Is Brad Pitt ‘too dumb’ to be on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art?

Granted, I don’t know much about contemporary art or how museums run, or what a museum’s board of directors really DOES. But I feel like the shade being thrown at Brad Pitt in this article is a little unfair. According to The Enquirer, Brad really wanted a position on the board of the LA Museum of Contemporary Art. Brad made personal appeals to members of the selection committee and he tried to impress upon them his knowledge of art (especially modern and contemporary art, I would imagine). But the Enquirer says all of the MOCA people think Brad is kind of dumb. Ouch. Burn.

Brad Pitt may be as pretty as a picture but he’s been deemed not bright enough to serve on the board of L.A ’s Museum of Contemporary Art! The hunky “World War Z star – a longtime enthusiast of culture and architecture – made an ambitious play for the MOCA position, but sources tell The ENQUIRER he doesn’t stand a chance at landing the gig.

“Brad’s always been a huge supporter of the museum, and it’s undergoing a management shakeup,” said a source. “So he had someone feel out members of the selection committee to see if they’d be interested in him participating at a higher level. While they admire Brad’s ambition, I think the fear is that Brad might be a little on the dumb side to serve on an art board. He doesn’t even have a college degree.”

Dad of-six Pitt, 49, dropped out of the University of Missouri to pursue his acting dream and he’s long dealt with whispers that he lives in the intellectual shadow of his 38-year-old partner Angelina Jolie, a United Nations Good Will Ambassador. While Brad knew getting the museum job was a long shot, another source says he’s still stung by the rejection.

“Brad has a huge art collection that’s worth well over $25 million,” said a second source. “He’s been collecting pieces for years and studying up on the old masters. But just because he can buy art does not mean he can curate it. Good looks and fame are simply not enough to run a huge museum like the MOCA. Fortunately, I’m sure Brad will get over it.”

[From The Enquirer]

Here’s the thing – I think Brad is kind of dumb too. Well, maybe that’s the wrong word. I don’t think Brad is, like, fall-down stupid. He’s just not as smart as he thinks he is, and I think he has issues with being able to intelligently articulate his real thoughts. That being said, I would be willing to bet that Brad knows a lot about art. I bet he’s more knowledgeable about contemporary and modern art than the average person. Plus, he’s a big “name” for a museum to have on their board, so he would bring so much visibility to the museum, and that would mean lots and lots of $$$. So why so dumb-shaming, MOCA?

Also, I’m sure many of you Brangeloonies saw this earlier in the week, but it’s worth noting: big dummie Brad had the biggest hit of his career with World War Z. WWZ has made more than $500 million worldwide and the studio will definitely make a lot of money off it. Brad’s dumb gamble paid off! Dumb like a fox. (A foxy goat.)

Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.

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184 Responses to “Is Brad Pitt ‘too dumb’ to be on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art?”

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  1. Eleonor says:

    HELL NO.
    Seriously with all the people who have been dedicating their whole life in studying art, and trying to achieve something like that I agree: Brad Pitt NO.
    Only because you’re rich and famous it doesn’t mean you are capable to run a museum.
    It’s like Pippa Middleton writing a column on VF with all the amazing and better writers out there.

    • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

      I agree, just reading what Kaiser said, I would’ve thought that they would want someone who has actually studied art for the past thirty years…went to school for it, has a bunch of phds and whatever you need for a position like that.

      I don’t doubt Brad knows a lot, but probably not enough to take on a position like that. Or maybe they just don’t want/like to deal with celebrities; maybe they got burned by one.

      But yeah, I never got the whole “Brad is dumb as a box of rocks” thing. I don’t think he’s a genius, but he’s not one of those guys that goes around saying genuinely idiotic and stupid things on a steady basis. I really think it’s how he talks, how he phrases his words.

      I have an uncle like that, but a lot worse. He talks like a (for lack of a better word) hick. I mean, he has a southern accent, he mumbles, his words tend to blur together, and you can barely understand what he’s saying BUT he works with the military in programming and flying jets.

      When he was in the Air Force, there was not a single competent person in his office but him. He used to go in on his days off to help everyone else fix their issues. My mom said that he brought her in to show her around, and one of his coworkers thought he was there to help out. She said the guy’s face fell HARD when my uncle told him he was just showing her around.

      My uncle’s really smart, he just sounds dumb. I think Brad is the same way.

      • Carrie says:

        Just curious, which male celebrity would you consider dumb(er than Brad)? I ask because if someone asked me to list the not-so-bright guys in hollywood, Brad would be top of my list.

      • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

        @Carrie
        I would say John Mayor, Reality show people i.e. Hilton, Kardashians, that chick that had 20 surgeries in a day–Heidi something…people like that. No one specific comes to mind at this point.

        But I don’t get why people think Brad’s an idiot. I haven’t heard anything dumb come out of his mouth yet. I think he has issues articulating his thoughts, but that’s different. Like when Moneyball came out. The way he talked about it in interviews made me want to see it, not the trailer.

        In his interviews he talked about a change of values, rather than the typical “yeah this guy didn’t just rely on young, all american, non disabled, players, he had everyone try out” or something like that….he spoke about how this man he was playing as didn’t just value the strong healthy men, as the only good baseball players, but also the disabled/handicapped ones as well—who had a good throwing arm, but no left leg. And that changed the whole game.

        I thought that was an excellent way to talk about a baseball film, to people who don’t watch baseball.

      • Sisi says:

        @ Virgilia

        Ryan Lochte has a reality show 🙂

      • Jalene says:

        But isnt one of the measures of intellect, the ability to organise one thoughts and express them?

        I dont know, I’m not invested enough to argue about this but I have always wondered whether Brad just shuts his trap and serves the wine when Angies NGO pals comeover.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        “Seriously with all the people who have been dedicating their whole life in studying art, and trying to achieve something like that I agree: Brad Pitt NO.Only because you’re rich and famous it doesn’t mean you are capable to run a museum.”

        THIS. I get exhausted trying to defend art as a career and the amount of studying and work that goes into getting an art degree. I think there’s this misconception that we all just drew pretty pictures and cut and pasted to get through college. And contrary to the majority of commenters around here declaring a BFA in art history as a “fake degree for rich people”, the truth is that becoming an art historian (which is what an art curator is first and foremost) is a ton of work.

        Truthfully, Steve Martin is likely more knowledgeable about art than Pitt.

        …and I like Brad Pitt, I really do. I just think, as Kaiser said, he probably thinks he’s a bit smarter than he really is and he’s simply not qualified for this position.

      • Kiddo says:

        @TheOriginalKitten I think calling someone uneducated on a particular subject is entirely different than calling someone dumb. Even if that happens to be reality, it has an air of snobbishness on their part, or at least a lack of decorum. On the other side, I do get annoyed with any type of privileged entitlement. So there’s that.

      • ol cranky says:

        as a founding member of a nonprofit, I can say your board of directors usually isn’t filled solely (or even primarily) with experts in the focus of the organization. Your board keeps you honest and compliant with your 501(c)(3) and is the group of people that helps you attract donations. If Pitt is reasonably articulate about art and has a decent collection, this educational snobbery may have been a real bonehead move by MOCA and they may feel the effects of that move financially.

      • thebutlerdidit says:

        Brad Pitt is from the Mid-West. He does NOT have a Southern accent. Which, I’ll assume, was your way of saying you think Southerners sound dumb, with their regional dialect? Nice, we all appreciate that, ever so much.

