I’ll marry my husband again and again – Mercy Johnson

Mercy Johnson is a well known Nollywood star in Nigeria, nay Africa. After taking a break from the klieg lights to get married and have her baby, she’s now ready for a new project – the Mercy Johnson Foundation. See excerpts of her recent interview with a national newspaper, Sun. You were at OJB’s house to see him and donate money, now you are here to donate to the Boys Reform Home in Lagos. What’s the idea? No idea, we are just promoting the ideals of Mercy Johnson Foundation. The idea is to identify the needs, evaluate and help in our own little way. All fingers are not equal; those in position to help should do so without hesitation. You will be hearing a lot about Mercy Johnson Foundation from now on. We have put our house in order and now ready to help those we can. I strongly believe that as stars we should live beyond the euphoria of stardom and the moment. We will not always be here, what happens if you look back and realise you could do a lot to make the world better when you had the spotlight and you didn’t? I want to live beyond the moment. Why the reform homes in Lagos? I know I’m not glamorous to a lot of people, but we must know that if we do charitable things for publicity alone, we defeat the purpose. We need to find ways to reform young boys and girls otherwise they will make life uncomfortable for the children of the privileged. At this point, I must commend the government of Lagos State for making efforts at reforming the kids. We are looking at what we can do with the state to help make the future of these children better. Motherhood seems to have changed you… Yes, motherhood changes women. You begin to see yourself as a co-creator. You begin to see yourself as a protector. Few days ago, I was feeding Purity and she started dragging the bottle with me with the hot water in it. She pushed the bottle, I had to quickly push her away from the water and let it pour on my arm instead. That’s the kind of protection I am talking about. I think it will also make you feel more responsible for other children as well. You begin to see them as children of some other mothers. You have a sense of responsibility to want to protect them as well. How are you coping with your husband and the baby? There’s nothing like coping, he’s making my job easier. He dots on her. He carries her, feeds and does everything for her such that she misses him when he’s not around. You won’t believe she sleeps on his chest every night. He understands whatever adjustment I need to make when it comes to the baby. He’s a loving father? What about being a loving husband? Come on now, you know that Sam. He’s the best thing that happened to me. People usually say men are not reliable, in the case of my husband he’s a blessing. It’s obvious we are his priority. So, your step of faith is paying off? Yes. I am not saying its perfect, but this is close to perfection. If this is what it feels to be married, I want to marry my husband again and again. How come you took a break and still returned as number one in Nollywood? There’s nothing like number one in Nollywood. We are all doing our jobs; it’s just that some people are busier than others. I’m glad of what God has given me. What should we expect from you career-wise? I’m trying to be more selective with what I do. If the script is not good, I don’t want to do it. Our market is getting core aware and advanced as the day goes by. How come you are not an ambassador of any brand yet? We are having discussion with a couple of brands, when we agree with the terms, you will hear from us. However, I need to quickly point out that Mercy Johnson is a blend of youth and family brand. We just can’t stand and represent any brand. If it’s not representing the youths, which is our major consistency or the family, we will not be favourably disposed to it. I can’t at this point be ‘hawking’ cleavages in the name of promoting brand. Things have changed; this is the beginning of a new era for me.

M.I Abaga’s shocking confession…

t’s obvious that there are many deep layers to this diminutive artiste. And what M.I can’t tell through his music he’ll tell you straight up If any one ever had ever had any doubt about his incredible talent, it wasn’t M.I as he regaled the station crew of Dream 925FM, where he chose to hang out just a few hours before the Star Music Trek concert in Enugu on Saturday,with exciting snippets of his ‘grass to grace’ days. Who knew that in his ‘hustling’ days he was popular Jeremiah Gyang’s Personal Assistant? And that he met Waje and Djinee in Enugu for the first time while struggling to establish his career? And who knew that 7000 miles away from home, (U.S,) a lonely M.I had to resort to washing toilets to put food on his table? And that even after returning to Nigeria, while passionately nurturing massive dreams of fame and fortune, this artiste also had to work as a waiter at a popular café in Jos? Does hard work pay? All you have to do is look at M.I’s life to find the answer. Also the artiste also took time to reiterate his strong passion for indigenous music with popular artistes such as Mr Raw, Olamide and Phyno leading its enormous growth. M.I said “I’m really proud of these indigenous art forms and it’s a blessing for me to be a part of an industry that has notable artistes such as Olamide, Phyno, Mr Raw and others in it.” “This is the future of great music in Nigeria,” he added

