Brad Pitt 1991 film "Across the Tracks"; Pitt portrayed Joe Maloney, a high school runner with a criminal brother, played by Rick Schroder. After years of supporting roles in film and frequent television guest appearances, Pitt attracted wider recognition in his supporting role in Ridley Scott's 1991 road film "Thelma & Louise". He played J.D., a small-time criminal who befriends Thelma (Geena Davis). His love scene with Davis has been cited as the event that defined Pitt as a sex symbol. After "Thelma & Louise", Pitt starred in the 1991 film "Johnny Suede", a low-budget picture about an aspiring rock star, and
Craig J. Nevius mistakenly assigned to the same dorm room as an extroverted actress played by Helen Slater. "Happy Together" is notable for featuring Brad Pitt (pre-"Thelma & Louise") in his first film role. Pitt was cast by Nevius when the producer and director could not decide between Pitt and another unknown actor. After "Happy Together", Nevius began working with the noted low-budget producer and director Roger Corman. While working for Corman, Nevius also began a second career as a producer. He wrote and produced in several genres ranging from suspense thriller (Ladykiller (1996) starring Ben Gazzara and "Death's Door" starring David Carradine)