      • Joan says:

        I’ve never got the impression that Brad, like Angie, cares what people thinks of him. Actually, he is someone who doesn’t care whether people understands him or not. He may not be as articulate as George or Angie, but that doesn’t mean that he’s dumb. He’s not good with interviews, has been known as being tight-lipped. A lot of people who have worked with him always say that he’s quite smart. I know some people who are not articulate as well, but they express their thoughts in a different way and are certainly not stupid, on the contrary.
        About him dropping out of college, I seem to remember that Brad was only two credits shy of it when he decided to try out acting. And college graduation doesn’t necessarily prove intelligence.
        That being said, I’ve never trusted Enquirer, most of the shit they write are just plain fabrications, to sell their mags to people thriving on such things, that’s all. And I’m pretty sure that it’s quite biased against Angie and Brad.

    • Abbie246 says:

      My biggest pet peave about haters is they blow things way out of proportion and make things up when it comes to Brad and Angelina. Nowhere in this story does it say Brad wants to run the museum. It’s claimed that he wants to be a boardmember. I doubt this story is even true. Some of the most successful, intelligent people didn’t finish college or highschool. Formal education doesn’t automatically mean somebody is smart.

      • Eleonor says:

        It’s not an education thing: it’s about people working their asses off in doing something (become a journalist, run a museum) and can’t be considered because some random actor who buys a bunch of arts-stuff can have their job only because he likes it.

      • La jolie now Andrea says:

        @Abbie246 well articulated

      • Dusty says:

        A board is the governing vehicle and staff at the highest level (CEO) report to the board. Boards take a fiduciary responsibility for an organization so it does take people with high intellect to sit as a director.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @ Abbie-You might be right about the story being fake–however, Eleanor hits the nail on the head with her comments. It’s just the idea of wealthy, famous people feeling entitled to hold a position that others devote their lives to achieving–it’s off-putting and elitist.

        So while this particular story probably isn’t true, this is not an uncommon scenario among the wealthy elite and I think Eleanor’s point on this matter is an important one.

      • Crumpets & Crotchshots says:

        Serving on the board is effectively taking part in running the museum.

      • Emma - the JP Lover says:

        You guys are wrong. Board members are usually successful in their fields, but not necessarily ‘in’ the same line of business as the company.

        I doubt very seriously if this is a real story, as it wouldn’t be prudent of the museum to bite the hand of one of its largest contributors. Having said that … they would welcome Brad Pitt with open arms. It’s not so much the ‘knowledge’ of art but his ‘love’ and ‘enthusiasm’ for art they would embrace. Not only that, but he would pull other large donations from the wealthy who would donate simply for the chance to meet/rub shoulders with Brad Pitt.

        Board members are usually business men and women (not Docents). Aside from his fame, Brad has proven his business acumen with his production company and a little something called ‘Make it Right.

      • Tara says:

        I question the veracity of this story. I have seen that even the most rigorously pedantic or complex organizations reserve at least two slots on their BODs for high visibility individuals. I volunteered for a prestigious foundation in NYC and our board had an Oscar nominee, an heiress with an instantly recognizable last name and the wife of one of America’s living legends of film. They were not members of Mensa, let me tell you. This story just comes across as mean.

    • doofus says:

      I agree. I don’t think he’s fall-down-dumb either, but I also think he thinks he’s smarter than he is.

      and while I don’t doubt that he DOES know a lot about art, moreso than the average person, he’s NOT on the level of someone who’s studied it, made a career of it, and/or has multiple degrees on the subject.

      like all of these celebs who have a “fashion line”. I have a friend who works in fashion design and she’s AWESOME but has to do work for some piddly children’s clothing house because of how hard it is to break in to that industry. meanwhile, you have some flash-in-the-pan teenybopper who slaps their name on some crap in Target and makes a mint.

      • sean says:

        ” I also think he thinks he’s smarter than he is.”

        This is about right. I have heard/seen/read a lot of interviews with Pitt. He is actually reasonably smart. I just think he doesn’t exactly have the education/background for this sort of thing. Perhaps a few more years of college will be needed.

    • drea says:

      My granddad and an aunt serve as directors for a museum and an arts foundation. Um, no, not all those people have a PhD or a 30-year history in art. Many of them are serious art collectors who’ve been “patrons of the arts” for years, but no, they’re not all from the art academe or anything like that. Considering what I’ve read about Brad–the traveling, etc., to build his own collections and the support he’s given artists–he’s not all that different from quite a few of them. I think you may have mixed up the management (people who actually run the museum) with the board (people who oversee things like “direction” and “vision,” and who, in a few cases, give a lot of money and are awarded the privilege of a seat).

      As crazy and exciting as the artist end of the art world can be, the patron end is populated by some old money surnames and can be very snobby and uptight. Some of them probably see Brad as some nouveau riche interloper one generation out of Hickville, and they have the kind of money and/or social standing to make even someone like him know he’s not wanted. “He doesn’t even have a college degree.” Jeezus. The funny thing is that, at ground level, Brad probably has a better feel for young, contemporary artists than many of those old fogies.

      That being said, I think his being unqualified for the position is more of an excuse–the real reason is probably closer to them not wanting him taking up too much of the spotlight or bringing a different kind of attention to the museum.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Yeah I get what you’re saying here and I can see the angle of Brad’s fame benefitting the Museum on a financial level but if the position he’s gunning for is Jeffrey Deitch’s, then Pitt is going to have to have a LOT of extra time and energy to devote to it–it’s just not the kind of job that can be done in one’s spare time…..

        Ultimately, I just don’t envision Pitt having the energy, time or ambition to put in all the work that that position requires. Truthfully, the money he donates is probably more effective than he would be as a director on the board of LA MOCA.

      • drea says:

        I really doubt it would be Deitch’s job Brad wants. I think that even he would recognize that that would be way too much for him. Assuming there’s any truth to this story, I think he just wants a prestige seat on the board (or maybe even just some “consultant” gig they could make up for him) but nothing that requires full-time commitment. Like you said, Brad just doesn’t have the energy, time, or ambition.

        I guess I kind of understand why they wouldn’t want him, but I hate that it’s come down to a story about Brad being too dumb for that kind of position. Considering who else has sat on that board of trustees, seriously, that’s supposedly the concern?

      • London lady says:

        And probably also not being reliable- they are always moving all over the globe. If they lived in la permanently maybe it would be different.

        I have to say though, I think it’s a missed opportunity to bring big bucks into the museum, assuming this article is true.

    • Ally8 says:

      The answer to the title question is a resounding yes, but then money and connections are the main qualifications to sit on any board. It’s basically corporate welfare that the rich grant each other.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Good for them for saying no. Nothing against BP, but for all the reasons so well stated above.

      I posted this in the wrong place. Sorry.

    • Samsuzzanne says:

      THANK YOU, Ol Cranky! I work in non profits too, and seriously, none of these people commenting know much of how a board of directors work! It’d be one thing if he wanted to be the Executive Director of the MOCA, but that’s not at all the same as being on the BOD, which is what you correctly described!

      Ok, good, I’m glad to see other people have also said the same type of thing! Some of those comments didn’t show up on my thread earlier.

    • SpankFassDong says:

      Isn’t it “kind of dumb” to creative bad publicity out of what should have been a golden opportunity? Why didn’t the Board give Brad a position where he could raise money for, awareness of and respect for the MCA LA? Why not let him work his way up (as AJ did with the UN)?
      Here’s what MCZ LA Board did instead. They
      1. insulted a public figure,
      2. set a precedent such that other public figures will think twice about offering to help their organization and
      3. undermined their own credibility.
      That, my friends, is DUMB.