Tope Alabi releases statement on her alleged sex scandal

Responding to Prophet Ajanaku’s story which was published yesterday, Gospel singer, Tope Alabi, via her facebook page, some minutes ago, addressed her fans saying: “My Friends, No matter the negative rumour you hear or read, I want you to know it’s never true and not inspired by the living Jesus Christ…and I will never compromise my faith in God by the grace of God. God is at work.” Oh well – so who is the liar?

The ‘BEEF’ between Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo

The ‘BEEF’ between Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo The ‘BEEF’ between Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo By Kaymi on July 6, 2013 kanu-nwankwo Unknown to many, two of Nigeria’s great and Ex-Super Eagles skippers, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo are not having the best of relationship but often try to keep it away from the media. The sour relationship between them started many years ago after the midfield maestro quit international football. Kanu who at that time won the FA Cup with Portsmouth FC was selected alongside Austin Okocha to decide who got the ambassadorial honour for Fidelity Bank Plc. Due to the influence of Kanu among some South East governors, the former Arsenal striker won it and this did not go down well with Jay jay. The two, according to a very close source, have often avoided each other any time event brings them together. The source disclosed that, supremacy of sort thus exists between them and it is of note that either of them ever invited another for any personal event in the past.

Tunde And Wunmi Obe move into their N400million Mansion (photos)

it’s been all over the news that Tunde and Wunmi Obe moved into their N400million apartment but Nigerian Entertainment Today has obtained exclusive images of the Lagos palace. DailyStar Nigeria ContactPrivacy-PolicyTerms DON'T MISS Home > News > Tunde And Wunmi Obe move into their N400million Mansion (photos) Tunde And Wunmi Obe move into their N400million Mansion (photos) Bon July 10, 2013 It’s been all over the news that Tunde and Wunmi Obe moved into their N400million apartment but Nigerian Entertainment Today has obtained exclusive images of the Lagos palace. Inside Photos from Tunde and Wunmi Obe's Lekki Home (8) Built for over six years, according to those close to the couple, the property sits on over two plots, with facilities including a swimming pool, audio visual studio, bar and lounge, guest chalet, patio, gym, Sauna, basketball court and conference/meeting rooms. Entertainers since day one, Tunde and Wunmi have been around for decades, performing as comedians, musicians, recording artistes and writers, ; and they’re most widely known for their work on the now rested Charly Boy show, as well as hits like Mogbo Moya, Palava, Fine Bara and Adupe. Tunde is the son of a late Ambassador, while Wunmi, who also owns a beauty business, is the duaghter of late Punch founder Olu Aboderin. See mind blowing photos of the mansion below

Psquare’s babymama, Lola Omotayo replies Tonto Dikeh, defends Mercy Johnson on twitter

Peter Okoye’s baby mama, Lola Omotayo, via her twitter handle, defended Mercy Johnson a few hours ago, She tweeted “A woman has a baby and willingly goes back to work, why question her decision or even suggest she was forced to?

2face Idibia looking old and sick in recent times (photos)

This evening, one lucky girl will be crowned the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria for 2013 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa – and to decide this win is 35 year old movie star, Omotola Ekiende who is one of the panel of judges. We also gathered that top nollywood acts and special guests have been invited to grace the red carpet.

