Fans gushed that he’s “ageing like a fine wine” after Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt showed off his famously rugged good looks at a Formula One event in Las Vegas last weekend.
Swooning over the actor, who turns 60 next month, one said, “The man will always be gorgeous. Age just makes him hotter!” Another added, “He just gets better and better, you GO Brad!”
And as he prepares to celebrate his milestone birthday alongside girlfriend of one year, Ines de Ramon, 30, insiders say the star – who’s been locked in a bitter custody battle over his six children since his divorce from estranged ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, 48 – is hoping to become a dad again.
The source says, “Brad and Ines are smitten with each other and she recently moved into his Los Feliz mansion, proving how serious they are. He’s known from the outset that Ines wants to become a mum and that’s something they discussed very early on, given their 30-year age gap.
“Some friends and family were surprised by Brad’s willingness to become a dad again. But he insisted it was something he very much wants too, and after everything he’s been through with his children, he’s keen to make a fresh start and create new memories.
“Brad’s not getting any younger, so it’s something they would like sooner rather than later. He’s even joked about doing the school run in his 70s and hopes that he’ll still be seen as a heartthrob!"
While Brad is planning a fresh start with Ines – who is vice president of a jewellery company and divorced from Vampire Diaries actor Paul Wesley in 2022 – his fractured relationship with his ex-wife continues to make headlines.
According to latest shock reports, Brad’s son, Pax, allegedly blasted his estranged father as a “world-class a-hole” in an Instagram post on his private account on Father’s Day in 2020.
The 16-year-old’s explosive rant – which was said to have been leaked by a “friend” last week – reportedly read, “You have made the lives of those closest to me a constant hell.
“You may tell yourself and the world whatever you want, but the truth will come to light one day. So Happy Father’s Day, you f*****g awful human being.”
Brad formally adopted Pax in 2008 – a year after Angelina adopted him from an orphanage in Vietnam.
The former couple also share adopted children, Maddox, 22, and Zahara, 18, and three biological children – Shiloh, 17, and 15-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne.
After meeting on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2005, while Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston, their bitter split in 2016 was reportedly sparked by shock claims that an intoxicated Brad flew into a furious rage at Maddox and behaved like “a monster” on a private jet from France. Brad strongly denied the claims.
While the actor was cleared of all charges and went on to quit booze and cannabis, neither have spoken out publicly about the incident – though the pair have clashed since then amid custody battles, a contentious legal fight over their French estate, Chateau Miraval, and countless bitter wars of words.
While his older children are now legally considered adults and are not required to participate in visitations, Maddox and Pax are said to have no contact with their father, who’s said to see his younger, biological children regularly, having maintained a good relationship with them.
Last week, Zahara was reported to have dropped “Pitt” from her name, suggesting she too has cut ties with her dad.
And as Brad prepares to celebrate his milestone birthday and start a new family with Ines, insiders say it’s sparked a longing to reconcile with Maddox, Zahara and Pax.
The source says, “While Brad is in a far happier place in his life now, there’s understandably a hole left by the absence of three of his children.
“Over the last couple of years, he’s taken a step back to give them their space and respect their decision for no contact. But as he approaches 60, he feels it’s time to mark a new beginning for them all and is desperately hoping there is still a chance to make amends.
“He’ll be going to Cabo to celebrate his birthday with Ines and some close friends, with Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne joining after.
“He’s written letters to all of them and has asked them to join him at mediation in the new year as a first step in attempting to regain a connection.
“Ines has been instrumental in this – quietly supporting him and encouraging him to do whatever it takes to mend broken relations, especially when they could have a new half brother or step-sister in the not too distant future.
“While he knows they’re not going to magically be back to where they were overnight, Brad’s remaining positive and is praying that in the time that’s passed, the anger will have dispelled and they can start carving out a way to rebuild their relationships.”