Brad Pitt: Angelina Jolie Wants to Make Genetic Testing for Cancer Gene More Accessible

World War Z star says actress showed that the discovery of gene "doesn't have to be a scary thing—it can be an empowering thing"

By Rebecca Macatee Jun 17, 2013 1:48 PMTags
Brad PittCaroline McCredie/Getty Images

Angelina Jolie was able to get tested for the BRCA gene mutation, and when she discovered she had it—and thus carried a very high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer—she made an informed, proactive decision to preventively undergo a double mastectomy. But not everyone has access to health care and the chance to have this potentially lifesaving testing.

On Monday on Good Morning America, Brad Pitt said his longtime love is back to "business as usual," adding that "her focus now is just to make sure all people have access to the [genetic] testing and know what they can do about it."

"We were really surprised and moved how many other people were dealing with the same issue," the World War Z star said. "Her idea was that someone could learn from her story—she would love to share that. It's just been a beautiful thing to watch."

"It seems to be a galvanizing moment for people dealing with this," he said, adding that the discovery of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene "doesn't have to be a scary thing—it can be an empowering thing."

Fortunately, Brad and Angelina's minds are much more at ease now that the mother of six proactively took control of her health. But this proud papa still worries about the Jolie-Pitt brood.

"That's the only thing that keeps me up at night—is everyone safe," he said. While filming World War Z, in which he plays a father protecting his family from a global apocalypse, Brad said he "put those fears into place" to make the movie feel "as real as possible."

And his real sons, Pax and Maddox, were pretty excited for dad to make a zombie flick.

"My boys love these things," he said with a smile. "They were the first impetus to start exploring [the movie]."

It must be pretty cool to watch your dad saving the world on the big screen!