I don’t read the news, I make the news” – Denrele Edun clears the air on his weird character

You had issues with her family over her death… Well, I believe when you are friends with someone and something like this happens, the family would want to know what actually happened and the only person to give the answers would be the closest friend. Fortunately for me, the day Goldie came back, her younger brother was at my house, he had been around two days before then. Goldie never told me she was coming back that day, as she wanted to surprise me. So I’m grateful her brother was around. But as Yoruba, such scenario is not farfetched and more so, the family needed answers and felt there were mysteries involved. So I was in the middle of it all and there was nothing I could do, than to live through it. You were supposed to start a reality show together… Yes and it had even started airing. Actually I was approached to a do a reality show, where I would be followed for a couple of weeks and it would be documented. So I decided to do it with her because it was at the point when she came back from Big Brother Africa (BBA) and things weren’t going on too well for her. Many Nigerians judged her from what they saw on BBA, so I felt it was a way to break the jinx and it was exciting. What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done on the red carpet? I remember way back that there was a particular lady that I asked if she had underwear on and she said no. I asked her if I could see and she said yes. So I open her blouse and peeped through, it was really funny. Another presenter also tried the prank and he got slapped, so then I realised I could probably get away with anything. Also there was a moment on red carpet when I threatened Senator Remi Tinubu that if she didn’t grant an interview, I would put my leg out and she would fall flat on her face. I could have gotten slapped or worse because it was risky to have said that, but she saw the humor in it. Talking about your personality, who is Denrele in and out of the house? I don’t think there is a clear distinction between the two. I’m the same person both indoors and out there and the way I relate with my audience is the same way I relate with my family. The only side of me I might say people don’t know is that, I’m very sentimental when it comes to my family and I’m very strict with my siblings. So I’m just the same person; fun loving, unpredictable, wild, and as some would say, humble. I don’t have a personal assistant, a manager or a PR person. I do most of the things myself. When exactly did you grow into this personality? I used to be very shy when I was much younger and for the transformation, I would guess that it was the environment where I grew up, because as a young person, I never had the opportunity to express my individuality. It was not until I got out on Kiddie Vision 101 that I decided to evolve into somebody else. Although I was still a bit shy and I couldn’t put my hair out, so I would tie a scarf and afterwards use a hairnet, so that my hair would be suppressed. Also I would wear baggy jeans and shirts because I was little worried about how skinny I was. I felt I look unhealthy and I had a little insecurity about how I looked. But when I gained admission into UNILAG, I wasn’t sure and by then I used to wear face caps, but then I got into modeling. The first person I ever modeled for was Kesse Jabari and that encouraged me that my skinniness was worth something. So I would cut the two shirts and jeans I had then into different designs and make my hair into different styles. Everyone in UNLAG thought I had gone mad, my lecturers were outraged and even my close friends refused to work with me. At that point, I had a lot of negative criticisms. But my parents were very supportive, they know I don’t drink, smoke or womanize, so they just let me be. But I also had the negative attitudes from some of my family members. All I wanted to do was express my individuality.