  2. danielle says:

    Funny story. But being in the board wouldn’t mean he is running the museum. And i take issue with the argument that no college degree makes him dumb. There is a such thing as being self educated. Also, there are very educated people I’d describe as not bright. And I’m saying that as a woman with multiple degrees.

    • Kiddo says:

      I agree whole-heartedly and I’m not a rabid fan. If this is true then it is another form of snobbery, but you know what? It’s not going to change Brad’s life. He could set up his own museum, if he wanted to go in that direction. On the other hand, corporations and organizations have the right to choose whoever they want in high positions, so this is no different.

    • Cazzee says:

      It might have just been a question of him not having the relevant experience – not with art, but with running a major charitable institution.

      As an actor and an artist himself, Brad Pitt might have a great passion for the subject matter but that is not the same as having the know-how to run an art museum. Managing a large organization is nothing to sneeze at.

      Brad Pitt never struck me as the next Einstein, but in this particular case it doesn’t seem like that is the issue here. I imagine that someone who had founded and successfully grown their own corporation, and was known as a tax law whiz would have been welcomed with open arms by the museum.

      • Kiddo says:

        For many charities, board members are often installed because of their connections; to money, to volunteers, to the press and so on. They are not always highly educated in the subject at hand, nor do they have to be financial geniuses. It’s probably best to find a board that is a mix of viewpoints and expertise, but who are able to defer to someone with more experience in a particular arena when that is to be decided on. KWIM?

      • Trashaddict says:

        Totally agree with kiddo. Plus, public financing for museums is not huge these days. It makes economic sense if you have a good benefactor to reward them by inviting them to be on the board. Well-known tactic for maintaining a relationship with your donors.

    • Sullivan says:

      Danielle, you are the voice of reason.

    • Trek Girl says:

      I concur, Danielle. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

  3. Kimmy says:

    He seems like a nice man but yes he seems dumb.

    • Shanie says:

      No offence Brad and Brads superfans but this man is the stereotypical homecoming king from those old teen movies. Pretty but oh so dumb.

      I loved him in Burn After Reading. But both him and Clooney were cast in roles that parodied their real personas. Brad being dumb and Clooney being a sleazy womaniser.

    • Anna Scott says:

      He does indeed. “You can’t fix stupid”-whoever said it nailed it!

  4. T.fanty says:

    Surely, as a board member, he’ll have little to no say in acquisitions or exhibition management. He’ll be one of those board members whose sole job it is to write an occasional cheque and turn up to a fundraiser. So, why not?

    Although I do take a little joy in The Enquirer, of all people, dumb-shaming Brad Pitt.

    • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

      Yeah I do wonder why they didn’t take him on, if not for his enthusiasm and money. Hundreds more people would go there, just because Brad Pitt set foot in there.

      Maybe one of the JP’s shaded the Enquirer recently. I remember reading one story, in the archives, that someone asked Angelina if she was pregnant or something like that, and she asked them if they got their info from Us Weekly. Right after that Us Weekly ran some pretty harsh stories, I don’t remember what about, but I think Kaiser pointed out the correlation.

    • Sixer says:

      Exactly. It kinda reminds me of the Oprah bag-shaming fiasco. The silly, snobby art world rejecting a populist celebrity for being not dumb, but well, a populist celebrity.

      VC – are we sure MOCA would welcome an invasion of the plebs courtesy of Brad?!

    • hindulovegod says:

      In fact, most museum boards are heavily involved in both of those activities. Because Board members give substantial sums, they have a lot of influence and power. You’d be surprised at the in-depth discussions of work, current and potential value, and relevance to the collection that many boards have.

      • T.fanty says:

        Yes and no. I’ve been involved in arts corporations for years, and there is often a member or two simply there to donate.

        That said, Pitt seems hell-bent on proving his artsy credentials and I could imagine him wanting a say in what goes on. I’m sure his ego is used to everyone taking his opinions VERY seriously, and they might have just seen it as a potential headache.

      • Kate says:

        There are a few people on every major museum board who are just there to write big checks, but we’re talking about the ridiculously, insanely wealthy. Brad and Angelina donate a lot, but the kind of people who buy their way onto a board like MOCA’s are donating Brangelina’s net worth to various causes every year. Brad could certainly buy his way onto the board of a less prestigious museum, but since he’s aiming pretty high his bank account isn’t enough to get him over the line.

      • Kiddo says:

        @T.fanty, Excellent point as always. Still the Enquirer took on an entirely different perspective of saying that lack of intelligence was the reasoning.

    • Crumpets & Crotchshots says:

      It depends on what level we are talking about. I worked for an org once that had a “board,” which ran the organization and made actual de is ions, and a “council,” which was mostly honorary and involved going to a few events each year.

      I could see Pitt on a council of this sort, but I think the board would require actual experience and work.

  5. brin says:

    Too funny!

  6. lem says:

    I’m not a fan of either Jolie or Pitt, but I’ve always thought Jolie was very intelligent and articulate. I think Pitt thinks he’s far more intelligent than he actually is, and he tries to sound intelligent. That results in him sounding a lot less intelligent than he probably is in reality.

    • Holt says:

      Not the brightest bulb in the box, and not aging well at all….

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitt

      • Kem says:

        @Holt. Go back to FF.

      • Holt says:

        Go where? Did you not take a gander at that photograph? He is getting ready to turn 50, and is not doing it well…

      • Ennie says:

        @kem, do not waste yourenergy here, she is the new olivia, loving to hate. If you check, she is always negative, very subjective.

      • Iggie says:

        Who gives a flying shit how he is aging, Holt? You must be a very shallow, immature and superficial person to bring that into this story. I can only imagine the superficial trash you admire. Let me guess, initials JA? Immature superficial skanky plastic trash attracts the same. Grow up!

  7. Turtle Dove says:

    …so he is a few credits/courses shy of having a degree and he’s dumb, but Angie, who probably didn’t finish high-school, is intellectually superior?

    Brad isn’t overly articulate – high-brow articulate, that is, but I wouldn’t say that he’s unintelligent.

    • Maya says:

      Just to correct one thing – Angie has a degree from UCLA. Brad is intelligent enough to hold conversations with politicians, design furniture for a 5 star hotel chain in Middle East, create a partnership with a famous wine merchant, run a multi billion production company.

      • La jolie now Andrea says:

        Damn you Maya I was just going to list those!
        He sure is bright enough to do or accomplish those things!

      • T.fanty says:

        *whispers*. Yes, but his furniture was crap.

      • lem says:

        I don’t think any of those things require him to be intelligent. Honestly the wine & furniture ventures are mostly because HIS NAME is a money-maker, not because he somehow has business sense. And he’s hired people to run his empire– he’s not doing the bookkeeping/investing himself. For me, it’s been the conversations he’s had with politicians that have made me think he isn’t as intelligent as he likes to think he is.

      • Kim1 says:

        Im a avowed Loonie and Angie DOES not have a college degree.As for Brad he and Robert Redford are co chairs of the first performance arts ctr in BH opening gala on Oct 17

      • Jalene says:

        I think that only shows that Brad is smart enough to partner and delegate with smarter people. The furniture was quite terrible and he doesnt run the production company, he focuses on the creative side. Thats not shade, anymore than pointing out that the Kardashians dont technically run their businesses.

