Brad Pitt: Kid joy

New York, July 18 (AP): Brad Pitt says being a father has changed his priorities.

“Man, I got kids now,” the 42-year-old actor said in an interview that was aired yesterday on NBC’s Today show. “It completely changes your perspective. And certainly takes the focus off yourself, which I’m really grateful for.”

Pitt is working with Global Green USA, a national environmental organisation, on a competition to choose ecologically sound designs for rebuilding neighbourhoods in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans.

Last week, he got his first up-close look at the devastation that remains almost a year later.

“I’ve had my day,” Pitt said. “I made some films and I’ve really had a very fortunate life. And it’s time for me to share that a bit.”

Pitt and his partner, Angelina Jolie, have three children, 6-week-old Shiloh, 18-month-old Zahara and 4-year-old Maddox. Jolie, 31, has travelled the globe as a UN goodwill ambassador.

“I’m so tired of thinking about myself. I’m kinda sick of myself,” said Pitt, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 1995’s Twelve Monkeys. His screen credits include Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Jolie, Legends of the Fall and the upcoming The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

He said being a parent is “a true joy”.

“Best thing I ever did,” he said. “You can write a book... make a movie... draw... paint but having kids is really the most extraordinary thing I’ve ever taken on.”