DailyStar Nigeria ContactPrivacy-PolicyTerms DON'T MISS Home > News > “I don’t read the news, I make the news” – Denrele Edun clears the air on his weird character “I don’t read the news, I make the news” – Denrele Edun clears the air on his weird character By Kaymi on July 26, 2013 Adenrele Olufemi Edun is one celebrity with a wild personality and a VJ who has earned a reputation for being really good at what he does. In a recent interview with Tribune, he talks about his style, his last moments with artiste, Goldie, the gay allegations and controversies, among other things. See excerpts below: What exactly was your relationship with Goldie? Susan Olubimpe Harvey aka Goldie and I were best of friends and whilst in death, we still remain best of friends. I met her in 2006 around the time I featured in Dbanj’s ‘Why me’ video which many artistes loved and also wanted me to be in their video. So I received a call from her and when we met at her house, then she told me she wanted me to be in her video. She gave me the song to go and listen to, but funny enough, I didn’t even listen to the song, but I told her I liked it. I remember she offered to pay me N50, 000, which was a really good deal back then, but I featured in the video without collecting any money from her and that was how we struck our friendship and became very good friends. What are your memories of her? We shared a lot of memories together that was so much fun. Since Goldie had been in the industry, there was none of her videos that I wasn’t a part of. We were so close that we practically knew everything about each other. We had the same body proportion, despite her womanly curves. We could both fit perfectly into each other’s outfit especially when I wanted to get something for or her or vice versa. We used the same shoe size, we loved the same taste of perfume and music and we were just so really close. I remember once when I had typhoid and malaria and Goldie’s last performance was at the Ember Creek. She was to perform with a life band, something she had never done before and that worried her. Artistes like MI, Sasha, Nneka and others had performed and she was the last person to perform. I introduced her to the stage and despite how sick I was, we danced so hard at the show that night and it was really fun. Can you share your last moments with her? I was with her when she came back from the Grammies and I wouldn’t say I watched her die, but rather, I saw her die. I was at the hospital and I saw as she was taken to the morgue and I can say whilst in death, we still had the connection. News had it that you said Goldie died in your arms… I guess I was misquoted because I didn’t say anything of such. What happened was that I was there when she got back and she just started complaining of headache that came from nowhere. She started crying and gasping for breath. So we rushed her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. I couldn’t easily comprehend what happened because she had never been sick and the only thing that ever worried her was flu and cough. But I guess people wanted answers at the time and because I couldn’t talk then, they started making generalisations. It was a crazy period for me and I also went through a lot after her death. Some also say you introduced her to drugs. What’s your take on that? Goldie and I never did drugs. The only thing we ever took was white wine, which wouldn’t even exceed one glass. She loved white wine and I started drinking it because of her. There was never a time that drug was involved between us and I guess people just misunderstood what they saw, because they found it hard to see two friends in the same industry who do not see themselves as competitors or rivals, but rather looking out for the best interest in the next person. And such was the world of Goldie and I. You had issues with her family over her death… Well, I believe when you are friends with someone and something like this happens, the family would want to know what actually happened and the only person to give the answers would be the closest friend. Fortunately for me, the day Goldie came back, her younger brother was at my house, he had been around two days before then. Goldie never told me she was coming back that day, as she wanted to surprise me. So I’m grateful her brother was around. But as Yoruba, such scenario is not farfetched and more so, the family needed answers and felt there were mysteries involved. So I was in the middle of it all and there was nothing I could do, than to live through it. You were supposed to start a reality show together… Yes and it had even started airing. Actually I was approached to a do a reality show, where I would be followed for a couple of weeks and it would be documented. So I decided to do it with her because it was at the point when she came back from Big Brother Africa (BBA) and things weren’t going on too well for her. Many Nigerians judged her from what they saw on BBA, so I felt it was a way to break the jinx and it was exciting. What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done on the red carpet? I remember way back that there was a particular