      • Turtle Dove says:

        Angie did graduate high-school; I stand corrected there, but you’re wrong in stating that she holds a degree. She doesn’t.

      • The Original G says:

        What exactly is it that you think that smart people do? They plan, delgate and manage.

        The idea that he has no business sense is obviously comepletely refutable.

      • Maya says:

        @La jolie now Andrea: Great minds do think alike;)

        @Turtle Dove: Angelina attended New York University but I dont know if she graduated or not.

        @The Original G: Exactly – people have to be smart to delegate as well. It takes a real talent to delegate the right work to the right person. Brad designs the furniture himself though – he almost graduated with a degree in architecture (for that you have to be good in maths)….

      • lem says:

        I don’t think it’s necessarily smart people that delegate– rich people delegate to those who are smarter than they are. I’m not saying he’s an idiot– he’s smart enough to know he needs to delegate to maintain his success. Doesn’t mean he’s knowledgeable about the arts enough to sit on the board.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @T. Fanty-the furniture was rather terrible however I was kind of fond of that wooden table with the zig-zaggy base. A lot of that stuff looked like it was aspiring to be art deco, but ended up looking very 1989, unfortunately.

      • Joan says:

        Angie enrolled at NY University to study filmmaking and she attended writing classes. Not sure if she graduated, but as she has a keen interest in directing, it makes sense that she chose those subjects.
        I have a friend who studied architecture, it’s not an easy thing, you have to be good in math and physics.
        I don’t see why people have to say that one is smarter than the other one. I think BOTH are smart and challenge and enhance each other. I doubt that they would’ve stayed together if they were bored of each other. And at the time when they got together, both were already well-known, so it wasn’t for career push.

    • Leah says:

      Angie was went to NYU. She is totally the one with the brains in the family.

      • cs says:

        Angie graduated from High School at 16 years old (avg age 18 depending on your birthday) and attended NYU film school. Brad was two credits shy from graduating from the University of Missouri with a journalist degree. Mizzou is not your neighborhood community college. It’s ranked as one of the top 100 colleges/universities in the US. Jon Hamm, Sheryl Crow and the founder of Wal-Mart, are alumni’s.

        Most importantly, I doubt that Angie would have stayed/had children with Brad if he was intellectually challenged.. and it’s not like she was a struggling/unknown actress when they met.

  8. Weegie Warrior says:

    Just typical art world snobbery. He would make as “good” a board member as any of the pretentious prats who’ll be on it.

    • lenje says:

      i kinda agree with that — if the news was correct — it’s probablymore about snobbery 🙂

    • Bijlee says:

      I just don’t think Brad has enough knowledge in the art world as he thinks he does. I think part of it is art elitist snobbery because like someone said he’s noveau-riche and part is his lack of a degree.

      If he had a art degree, not just any college degree then he probably would have had a better chance. There’s a lot of training that goes into getting these degrees just as there is in any degree. You have to learn and understand a whole basis of knowledge that well trained individuals must be expected to do BEFORE moving on to higher more specific subjects.

      It doesn’t even have to be stuff you’ll be an expert in later, but you do have to have that training. And since the history of art is thousands upon thousands upon thousands of years old, Brad doesn’t have that basis. That training would have allowed him to understand how an artist could be inspired, analyze the elements in an art piece, what time period it could be from, and even attempt to classify modern movements and how they differ from each other using the basis of knowledge he built getting his art degree. While I don’t think Brad is dumb, I’m kind of glad he’s not getting this position if this story is true.

      Brad though is a helluva lot smarter than that dumbass Seth Macfarlane who thinks he’s some expert on theoretical physics. The dude fancies himself as the next Carl Sagan after reading a few pop-science books on the subject. He doesn’t want to “talk theoretical physics” after a long day spray tanning. Idiot. It takes years and dedication to understand physics and Seth Macfarlane thinks he can talk it expertly enough as casual conversation.

  9. Launicaangelina says:

    I hate when people mention a person not having a degree. A degree does not necessarily mean you’re smart. You can be book smart but lack enough common sense to make it through the day.

  10. Maria says:

    as if you have to be smart for art.

    how many amazing artists are very intelligent or have stellar ivy league education?
    i would even go as far and say typical school and uni will take away a good part of your creativity.

    lots of crazy good musicians cant even read notes!

    (not bashing people with degree, i got one myself. oh and having a degree doesnt mean you are ultra smart)

    • Sullivan says:

      Ha! Valid point, Maria.

    • lamamu says:

      I would think such a position in a museum would require something like an art history degree. The board members don’t make the art, but they do have to evaluate art in an *intellectual* way. Knowing the history helps one understand its context and value. Not sure Pitt’s understanding of art goes that deep…

  11. The Wizz says:

    If the question is, is Brad dumb, then I think yes. However art facilities and museums across the world need a good shake up from the establishment, introduce a new way of thinking into these places and make art relevant again. In that case I say why not, Brad may not be intellectually smart, but he knows what people want. Something the art world should think about.

  12. Kate says:

    Reading Brad’s interviews where he talks about art, architecture, furniture design and so on always makes my brain hurt. He reminds of people I know who buy one coffee table book on Bauhaus and after a quick skim through it come to believe they’re an expert. If architecture is really your passion, maybe, I don’t know, take a freaking class or two. Same goes for all the celebrities who talk about how they want to design clothes…take some classes and learn how to cut a pattern if that’s really something you’re into. If you aren’t willing to actually put the work in before just jumping right in, why should anyone take you seriously. It’s like calling yourself an expert on Shakespeare when you’ve only ever speed read the cliff notes of Hamlet.

    Anyone with money can buy art. These days having a great collection is meaningless, it just shows you hired a decent adviser and spent a lot of money. MOCA has higher standards than that, and yes frankly, Brad is too dumb to be on their board. That’s not mean, their standards are high, as they should be. Jack Nicholson is the only big LA actor coming to mind who would be deserving of a place on the board, and Brad is light years behind Jack when it comes to art knowledge. Maybe someday Brad will get there, but right now it would just be a tacky PR stunt by MOCA, and I’m glad they’re above it.

    • MonicaQ says:

      Seriously, I have my 4 year degree in humanities and I might be qualified enough to clean the offices there. (That and my focus was not Art, it was Norse Mythology).

      These people breathe and eat art. That’s it. They don’t do movies or save the world, they track art trends and relationships and money and probably cuddle up to their picture of Jackson Pollock at night.

    • TheOneAndOnlyOnly says:

      Excellent post Kate; that’s why i come to this site the comments are always wide-ranging and interesting;
      My beef is the same as many posters;
      There are more deserving candidates, degreed or not, there’s no need to go the celeb route.

      • bowers says:

        I agree. And yes, I’ve always thought he was in no way as smart as he either believes he is or wants to be.

    • Mabs says:

      And BRAVO to you too Kate. Precisely my point earlier. Everybody bends for all types these days …why should establishments morph their existences to fit ridiculous wide-ranging entitlement issues kids to adults have these days? And being famous because you can pretend does not an expert make. It’s laughable. The arrogance involved is staggering.

  13. La jolie now Andrea says:

    Damn!!! in that first picture he looks So cute for a 50year old man.

  14. blue marie says:

    wow, ouch. I don’t believe he’s a genius but he’s not dull bulb dumb either.

  15. Jennifer12 says:

    I don’t find either Brad or Angie to be geniuses, but Brad is not stupid. He conveys what he wants to say well, he’s honest and upfront, and he has an appreciation of art and architecture and makes it a point to learn about them.

