So, it’s that time of the day in the EW offices when thoughts naturally turn to Brad Pitt. It’s been a long road for the Missouri golden boy — he started as shirtless chick-bait in Thelma and Louise, achieved hairy-dreamboat status in Legends of the Fall, went dark for Fight Club, and now seems happy floating on the velvet cloud that is the Ocean’s Whatever Number We’re On, Does It Really Matter? Look How Attractive And Witty All My Friends Are franchise while simultaneously riding a lot of motorcycles and trying to change the world, especially the world’s curious ability to ignore the ongoing wreckage of post-Katrina New Orleans.
It’s hard not to applaud the journey within his personal life as well: From an early fling with Juliette Lewis, through the preppyland perfection of his relationship with Gwyneth, to the blond-streaked golden years with Jen, he maintained a unique ability to look exactly like whomever he was dating at the time; now, of course, he’s made a fascinating multi-ethnic family with Angelina Jolie, mother of a thousand nations. It’s sweet. He’s happy.
So happy, in fact, that in the October issue of Esquire, he says he won’t marry Angelina Jolie until– well, let him say it: "Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able." By "everyone else" he means "gay people." And by saying that, he has taken a powerful and potentially controversial stand (and effectively made US Weekly into the nation’s biggest supporter of gay marriage, because you just know they were banking on that cover story to make their third-quarter budget in 2007).
It’s an interesting theory, although not a new one — the women’s studies major and her filmmaker boyfriend who hang out at your neighborhood bohemian bar have probably been heard professing a similar vow of no-marriage-until-equality for years now — and it’s got me thinking: What other celebrity couples would we like to see remain unmarried? (You’ll recall that Charlize Theron made a similar statement a few years ago.) Personally I’m voting for David Spade and Heather Locklear. You? And do you think the protests of a dreamboat actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador can change the state of gay rights in America?
Brad Pitt – you stink!
You’re useing gays as a way not to pop the question to A.J. We know already you’re not planning on getting married in the first place, why not just say it.
This is another clear cut case of “gotta geta gay, Mickey, gotta get a gay”. That’s what Valerie Cherish said to her hair dresser Mickey when the publisist turned her down.
The gays are turning you down Brad Pitt – you old man!
You know Ed, Angelina can pop the question herself if she really wanted to marry him. She’s not a victim.
Preacher’s kid? The last I heard his father was a retired trucking manager and his mother was a school counselor, and they both disassociated themselves from the Southern Baptist church.
I believe Charlize Theron made an announcement that she and her actor boyfriend wouldn’t get married until gays had the same rights to marriage as she. Do I think Brad and Angelina are riding coat tails? NO, especially since Angelina has rumored to be linked to a few lesbian trysts, I think that not only as an attractive couple, but also holding alot of Hollywood clout, that this is a wonderful endorsement on their part, though I don’t see it changing the collective consciousness on the subject any time soon.
And as far as celebrity couples that should remain unmarried, my vote goes to Janet Jackson & Jermaine Dupri.
Unmarried?
Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon
Goldie and Kurt
The only way that straight couples can change society in this way if enough of them start doing it and it hurts the gazillion dollar bridal/wedding industry –because you gotta have corporations behind policy change these days. Corporations being the new countries and all.
While I applaud Brad’s stance on marriage/gay rights, I find it disgusting – - and tragic – - that anyone would “applaud” his romantic life. There is nothing applause-worthy about cheating on your wife, divorcing her, and marrying the homewrecker.
Lets not forget Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons.
Kudos to Brad and Angelina for saying no to marriage until everyone is allowed to marry.
Are Brad and Angelina forgetting that both of them have been married before?!?!? This is just Brad and Angelina coming up with an excuse as to why they won’t get married to each other! Save us the melodramatic “taking a powerful and potentially controversial stand” crap. THEY JUST DON’T WANT TO GET MARRIED!
It’s never been confirmed that Brad cheated on Jennifer. Jennifer isn’t even sure so how can you be?
Aw…I think I just fell in love with Brad Pitt all over again. LOL Seriously, though, it’s nice when people in positions of influence (even celebrities) support gay rights. Thanks, Brad!
For so long I have wanted to marry my Yorkie Terrier, Mr. Sniffles, but the United States says it’s illegal to marry pets. How dare they try to tell me what to do.
Thank you, Brangelina! I know that my wedding day will come sooner than later, now that you’re in my corner.
Anna you missed the point completely you knucklehead. Who said anything about victimization, of course she could but she isn’t. My point is, they’re not getting married so why don’t they just say it instead of trying to be P.C and defend the gays.
I’m a bitter gay because straight people (liberals) always shout for gay rights but when a gay is in their face they still cringe. You’re probably the same way Anna.
Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan
While I certainly applaud the statement given by Brad, the cynical part of me says Angelina won’t marry him and this is a way of saving face. I think it’s more likely Angelina told him that she wouldn’t consider getting married until everyone could marry.
Hey Ed, don’t speak for all gays. I’m not turning him down at all… not only has he aged gracefully on the outside, he’s aged amazingly on the inside (though I’ve always been a fan due to his acting choices like ‘Seven’ and ’12 Monkeys’).
And Jane, are you comparing beastiality to homosexuality or simply mocking his statement? I can live with the latter, but if it’s the former, you should be ashamed of yourself. Two people mutually loving each other is NOT comparable to the abuse of an innocent minor or animal, even in a joke. The only thing more disgusting than those thoughts is your prejudice if it is the former.