lady that I asked if she had underwear on and she said no. I asked her if I could see and she said yes. So I open her blouse and peeped through, it was really funny. Another presenter also tried the prank and he got slapped, so then I realised I could probably get away with anything. Also there was a moment on red carpet when I threatened Senator Remi Tinubu that if she didn’t grant an interview, I would put my leg out and she would fall flat on her face. I could have gotten slapped or worse because it was risky to have said that, but she saw the humor in it. Talking about your personality, who is Denrele in and out of the house? I don’t think there is a clear distinction between the two. I’m the same person both indoors and out there and the way I relate with my audience is the same way I relate with my family. The only side of me I might say people don’t know is that, I’m very sentimental when it comes to my family and I’m very strict with my siblings. So I’m just the same person; fun loving, unpredictable, wild, and as some would say, humble. I don’t have a personal assistant, a manager or a PR person. I do most of the things myself. When exactly did you grow into this personality? I used to be very shy when I was much younger and for the transformation, I would guess that it was the environment where I grew up, because as a young person, I never had the opportunity to express my individuality. It was not until I got out on Kiddie Vision 101 that I decided to evolve into somebody else. Although I was still a bit shy and I couldn’t put my hair out, so I would tie a scarf and afterwards use a hairnet, so that my hair would be suppressed. Also I would wear baggy jeans and shirts because I was little worried about how skinny I was. I felt I look unhealthy and I had a little insecurity about how I looked. But when I gained admission into UNILAG, I wasn’t sure and by then I used to wear face caps, but then I got into modeling. The first person I ever modeled for was Kesse Jabari and that encouraged me that my skinniness was worth something. So I would cut the two shirts and jeans I had then into different designs and make my hair into different styles. Everyone in UNLAG thought I had gone mad, my lecturers were outraged and even my close friends refused to work with me. At that point, I had a lot of negative criticisms. But my parents were very supportive, they know I don’t drink, smoke or womanize, so they just let me be. But I also had the negative attitudes from some of my family members. All I wanted to do was express my individuality. So is Denrele gay? I think people believe what they want to believe. But a lot of people believe you are. And to prove them right, a picture of you Charley Boy went viral on the internet recently… I don’t read the news, I make the news. The thing is people tend to look for loopholes when they see you doing well. And since people feel I’m feminine in nature, then they think I’m gay. But the truth is I don’t really care about what people say because I’m not fashioned according to what the society expects. And also I think for my personality, if I were gay, the news would have grown from speculations and would have been in people’s face. On the part of Charley Boy and me, I was not expecting the paparazzi that came with the picture. So what was the picture about then? I really don’t want to go into details, but it could have been a controversial agenda, it could have a been a publicity stunt, it could have been the real deal and it could have been photoshopped, but whatever it was, people should just go ahead and make their conclusions. So why is Denrele still single? I’m a hustler and I’m still trying to get myself together. When the time comes, I’ll get married definitely, but there’s no one in the picture now. I’m searching and ready to mingle. Who is your ideal woman? I like someone who would not try to change me and who would understand the complexity that I am. I want someone simple and absolutely free and not intimidated by what I represent. Family background My dad is from Abeokuta in Ogun State, while my mum is partly Indian and part Mauritian. My Indian name is Rajeev Raja. I was born in Hamburg, Germany and I have two younger sisters that are really so dear to me. How was your childhood? I was not born with a silver spoon, but I’ve worked very hard to create one. Although I grew up under a privileged family and at a point life was rosy, then my father lost his job and everything became a reversal of fortune. I had to leave private school I was attending and we had to move out of her duplex. I remember at a time, we were living in an uncompleted building. Everything was just crazy, at a time I had to live with an uncle, where I was more like a house boy, but eventually I was kicked out of the house in the middle of the night and it was during this time that I felt the need to strive for self independence and this process of self actualization started when I was about 11, when I started presenting on Kiddie Vision 101 on NTA. Words for your fans I want to appreciate everyone that has appreciated, celebrated and acknowledged me over the years.