    • truthSF says:

      I agree. Just because a person sounds dumb doesn’t mean that they are. Brad might not be able to articulate his thoughts into words properly, but he is smart enough to put those thought into action properly.

      Case in point, his Plan B production company has produced/executive produced movies that has grossed over one billion dollars combined according to the-numbers. And his Nola housing building project is also successful. As well as his and Angelina’s wine venture.

      Bottom line, in his line of work, he’s been more successful then not.

      • D says:

        Yes, but his NOLA house project was done in connection with Thom Mayne and a class of graduate architecture students at UCLA. They designed it, Thom Mayne, a Priztker Prize winning architect was the man at the helm and while Brad Pitt definitely made a contribution he was more of the money behind the operation. I don’t doubt that he’s passionate about art and architecture. He’s made connections to some firms in the field who accept him, such as Graft Lab where he truly went into the studio and would work with the other architects, but that doesn’t give him a degree or the knowledge that goes with it just the passion to be incredibly interested in pursuing it as much as his lifestyle makes possible. At the end of the day, he will always be an actor from hollywood, and unfortunately most of academia will never take him seriously.

      • Ennie says:

        Hardly anyone works by himself. Even geniuses have to partner to ceate sucessful companies.
        Instead of appreciating whatever good a person has, it seems that the cool thing is diminish it.
        Even if he pertnered, even if he worked in a team, the product is there. Brad is not dumb if he surround himself with smart people to do his ventures.
        Thinking about it, it is good that Brad knows how to work in a team, unlike many of his egocentric colleagues. Thta is a nice trait to have.

  16. Talie says:

    He should just get his degree from Missouri… he’s been saying for years how he is only 3 credits short. It would be great for his kids to see.

    • lettylynton says:

      I just re-read the Esquire article where he once again mentioned not finishing school and being ‘scared’ of ‘that guy’. I hope that’s him taking responsibility, because everyone I graduated with was blazed out of their mind on one drug or another and managed to fit in the last few needed credits. I get the impression Pitt has a low self-worth. Aniston seemed to really love him, as he was, but he seemed to have all of these issues with himself. With Jolie it’s like he’s on a never ending self improvement plan.

      • Sandy says:

        Well, actually it seems like Brad gets to be himself with Angelina. She doesn’t care if he looks like a hobo, not a Ken doll. They seem to have much more in common, and fit well together. He loves art,photography, traveling and kids. When did he enjoy these things with his ex?

      • lem says:

        Pitt figuring out who is he is not the fault/result of either Aniston or Jolie. It took him until he was well into his 30s to figure it out, and I’d argue he still doesn’t have it figured out as he interests really just seem to mirror those of Jolie’s. I think he still has self-esteem issues and that’s part of the reason he throws himself into the “high brow” world of art, design architecture.

      • Iggie says:

        Lol lettylynton I have no idea what you’re on to come to that conclusion. But I got a great laugh reading your absurd and counter-reality and contradictory post. The majority consensus appears to be that Aniston was always trying to change him, that she didn’t truly love him at all for who he was. With Angelina, he is able to truly let go and be himself. She doesn’t try to change his looks like Aniston did. She doesn’t try to stop his interest in architecture like Aniston did when she refused to allow him to indulge in it in their house. Aniston seemed very controlling, like she could never accept Brad as he was. I think she destroyed his self-esteem. With Angelina he doesn’t have to dress up like a Ken doll, he can explore his architecture in and out of the house, he can have his children – have it all really. Angelina clearly truly loves and accept Brad for who he is, I honestly doubt Aniston is truly capable of real love and acceptance, look at the drastic change in Justin since hes been with her – I rest my case. Aniston has to change whoever she gets with. I honestly don’t believe she is truly capable of loving anyone for their selfworth and who they truly are, hence all her men get tired of being her Ken barbie doll and dumping her. Aniston has never truly loved a man, she only ever loves herself and who she can mould and change.

  17. chloe says:

    Eh the “story” is from the Enquirer, I believe about 5% of there stories and that’s from the reality stars that give them interviews. As for Brad’s smarts, who knows, I’m from the midwest and we have accents and are a little laid back so that is portrayed as being dumb in some areas of the country and as for degrees, Mr. Chloe does not have one and he is a a well paid programmer, he’s currently taking courses online and is constantly finding assignments that the has mistakes in them.

  18. Maureen says:

    Whatever the reason, I’m glad they said no. Big stars like this who have believed their own hype for years need to hear “no” sometimes.

  19. marina says:

    The boards of art museum are just about the snottiest people around. They don’t want the kind of publicity the likes of Brad Pitt would bring to their museum.

    If he really wanted it, my advice would be to stop dressing like a hobo and get a haircut and a shave.

    Also, he is not nearly as intelligent as he thinks he is. All he does is regurgitate hyperbole using big words that he thinks it makes him seem intellectual but he always comes off sounding stupid.

  20. Ferris says:

    I have a Jack Russel dog, beautiful dog, very sweet but not overly bright. My mom always refered to this dog as the Brad Pitt of dogs.

    I never thought Brad Pitt had the reputation of being smart.

    • Hautie says:

      OMG. LOL!

      I must own your Jack Russell’s, sister. My little Jack is the sweetest thing, yet dumb as dirt.

  21. kiki says:

    just ask local New Orleans architects about the “Brad Pitt Houses”

    • lem says:

      can you elaborate? i’m curious whether that is as successful as it seems to be or whether there have been underlying issues.

  22. Toot says:

    I know people love to say how “dumb” Brad is, but I don’t think he is. He has survived in Hollywood for a very long time and WWZ was completely on his shoulders and his project. I don’t think if he was as dumb as people claim he would be as successful.

    Also, he was only two credits short of his degree, so he’s not a complete nimrod either.

    • obsidian says:

      agree!

    • Sassy says:

      Vanity Fair has an in depth article about WWZ. Brad is portrayed as just a cog in the wheel of the “Making of WWZ”. He was the money and face. Many, many other studio execs and writers were involved in the finished product. Brad seemed to be flummoxed with not having a viable ending to the film, causing delay in the release. I just read, however, that it is making money, so, whew, the day was saved for Brad.

      • TC says:

        Of course VF would say that. That article was a slam piece on Brad. It was a total hit job. The reality is WWZ was Brad’s baby from start to finish. And it was his brainchild to screen the film for the fans around the world. In essence, he took the movie to the people and they responded favorably with fans tweeting their love of the film after the movie helping to create the buzz. His grassroots efforts at marketing WWZ were so successful that the very next week, Channing Tatum was doing the exact same thing for White House Down, but without the same results.

        I don’t believe that Brad is dumb at all. He has successfully traversed Hollywood for nearly 30 years, giving him membership into a very small club indeed. Considering his career was the result of his own hustle and years of hard work, as opposed to “family connections,” speaks volumes.

        As someone with a BFA in Arts Management and a MA in Art History, I will tell you the art world is full of the snobbiest people you will ever meet (which is why I eventually chose another field to dedicate my life to). Many of them who sit on boards, make fun of the very world (and the people in it) they have been appointed to support and champion. If this is a true story (which I doubt), then Brad is better off taking his resources, influence and connections elsewhere where they would be appreciated.

  23. Jayna says:

    Brad is far from dumb. He’s just not very articulate, though. His interviews during his New Orleans project showed that. How anyone could call him dumb I don’t get.

  24. junegorilla says:

    Definitely seems dumb. My understanding of Board members is that it’s a position that brings status, perks and a hefty check for barely doing anything??? SO dumb wouldn’t matter so much maybe?

