Brad Pitt Names the Greatest Actor of His Generation—And It’s Not Who You Think!

In Hollywood, the journey to stardom is often paved with talent, looks, and the ability to capture the public’s attention. For Brad Pitt, it all happened almost instantly. From his breakout role in Thelma and Louise to his enduring status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, Pitt became a household name not only for his undeniable talent but also for his heartthrob looks, cementing his place as a sex symbol for the ages. Over the years, he has consistently proved his acting prowess, starring in critically acclaimed films like Fight Club, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and 12 Monkeys.

However, despite his towering stature in Hollywood, Pitt has always held deep respect for other actors—particularly one who he believes is “pretty much the greatest of my generation”: David Thewlis.

While David Thewlis may not have reached the same level of fame or global recognition as Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, or Timothée Chalamet, his acting talent is unparalleled. Thewlis, best known to the public for his portrayal of Professor Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter franchise, has built a career marked by his versatility and ability to take on complex roles. His performance in Naked (1993), directed by Mike Leigh, was a breakthrough moment that solidified Thewlis as a unique and talented actor capable of capturing the attention of both critics and peers.

In the film, Thewlis plays Johnny, a troubled man with a cold and unnerving temperament who drifts into his ex-girlfriend’s home. The character is unapologetically despicable, yet Thewlis manages to inject him with a twisted charm, making Johnny one of the most memorable, and horrifying, characters in contemporary British cinema. His portrayal in Naked was nothing short of a masterclass in acting, and it was here that Pitt took notice.

Pitt, in a candid interview, praised Thewlis’ work in Naked, stating, “I think what he did in Naked is as good as anything Brando, Nicholson, Pacino, any of our greats. I think he’s right in line.” This acknowledgment from one of Hollywood’s biggest stars speaks volumes about Thewlis’ place in the acting world, despite never achieving the same level of fame as his contemporaries.

Thewlis’ career only continued to flourish after Naked. He worked with the Coen brothers in The Big Lebowski (1998) and collaborated with renowned director Terrence Malick on The New World (2005). His versatility saw him take on roles in both film and television, making appearances in critically acclaimed movies such as The Theory of Everything, Anomalisa, and Wonder Woman. He also gained attention for his work on the small screen, starring in Fargo and The Sandman.

In 1997, Thewlis and Pitt even worked together on Seven Years in Tibet, where both actors played pivotal roles. Though the film didn’t achieve massive commercial success, it marked a significant collaboration between the two, further solidifying Thewlis as a respected actor among his peers.

Despite never achieving the same level of mainstream fame as Brad Pitt, David Thewlis has built a long and successful career, filled with critical praise and memorable performances. His talent has earned him admiration from fellow actors, including Pitt, who sees Thewlis as one of the greatest of his generation.

While Pitt’s star continues to shine bright across Hollywood, his recognition of Thewlis’ skill serves as a reminder that true talent often goes beyond the box office. For Pitt, David Thewlis represents the best of what acting has to offer, and it’s clear that, in his eyes, Thewlis’ work in Naked and beyond places him in the ranks of the greatest actors of their time.