GENNY COOLING OFF IN ASIA WHILE KATE HENSHAW IN AMERICA

OUR OWN NIGERIAN ACTRESS CHIKA IKE TURN SINGLE LADY

Two months after filing for divorce, a high court in Abuja on Friday July 26th granted it to actress Chika Ike. She's officially a single woman now. Chika married Tony Eberiri in 2006 but the marriage packed up a few years later.

THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT BRAD PITT OUR CELEB OF THE DAY

1969

Singing his Praises Even as a 6-year-old choirboy, Pitt turns heads during services at South Haven Baptist Church in his hometown of Springfield, Mo. "You couldn't keep from watching Brad because his face was so expressive," piano accompanist Connie Bilyeu tells PEOPLE. "He would move his little mouth so big with all the words that he attracted everyone's attention." 1986 January Cluck for a Buck Pitt drops out of the University of Missouri's journalism school to pursue acting in Hollywood. He takes a number of odd jobs once he gets there, including dressing up as an El Pollo Loco chicken and chauffeuring a limo for a strip-o-gram service. 1987

December First Kiss Pitt nabs a five-episode guest-starring role on the primetime soap ''Dallas''. He plays Randy, the boyfriend of Priscilla Presley's daughter. "It was real sweaty-palms time for me," he tells PEOPLE of his first smooching scene with actress Shalane McCall. "It was kind of wild, because I'd never even met her before." 1989

Romance Behind the Scenes After meeting 16-year-old Juliette Lewis on the set of the TV movie Too Young to Die, they begin dating. "We were trying to be Sid and Nancy or something," he says of the relationship, which quickly gets serious when they move into a funky L.A. home together. The two, who star as greasy serial killers in 1993's Kalifornia, break up in February of that year 1991

May 24 Ab Fab Pitt steals the show as the often-shirtless hitchhiker who charms fleeing fugitive Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise. He almost didn't get the role, having been cast only when Billy Baldwin bowed out to star in Backdraft. 1992

October 09 Instant Legend Often compared to Robert Redford because of his good looks, Pitt is directed by the screen legend in what the Los Angeles Times calls "a career-making performance" as one of two fly-fishing brothers in A River Runs Through It. "It's like tennis: When you play with somebody better than you, your game gets better," he tells the Chicago Tribune of working with Redford. "But yeah, it made me anxious." 1994

November 11 He's Got Bite In his highest-profile role to date, Pitt holds his own opposite Tom Cruise in the big-screen adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. Pitt's bloodsucking character's sour mood makes shooting the movie a downer. "I hated doing this movie," he tells USA Today. "Hated it. Loved watching it. Completely hated doing it. My character is depressed from the beginning to the end."

December Lucky Number Se7en While filming the thriller Se7en, Pitt becomes smitten with 22-year-old costar Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays his eventually decapitated wife in the film. In December 1996, Pitt proposes to Paltrow and she accepts. "I can't wait, man," he tells Rolling Stone. "...walk down the aisle, wear the ring, kiss the bride. Oh, it's going to be great." Seven months later, they call off their engagement. 1995

January 30 Life Ain't the Pitts PEOPLE names Pitt the Sexiest Man Alive. "Brad is one of the most attractive and talented men in the world," Vampire producer David Geffen tells PEOPLE. "He's going to be one of the biggest actors out there." December 27 Committed Eager to deglamorize himself, Pitt appears as a twitchy mental patient in the sci-fi thriller Twelve Monkeys. As part of his preparation, the actor checks into a psychiatric ward at a Philadelphia hospital for one day. The role earns Pitt his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. 1996

October You're Money, Baby Pitt scores a reported $17.5 million up front from Universal Pictures to star in the upcoming feature Meet Joe Black. It's his first mega-star-worthy paycheck after receiving $10 million for each of his previous two films 1998 May Not Just Friends Pitt and Friends star Jennifer Aniston go on a first date brokered by their respective managers. While neither will reveal who asked for it, both seem pretty happy with the result. While they initially go out of their way not to be photographed together, the pair eventually admit that they are indeed a couple, with Pitt reluctantly telling Oprah Winfrey in October, "Uh, we met through friends." 1999

October 15 Box-Office Knockout Pitt appears as Tyler Durden in the hyper-violent Fight Club. To fully get in shape for the role – a sleazy, leather-jacket-wearing waiter who runs an underground slugging joint – Pitt practiced boxing and tae kwon do for months. He also temporarily had caps pried off his front teeth and replaced with snaggles. "My girl likes them," he says to PEOPLE. 2000