    • Mindy says:

      My husband is on the Board of Directors of a statewide Animal Shelter/Charity. I know this is not the same thing, BUT, you’ve got to have BUSINESS SMARTS to be on the Board of Directors. They do a lot.. they’re in charge of overseeing how to raise funds, how the money is spent, who is hired/fired, what needs to be acquired for the operation to run smoothly. Also there are mandatory Board meetings, be they monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly (considering all the traveling he and his family do…. I’m guessing he’d miss more than he’d actually go to). It’s not just opening his own wallet and giving them money, and if he thinks that what a Board members job is… He’s even dumber than he looks.

  25. smee says:

    MOCA relies on donors for 80% of their budget. I would imagine they would want a famous “dumb” millionaire on their board, attracting fans and other dumb millionaires to the museum….

  26. Lil says:

    Brad STupitt!

  27. Sisi says:

    I seem to remember stories of Brad being an art hoarder. He went to art fairs like Basel and just bought out complete collections and all kinds of random items. There was no cohesive vision or a restrain to make conscious purchases displayed in his buying behavior. He just made rash purchases, bought a shitload and likely hoped that maybe something would be valuable in the long run or would make him look ‘arty’ it seemed.
    For a private buyer that’s fine, but for a museum that could be severely problematic person to deal in a place of power, even if that person is not directly in charge of acquisitions.

    • Morgan says:

      More and More Jennifer is looking like a saint, and Angie is looking like a hostage.

      • Iggie says:

        Huh? Sisi never mentioned Aniston or Jolie or hostage. Where on earth did your very random comment come from? O.o? Another mentally ill FFer? Aniston destroyed her image when she stole Justin from Heidi, started spreading her legs for co-stars, become a hard-core alcho and showing up at award shows wasted and slurring, and is now besties with racist fellow homewrecker Handler. Angelina is the saint here and she doesn’t even have to do anything to achieve it just stand next to Aniston. Aniston is simply worthless filth who has sunk so low her stocks and respect has plummeted. And it was all Aniston’s own doing.

  28. Mabs says:

    Omg, thank GAWD someone had the balls to offer direct fact sans apologies. BRAVO MOCA.

  29. nuzzybear says:

    So, a museum rejects a famous actor that has donated millions to them as being too dumb… in a town full of actors.

    Gonna be a bad year for donations.

  30. Guesto says:

    Well, I don’t think Angie is dumb – far from it – and find it hard to believe that if Brad were as dim-witted as he sometimes comes across as, she’d put up with him.

    On that basis, I’d say he’s reasonably intelligent, just struggles a bit to express himself, hence the pretentious dribble he’s prone to coming out with. I’m not a fan of his ‘art’ (it’s a bit like his interviews, unnecessarily complicated, over-fussy, 20 words where three would suffice), but he seems like a decent guy with a good heart.

  31. e.non says:

    well, considering how wrong and underestimated you all have been about pitt’s assorted activities, i suspect he’ll eventually be appointed and be highly successful as a board member…

  32. locamocahgirl says:

    Have you heard him in interviews?! He does come off as dumber than a doornail! If I have to hear one more “Yeah, man!” from him…..

  33. JL says:

    Is Brad Pitt ‘too dumb’ to be on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art?

    YES

  34. Crumpets & Crotchshots says:

    Having money to throw around does not translate into curatorial experience. I’ve curated and worked at museums, and I’ve worked with people who have serious chops in this area, exhibitions they have curated, museums and galleries they have run, articles and books they have written. Collecting is nice, but Pitt’s experience is all armchair.

  35. lolamd says:

    Sorry don’t buy this story at all. I don’t think Brad is dumb I just think he doesn’t articulate as well as Angie does.

  36. The Original G says:

    No, the Enquirer is dumb. Let me add the people who haven’t taken the time to look up what a board member does are dumb too.

    I call BS on this story, anyway.

  37. lucy2 says:

    I’ve always had the impression he wants to appear smarter than he is, and being a movie star, is probably coddled a bit in that regard. I don’t think he’s stupid, but never struck me as very sharp.

    If he’s a supporter of the museum and enthusiastic about art, that’s great – but leave the important stuff to the people who are educated and/or experienced in what it needs to do that job (same for architecture – my degree and work experience have taken a long time!). Plus how often is he around and available to even do the job?

  38. Emily C. says:

    Brad is worse than “kind of” dumb. Angelina didn’t marry him for his brains, that’s for sure. But the truly pertinent point is that there are plenty of people with degrees in art and art history who belong on the board. Brad is merely an amateur. He could be absolutely brilliant and he would not belong there.

    Brad has fallen prey to the Dunning-Kruger effect. He’s not smart enough to realize that he cannot do this.

    • MavenTheFirst says:

      I looked up the Dunning-Kruger effect, a new concept for me! Thank you!

      Brad seems to fit. I wonder how that fits with narcissism.

  39. coe says:

    Um, if Brad Pitt ever wanted a seat on that board, or ANY board, believe you me, Brad Pitt would get it. A large part of any Board member’s role is to bring positive attention and financing via fundraising. Why do you think so many non-profits organizations/charities try and land celebrities to be “global ambassadors”? Brad Pitt would be the catch of the century, “dumb” or not.

    • Jessica says:

      Arts organizations aren’t like charities that do work in third world countries, help with disaster relief etc. Those types of charities will let just about anyone be an ambassador or front a campaign so long as it makes them money, because the end goal is to provide people with food or clothing or clean water. It doesn’t matter if the celebrities asking people to donate to Africa think Africa is one massive country.

      Arts organizations rely heavily on their image, and who they let on the board has a lot to do with that. If they let Brad Pitt be on the board and a whole bunch of artists, patrons, scholars etc. start to think the board and therefore the museum is a joke, it will have a huge negative impact. Especially at a museum like MOCA that deals with a lot of living artists. If MOCA stops being a place where the big names want to exhibit, if the interesting work is going elsewhere, the money will follow and the handful of people showing up each day because they read an article in People and thought MOCA was a film Brad Pitt was starring in won’t make up for that.

      • Katherine says:

        ” If they let Brad Pitt be on the board and a whole bunch of artists, patrons, scholars etc. start to think the board and therefore the museum is a joke, it will have a huge negative impact”

        Why would anyone, including artists, think Brad Pitt being on the board was a “joke”? Brad’s rep in the industry and in LA the city is a respected one. Some people need to stop reading gossip rags and pay attention to the real world.

    • Kelis says:

      I’m sorry but Brad is clearly not considered a catch in the high brow Arts. Which is evidenced by the fact that they rejected his offer. He cant even buy a seat there because the people in those circles are not mere movie stars. They are billionaire industrialits, old old money, tech billionaires, oil tycoons etc etc. They snigger at Brads chump change. And since he is not qualified either, this is where we are.

  40. lambchops says:

    Think he’s savvy in terms of his movie career and his persona borrowed a bit from James Dean, but behind it I’ve always sensed he’s not traditionally bright and intellectual. He has interesting hobbies and interests, but that doesn’t make him bright.

  41. j.eyre says:

    I am going to take this in a different direction. The Los Angeles museums have been plagued with problems for years and they are all trying to clean-up their messes and move on. The Getty Institute just had major shakeup with their director and stumbled out of it, LACMA is completely rebuilding their campus and has openly courted high-profile patrons with well-publicized events to gain support for their endeavors. They will be housing the museum of the Motion Picture Academy in one of their buildings, firmly establishing their marriage to the Hollywood connection.

