Brad Pitt is well-known for eating on screen, a recurring habit in many of his films. But during a recent podcast appearance, the Hollywood star admitted that one particular eating scene early in his career led to a rather embarrassing—and unforgettable—incident.
Pitt, 61, appeared on the New Heights podcast hosted by NFL brothers Travis and Jason Kelce on Wednesday, July 2, to promote his upcoming film F1: The Movie. During the lively conversation, the topic turned to his reputation for eating in scenes, prompting Pitt to share a hilarious memory from one of his earliest acting roles.
“I’ll tell you a story. I hadn’t thought about this for years,” Pitt began. “One of my first movies, I’m doing this little independent film.” He explained that the scene took place in a cramped café packed with crew members—about 60 people total—all working in the sweltering heat.
His character, who hadn’t eaten in days, was finally given a large plate of beans and bacon. Determined to stay in character, Pitt fully committed to the scene. “We’re shooting in this little tiny cafe. It’s full of the crew, so there are about 60 people in there. It’s hot. You can’t breathe,” he recalled.
“And my character hadn’t eaten for days, and he gets his big plate of beans, first plate of beans and bacon,” Pitt shared. Using what he called an “all method” approach, Pitt admitted to eating the entire plate of beans during every take, four in total.
“Take four, I do the same thing. Something hit me,” Pitt said with a grin. “And there was nothing I could do. I was stuck in this chair, and nature took its course.” He initially thought he’d gotten away with it unnoticed. “I went, ‘Oh, great. I got away with that one.’” But moments later, the situation took a turn.
“And then suddenly, the entire crew, the most diabolical something descended on the crew in the whole room, and they fled the cafe,” Pitt said, sending the Kelce brothers into a fit of laughter.
“Fled. So ever since then, I’ve paced myself,” he concluded. Jason Kelce couldn’t help but admire the story: “You should be proud. You clear a room, that’s a feat.” Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1: The Movie, is now playing in cinemas. And as for his future eating scenes? Safe to say, he’s learned to pace himself.