July 29 I'll Be There for You Among friends, fireworks and 50,000 flowers, Aniston and Pitt tie the knot on a Malibu bluff, reading marriage vows they composed themselves. Pitt promises to "split the difference on the thermostat" while Aniston pledges to always make his "favorite banana milkshake." Pitt's brother Doug, 33, serves as best man. Aniston chooses two bridesmaids: high school friend Andrea Bendewald, 30, and documentary filmmaker Kristin Hahn-Stringer, 31, one of the first friends Aniston made in L.A. Famous guests include Courteney Cox Arquette and husband David Arquette, Edward Norton, Salma Hayek and Melissa Etheridge

November 13 We're Bringing Sexy Back Pitt is the first man to be named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive twice. "Brad was always gorgeous," says assistant managing editor Elizabeth Sporkin, who oversaw the issue, "but commitment has amped up his inner glow." Pal George Clooney joins him in the honor in 2006 2001

March 02 Pretty Man...and Woman Pitt appears in The Mexican with Julia Roberts, marking the first time the two A-list stars have ever shared the screen together. It won't be the last: they'll team up with George Clooney and Matt Damon later in the year for the remake of Ocean's Eleven. Brad Pitt November 22 The Famous Spouse Playing a formerly dorky high school friend of David Schwimmer's character on Friends, guest star Pitt is invited to Thanksgiving dinner, where he squares off against Aniston's character, an old adversary. It is Pitt's only appearance on the show, although he is a frequent fixture on the set, often playing video games with Schwimmer or talking cars with Matt LeBlanc.

March Pitt Wears Short Skirts Playing the ancient Greek warrior Achilles, Pitt begins filming Troy in a variety of locations, including Mexico and Malta. With production costs coming in around $185 million, it will be the most expensive picture Pitt has participated in, although it isn't the elaborate set that takes the most adjustment. "Let's just say that the skirt took a few weeks to get used to," he tells London's Sunday Times. "It's not even like a kilt. With a kilt, you've got a bit of length, but those Greeks liked the mini." Despite Pitt's overexposure, Troy will be a commercial disappointment when it premieres in May 2004, grossing $133 million domestically.

January Intrigue and Espionage Shooting begins on the spy action movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It doesn't take long for the tabloids to print reports emerging from the set about real-life sparks between Pitt and the film's other title actor, Angelina Jolie. "We try as hard as we can just to stay away from [the gossip]," Aniston says in May. "We try to laugh, of course." Pitt's brother Doug tells PEOPLE, "It's crap. Total crap." Brad Pitt November We Are the World Pitt travels to South Africa to meet with former president Nelson Mandela and call attention to the country's AIDS epidemic before flying to Ethiopia on behalf of a Third World lobby group. "I've spent a wonderful week traveling this beautiful continent," he says in a statement, "listening to the people and learning about the AIDS crisis, the extreme poverty and what people in America can do to help." Continuing their work as social advocates, Pitt and Aniston lend their support to One Voice, a group promoting Middle East peace. Earlier in the year he campaigns for John Kerry and stem cell research.

January 07 Separating Pitt & Aniston Pitt and Aniston formally separate. "We would like to explain that our separation is not the result of any of the speculation reported by the tabloid media," they say in a statement. "This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration." March 25 Mock Family Pitt and Jolie pose for a steamy W magazine spread featuring them as husband and wife. "The only time Brad and Angelina came in contact with each other was to take a picture," an onlooker tells PEOPLE. Yet "there was definitely that wink-wink feeling on the set." Brad Pitt April 19 The Cat's out of the Bag Pictures of Pitt and Jolie frolicking with her 3-year-old son Maddox on Kenya's Diani Beach give credence to tabloid reports that they are a couple. Despite sharing a $2,000-a-night oceanside villa and journeying on a half-day safari at the Shimba Hills National Reserve, the newly crowned "Brangelina" refuse to confirm their coupledom. In June, Pitt denies that Jolie is a "home wrecker" in an interview with Diane Sawyer. Brad Pitt 2006 July 07 Brad Becomes Dad Pitt joins Jolie and Maddox on a trip to Ethiopia, where she adopts Zahara Marley, a newborn orphaned by AIDS. In December, Pitt will petition to adopt Zahara as well as Maddox, becoming the children's legal father and changing their last names to Jolie-Pitt.