    MOCA’s board problems are quaking the foundation of the museum currently. Their director completely polarized the governing body of the museum and progress came to a standstill. The factions have been feuding for two years now and this may all be politics and nothing to do with intelligence. If anyone said that, then they are throwing up a smoke screen or it is an extension of the current political warfare which happens to currently be between hollywood and the art world.

    As we can read on any Brad/Angie post, they are polarizing and it is the last thing MOCA needs if they want to survive with the new LACMA plans.

  42. Sandy says:

    I don’t think Brad has a degree in art history, but he was a semester away from a bachelor’s degree. As someone stated above, having a degree does not necessarily make you smarter than a person who doesn’t have any degrees, but he did nearly finished college. He can’t be as dumb as people think he is. He sure isn’t dumb, it comes it being a business man. He helped WWZ gross $ 500 million, which was determined to flop, an entire year before release.

  43. Bonjour says:

    He is not that bright but he tries to act like he is some kind of intellectual and in doing so that makes him seem even dumber that he is.

  44. madchen says:

    Being on a museum board has less to do with intelligence than money, which he has a lot of. Non-profit art Boards are often made up of a combination of big donors, moneyed opinion makers and experts in the field. I would think they’d seriously consider him if he were ready to regularly write checks. As for his intellect, a few years ago I worked with someone who played poker with him in an ongoing game. They said he was an incredibly nice guy but not very bright.

    • bluhare says:

      Thank you!! I’ve been on a non profit board, and smarts had very little to do with it. They wanted people who would bring attention and money.

      Brad Pitt could do both, and he’s got a history of art/architecture love. I think all this calling him dumb stuff is really rude and cruel.

  45. Paloma says:

    This truly tickles me. I am not a Brad hater; guess I needed a good chuckle.

  46. pwal says:

    It’s entirely possible that the board didn’t want him because they think he wasn’t bright enough; but then again, this story could also be another attempt to undercut the successes he continues to experience, despite many vested parties fighting his progress subtly and overtly for the last several years.

    Either way, he’ll be fine, whether posters, Kaiser, and MOCA thinks he’s too dumb to deserve it.

  47. Bohemia says:

    i don’t think Brad is dumb. i think he can be on a museum board. this is snobby of MOCA, if true.

  48. lulu says:

    I think people calling brad dumb want something to make them feel better about themselves,we all know this story is BS.

  49. Katherine says:

    Many people don’t have much of an understanding of who sits on boards of museums and galleries or an understanding of what boards do.

    You think Ari Emanuel has some qualifications Brad is missing? Lol!

    Brad would be a great addition to their board. Period. Quite frankly if Brad was receptive to being on their Board MOCA would jump at it.

    • marina says:

      Well, agents are usually much smarter than the actors they represent. Without them, most of these idiots would just be really good looking waiters and waitresses.

      • Katherine says:

        Oh, please. Don’t make me laugh.

        Agents have more chutzpah more than anything else. LOL!

  50. Hellen says:

    Oh I love this story. You have no idea. Brangelina are extremely pious. It’s always wonderful when someone reminds them that they’re just actors with little credibility. God bless MOCA. I’m a graduate with an art degree and I can very confidently say that to hire Brad Pitt with no degree and no experience would be a colossal mistake. Bravo if this is true.

    • Bea says:

      A perfect example of when having a degree does not equal being smart, and in this case, ironically – a degree in “art”.

      MOCA would not be “hiring” anyone to a position on the board. Board members are appointed or elected and not hired.

      • Katherine says:

        LOL! Yes, Bea, you said it. Maybe an art degree has too many fun required courses – is it even believable that a college graduate doesn’t know the difference between a board member and an employee for any institution.

        People with experience on boards or in working with boards should know the difference.

  51. MavenTheFirst says:

    Maybe Brad forgot to put on his serious glasses when he met with people.

    Brad Pitt’s art collection is more than likely due to Brad having his own curator.

    Given all the truly and vastly knowledgeable experts out there, he’s got a nerve.

  52. sharylmj says:

    He can’t be that dumb, he makes a crap load of money and has a beautiful partner and family. I think he just comes off that way because he is uncomfortably horrible during interviews.

    • Anna Scott says:

      Yes, he can. I know quite a few dumb people who have children (terrifying, I know) and run businesses. It takes all kinds of people, however, in this instance he just doesn’t measure up. He needs to accept it and move on.

  53. Meg says:

    Brad’s had his hand in quite a few very well done films. you cannot be an idiot and have that big of a hand in the films he’s been in and have them turn out so well. you just can’t. i think he’s like channing tatum-maybe not book smarts but still smart

  54. LaurieH says:

    People who serve on art museum boards tend to have degrees in fine art, art history, etc…they don’t just “like” art. Brad took architecture in college. That’s about the extent of his art credentials. Sure, he has artistic talent for acting and film production, but an art museum is not a film institute. I would well imagine that a person with a master’s degree in art history, who has written various books on the subject (and for whom career opportunities are rather limited) would appreciate being bumped out of consideration because some pretty-biy actor used his celebrity and wealth to buy himself a spot on the board.

    • Anna Scott says:

      I agree with your comments. Just because one likes something doesn’t mean they’re experts. For example, I like watching tennis. Can I apply for a tennis commentator job? I could but I know I will never get it. Most board members of any institutions are well educated and accomplished individuals. While Pitt’s movie are successful for most parts, in different than Hwood circles success is defined differently.

    • TC says:

      “Brad took architecture in college. That’s about the extent of his art credentials.”

      Actually, that’s not true. Other than designing jewelry and collecting art, Brad apprenticed with the renowned architect Frank Gehry and has collaborated with him on several architectural projects.

      His love for architecture has been well established, evidenced by his Make It Right foundation and the prominent number of architects Brad himself has been able to secure to create quality affordable housing in the Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans. Brad has also won a design award for his Make It Foundation for ensuring that each house is built with a focus on energy efficiency, quality construction, ability to withstand major storms and even generate their own power with solar panels on the roof (green building).

      In addition to his partnership with Gehry, Frank Pollard serves as Brad’s furniture design partner. And while many non-designers may not agree with the design aesthetics, the collection received great reviews from their well established design peers.

      So contrary to what you and many others may believe, Brad has solidly established himself in the design world outside of Hollywood.

      And as someone with an MA in Art History will tell you, art Boards are made up of individuals who have money, influence and the ability to convince others to write checks with many zeros on the end. Boards are not made up of art historians! It’s the art historians who are staffed by the museum and do the curating for the museum. Boards are individuals who are appointed to the Board to raise money, secure corporate sponsors and bring visibility to their museum. Given his design background and his passion for it, Brad is very well qualified to sit on any Board of any museum.

  55. Holden says:

    Maybe he should finish his degree and reapply…

  56. Lark says:

    Bullshit. Museum boards have rich old fogeys who have no clue about art sometimes-although it is wrong, I bet Brad could serve if he wanted to on the board.

