Gwyneth Paltrow recently revisited her high-profile romance with Brad Pitt, comparing it to a fairytale. “Dating him felt like being with Prince William or something,” she told Vanity Fair, nodding to the attention that still surrounds her famous ex. “It’ll always be a talking point.” The Shakespeare in Love star and Pitt, once married to Angelina Jolie, weren’t just a fling—they nearly tied the knot. At the time, they were Hollywood’s golden couple: she was 22, he was 29, and their youthful glamour captivated the world.
© WireImageTheir story began at a table read for Legends of the Fall, but sparks flew on the set of Se7en, the iconic ‘90s thriller filmed in 1994. The romance blossomed over three years, culminating in an engagement announcement in November 1996. Yet, by June 1997, they stunned fans with a sudden split, offering no explanation.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe breakup hit Paltrow hard. She later revealed to Variety that it nearly derailed her career-defining role in Shakespeare in Love, which earned her a Best Actress Oscar. “I was reeling from a terrible breakup,” she said. “The thought of leaving for England, so far from home, was daunting.” Still, after reading the script, she couldn’t say no—a decision that paid off.
© Getty ImagesLooking back, Paltrow shared a telling anecdote with Vanity Fair about her 1990s birthday plans with Pitt. “My boyfriend at the time, Brad, was there to celebrate with me,” she recalled. She asked for a modest 12-hour break, assuming it was routine. One producer agreed, but others guilt-tripped her. “They made me feel like I was asking for the moon,” she said, still baffled. “It was awful.”
© Getty ImagesTime healed old wounds, and the pair eventually rekindled a friendship. “After the split, we lost touch for a while,” Paltrow explained. “But about 18 or 19 years ago, we found our way back, and we’ve stayed close ever since.” Now, as she gears up for her return in Marty Supreme with Timothée Chalamet, Paltrow spoke warmly of Pitt in an Entertainment Tonight interview. “I adore him,” she said. “He’s an incredible person—smart, creative, a great entrepreneur, and just a good guy. I’m a huge fan.”
