by Over his decades-long acting career, Brad Pitt has showcased impressive range on both the big and small screens. But amid his dramatic turns, the movie star has also revealed his silly side in several unforgettable dance sequences on television.
Whether sending up music video tropes, getting groovy with Ellen DeGeneres, or unleashing some smooth moves on the red carpet, Pitt has embraced opportunities to show off his humorous and endearing dance talents.
Let’s take a look back at some of Brad Pitt’s funniest and most GIF-worthy dance moments on TV over the years:
The Infamous ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving Cameo (2001)
Pitt delighted audiences with a surprise guest appearance on the eighth season Thanksgiving episode of Friends in 2001. Playing former classmate Will Colbert, Pitt takes part in the gang’s infamous routine of mocking Rachel’s over-the-top moves from her days in high school dance team.
Decked out in a turkey costume, Pitt fully commits to mimicking young Rachel’s cringe-y choreography with hilarious results. His willingness to look utterly ridiculous in the bizarre yet iconic scene has made it one of the most celebrated moments of the beloved sitcom.
Years later, Pitt’s cameo remains one of the most unforgettable instances of a major movie star letting loose and embracing pure silliness on the small screen.
Parodying the ‘No Scrubs’ Music Video on ‘SNL’ (1999)
In December 1999, Pitt brought his comedy A-game during a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live. The actor popped up mid-show for a pre-taped sketch parodying TLC’s music video for their hit “No Scrubs.”
Pitt took on the role originated by T-Boz in the actual video, donning her signature hairstyle and tracksuit. He then performed hilariously over-the-top interpretations of her dance moves alongside the SNL cast members.
Boasting boundless energy and enthusiasm while “vibing” to the song, Pitt wholly embraced looking goofy. His willingness to make himself the butt of the joke paid off in one of SNL’s most hilarious and well-known parody sketches ever.
Nearly 25 years later, the skit remains a prime example of Pitt’s knack for physical comedy and his game attitude towards mocking his leading man image.
Getting Groovy with Ellen DeGeneres (2004)
During numerous appearances on Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show, Pitt has also revealed his humorous dance moves. But his most legendary routine with the host came in December 2004.
After receiving some playful jabs from DeGeneres about his dance skills, Pitt accepted the challenge when she invited him to boogie. As Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” played, the duo busted out a gloriously silly improvised dance sequence.
With the joyful host leading the way, Pitt let loose – allowing Ellen to spin him around and busting out “The Sprinkler” with zero inhibition. The genuine fun and laughs shared between Pitt and DeGeneres were utterly infectious.
Once again, Pitt proved his ability to poke fun at his star status and embrace some delightful cringe for the audience’s amusement.
Showcasing Some Serious Moves in ‘Burn After Reading’ (2008)
While much of Pitt’s best dance work has focused on humor, he’s also shown off some legitimate moves on camera. Look no further than a classic sequence from the 2008 Coen Brothers comedy Burn After Reading.
Pitt stars as clueless personal trainer Chad Feldheimer who unleashes a display of surprising dancing talent during an moment of rage in the film. After getting fired from his job at Hardbodies gym, Chad returns after-hours to angrily dance out his frustrations across the facility’s floor and equipment.
With an intensity in his eyes, Pitt proceeds to bust out an extended routine that encompasses breakdancing spins, high kicks, splits, and even some floor work. Chad may be an incompetent character, but Pitt impressively performs every complex dance move with precision and commitment.
The scene is completely unexpected within the dark comedy, making Chad’s emotional dance display even more hysterically bizarre and memorable. While played straight, Pitt still mines the inherently humorous aspects of such an over-the-top and oddly cathartic sequence.
Busting Out Dance Moves at the ‘Bullet Train’ Premiere (2022)
Pitt brought back the dance party during promotions for his 2022 action flick Bullet Train, specifically when attending the film’s Paris premiere this past summer.
While posing for photographers on the red carpet, Pitt suddenly started bouncing to the music and throwing out some silly moves. He swayed his arms, kicked his heels, and grinned with infectious exuberance more akin to a kid at a wedding reception than an A-list movie star.
Once again, Pitt reinforced that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. And even while donning an undoubtedly expensive designer suit, he jumped at the chance to let loose and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.
His vibrant display reminded audiences that beneath the big-budget action vehicles and prestigious dramas, Pitt still connects to his innate goofball sensibilities.
The Lasting Appeal of Pitt’s Silly Screen Persona
While highly acclaimed for his dramatic roles, Brad Pitt has proven over decades that he contains genuine comedic skills as well. Specifically when it comes to lower-stakes projects that allow him to send up his leading man image through dance.
Unafraid to look absolutely ridiculous, Pitt has boogied along to parody songs in a turkey costume, perfected slick moves as an enraged gym rat, and spontaneously grooved on live TV with infectious zeal. He’s repeatedly leaned into the cringe and come out all the more hilarious and charming for it.
Pitt has brilliance at striking the ideal balance between prestige performer and good-natured goofball. He possesses a rare combination of world-class talent, sex symbol looks, yet total willingness to subvert it all for audiences’ amusement.
The end results have been pure comedic gold – gif-worthy moments forever crystallized through the magic of television and the internet. They continue to delight fans craving occasional glimpses at Pitt’s endearingly silly side beneath the big-budget star power.
So while Pitt may earn countless accolades for his dramatic work, here’s hoping he still makes time to channel silly characters and parody preening celebrities once again soon. Because few A-listers can so wholly commit to selling utterly ridiculous dance sequences quite like this guy.