  57. d says:

    I think the problem here isn’t Pitt’s intellectual ability, but rather ego. As noted, it’s all very well to have good intentions, but I wouldn’t blame someone who’s devoted their life and career to art history, art curation, etc. for feeling insulted by Pitt wanting a seat on the board and getting it. He may well be interested in art and art history and want good things for the museum, but I fear his ego wants it more to prove that he’s got intellectual heft, more than to demonstrate his passion for art or for the museum’s goals. I mean, we don’t know him or his motives, but from past actions, I can’t help but suspect his motives.
    I like Brad Pitt, I like watching his movies. He’s not a superior actor, but his movies are good and I do think he’s got some talent for the business. But I don’t know that he feels all that comfortable or happy with himself, esp. being with Angelina. She does seem like she’s a lot “smarter”.
    I do think Pitt’s got smarts though, just a different set. Maybe he just needs to accept himself and concentrate on striking out on his own with his talents, rather than trying to be accepted by a community that will never really accept him anyway.
    I believe he’s a nice guy too.
    I was watching the Assassination of Jesse James this weekend and I think he’s got the chops to show inner pain (although I don’t know that he’s really done his best work yet on that). I dunno, I’m rambling. I think I just find comments about someone’s smarts/intellectual ability/brightness to be mean. There’s a lot to be said for kindness, but we don’t seem to care for that enough these days (yes, I know, celebitchy, blah, blah, blah).

  58. taxi says:

    Usually, the most important criteria for a board position is business knowledge. Board members approve budgets, develop long-range financial growth, acquisition & stability plans, plan fundraising and attract high-end patrons & donors. Since board members put in a great deal of their own time and money, they are typically wealthy & have strong personal interest in the cause of the institutions they serve.

    Board members don’t curate & needn’t have degrees or special training. Look at the composition of the boards for your local hospitals. Very few are MDs.

    If this story is true, MOCA missed an opportunity to utilize a man with proven business expertise & very strong connections in many areas.

    • d says:

      ah, good points. on the whole, he’s most likely a good dude and probably would do more good than harm, so…yeah, there you go.

  59. cs says:

    Kaiser,
    Thank you for recognizing that Brad’s movie will make money for the studio. They forget TV rights, DVD/Blue-Ray rentals/sales. Which most in the film industry say is where the studio’s make their profit because they receive 65% on every dollar and the low overhead.

    Kick-Ass II was made because it Kicked-Ass (no pun intended) in DVD/Blue-Ray sales/rentals. It actually didn’t do great Movie Box Office.

    Can you imagine if WWZ had opened in China? There’s still a chance.. Cross my fingers. What will the haters do?
    If not, I predict the world-wide movie Box office will be $525- $540.

  60. ray says:

    He is dumber than dumb and a joke. No one takes him seriously.

  61. La jolie now Andrea says:

    LACMA’s loss!!! I wonder if they would turn down Bill Gates. He didn’t even bother finisihin any college courses right? Seems kind of self-destructive too since Pitt has been instrumental in supporting the museum through some really tough times and he has proved what an astute artist and businessman he is.

  62. La jolie now Andrea says:

    Board members are not curators. These “sources” are the dummies.

  63. La jolie now Andrea says:

    Whoever wrote this has no clue. Certainly no clue as to the role of a museum trustee (board member). The board doesn’t either curate shows or actually run a museum. That’s why a museum has curators and a director. Input on direction sure, but fund raising yes and the writer doesn’t even mention that.

    • EscapedConvent says:

      Absolutely right. Being on a board is a different thing entirely. I don’t see how Brad Pitt being on a museum board diminishes the career or value of anyone else, either with or without Ph.D degrees.

      And while we’re mentioning people without university degrees, does anyone remember Peter Jennings? He dropped out of high school. Just a thought.

  64. moon says:

    I feel bad for Brad. Just because he didn’t get some fancy art degree or speak about art in fancy verbose terms doesn’t mean he’s not knowledgeable about art. This just sounds like art snobbery to me.

  65. Jaxx says:

    “Just because he can buy art doesn’t mean he can curate it.”

    That quote right there shows this article to be pure BS. A board member is not a curator. They are two widely different positions. Massive intelligence is not a requirement for sitting a board. Usually money and influence goes further.

    This story is just mean spirited.

    • Katherine says:

      “This story is just mean spirited”

      And most likely completely fabricated.

      MOCA could not be this stupid – either to turn down someone like Brad Pitt or to discuss it if it were true.

  66. KateK says:

    What a funny world. Unlike 90% of celebrities, Brad actually tries to educate himself about the world. And he gets harshly judged for it. What’s wrong with the guy wanting to develop a more refined taste? He has the right to appreciate art and all the fine things related to it just as anyone else. And as others already explained, he’s not stealing anyone’s job or doing any harm. He just wants to take part in the museum.
    Maybe if he told more fart jokes and held his ignorance like a badge of honor, people would be less snobby about him. This behaviour is working wonders for Jennifer Lawrence and a bunch of other people right now, isn’t it?

  67. palermo says:

    Brad Pitt is a male bimbo. Used to be cute but was always a dummy. What few brain cells he had he burned with all the weed he smokes.

  68. Kat says:

    Being on the board of a museum has nothing to do with managing it. That is left to museum staff. Museums need money. A seat on the board is essentially a money making/fund raising role. If Brad Pitt can raise money for the museum due to his high profile, he deserves to be on the board. BTW..the Enquirer article is ridiculous. He’s been collecting “Old Masters”….therefore he should be on the board of a contemporary art museum…..now that’s a dumb comparison.

  69. allheavens says:

    What method other than observation are some of you using to arrive at the conclusion that Pitt is not intelligent?

    Intelligence IS quantitative so mere observation and subjectivity are not reliable or provable.

    Many of you commenting on the privilege of Pitt’s supposed elitism are displaying the exact elitist snobbery you claim to abhor.

    Art should be more populist, maybe Pitt can bring a different perspective to the board.

    • Holly says:

      Well, Brad has to dress himself using Garananimals, so I don’t think he is all that bright.

  70. Amelia says:

    How can he be dumb and be able to amass such an incredible wealth. He may not have a collge degree, but I suspect the guy is pretty smart. There are many people with degree’s that may be termed smart but not wise.

  71. Bird says:

    Brad, WASH YOUR HAIR. And your clothes.

  72. pwal says:

    I think Brad is smart. While I don’t understand some of the things he has done i.e. Paltrow and Aniston, I think that for the most part, he’s smart. As for the ‘articulation’ problem, I think that it’s more about discomfort versus inability. He has always been guarded, even when he was Oprah back in the 90s. It was during the first months of his dating Aniston, and he resisted, gently, answering Oprah’s questions. Back then, he was still in the good books with these hosts/journalists, but after the split, the walls went and stayed up, although there have been perceived slips (i.e. being bored, depressed and high during the marriage) that makes him stay on his talking points. Except with Charlie Rose. To me, Pitt’s talks with Charlie Rose have been pretty consistent and good- maybe because Rose isn’t a villager with a torch and a pitchfork.

    It makes a difference if the person who is talking to /interviewing you isn’t out to get you. But definitely, Brad needs to work on that anxiety. Angelina doesn’t have that problem, since she seemed to always say whatever and fcuk the consequences. Of course, it helps that she has never said anything really cruel about someone or threw shade. Plus, Angelina get to talk to non-entertainment journalists who likely aren’t out to create clips/moments that will go viral, so that adds to her ease in dealing with the press.

    Plus, IMO, Angelina is smarter than Brad, and Brad doesn’t seem to mind that at all. And maybe Brad knows that surrounding yourself with smart people forces you to step up your game. I think it shows in his film choices since he’s been with Jolie. Being around a smarter person can be very motivating.

  73. bet says:

    Why viewers still make use of to read news papers when in this
    technological globe all is presented on web?

  74. Aunt Bea says:

    Yup.