved storytelling. And he loved the individual and looking at what each person could bring to something.

London passed away in 1993 when he was just 50 years old. Pitt added, “I learned so much from that man. I miss him.”

Other actors coached by Roy London

The prowess and skills of London are best comprehended by looking at his roster of students. Various A-listers of Hollywood today have been coached by London who helped them reach newer levels of fame and stardom by equipping them with the skills necessary to make it big in the industry.

Apart from Pitt, London also helped the likes of Garry Shandling, Sharon Stone, Sherilyn Fenn, Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Patrick Swayze, Dana Carvey, Faye Dunaway, Julie Warner, Lois Chiles, and Elisabeth Shue. Across a few generations, the man is acclaimed for helping so many great actors who reached where they are now all because of the learnings they got from London.