2007

March 15 Pitt & Jolie Expand Family Jolie adopts 3-year-old Pax Thien from an orphanage outside Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Pitt is unable to accompany Jolie due to his filming schedule, but she brings 5-year-old Maddox and 2-year-old Zahara to welcome their new brother. She filed for adoption solo because Vietnamese law makes it difficult for unmarried couples to adopt, but in April, she asks a California court to change her newly adopted son's last name to Jolie-Pitt. Brad Pitt May 07 Beauty Inside & Out Pitt is named one of PEOPLE's Most Beautiful, headlining the issue's "Beauty Inside & Out" feature on humanitarianism with Jolie. "Being a father means being concerned about the plight of all children," he says, "especially the children who don't have the opportunities mine have." A week later, Pitt is named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World for "showing off his serious side" with producing projects like A Mighty Heart (starring Jolie) and the documentary God Grew Tired of Us. Brad Pitt August 21 Brad's New Orleans Green House Three months after breaking ground in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, Pitt returns to see the two-story, 1,400-sq.-ft., environmentally-friendly home he built with Global Green USA and the Home Depot foundation. "Katrina was a man-made disaster. This is a man-made solution," Pitt tells PEOPLE of the home he built for low-income victims of Hurricane Katrina. "I think we'll really improve quality of life. That's what I call a victory." 2008

July 12 The Jolie-Pitt Twins Adding to their brood (Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh), Pitt and Jolie welcome twins, a boy, Knox Léon, and a girl, Vivienne Marcheline in Nice, France. Just hours after cutting the umbilical cords, Pitt tells the mayor of Nice, "I'm the happiest father ever." In August, the proud parents debut their twins on the cover of PEOPLE, where Pitt says, "[It's] still a cuckoo's nest." Brad Pitt December 25 One for the Ages With Cate Blanchett, Pitt stars in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, about a man who ages in reverse. The film rakes in $11.8 million opening day, making it the second-highest Christmas-opening of all-time. "It's a movie in the vein of the classics," says Pitt. "[It's a] classic epic, dealing with life and love, and all that fantastic stuff." His performance earns him Golden Globe, Oscar and SAG nominations for best lead actor. 2009

February Brad On Jen vs. Angie Pitt sets the record straight about the alleged rivalry between Aniston and Jolie in the February issue of W. "Listen, man, Jen is a sweetheart. I think she got dragged into that one," says Pitt about Aniston's "uncool" Vogue headline. On his hook-up with Jolie, Pitt explains, "We were still filming [Mrs. & Mrs. Smith] after Jen and I split up. Even then it doesn't mean that there was some kind of dastardly affair. There wasn't," adding, "I'm very proud of the way that it was handled. It was respectful." Brad Pitt August 21 Inglourious Basterds Inglorious Basterds tops the box office with a $37.6 million – the best opening of director Quentin Tarantino's career. Pitt, who plays Aldo "The Apache" Raine, the leader of a troop hunting Nazis, brought the spirit of his character home to his kids. "I'd tell those little 'basterds' to get out there and start scalpin'!" he told PEOPLE. 2011

September 23 Play Ball! Pitt returns to the big screen in Moneyball, a film adaptation of the best-selling book by Michael Lewis. The actor plays Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane in the baseball drama, alongside Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman. "It's shameful how little I know about baseball," Pitt, 47, tells Sports Illustrated of the film which earns him a Best Actor Oscar nomination. "I'm amazed they let me do this movie 2012

April 13 They're Engaged! Pitt, 48, and Jolie, 36, announce their engagement after the actress is spotted wearing a ring Pitt designed with jeweler Robert Procop. "It is a promise for the future and their kids are very happy," Pitt's manager tells PEOPLE. "There's no date set at this time." Brad Pitt October Making Scents Becoming the first male spokesperson for Chanel No. 5, the actor makes his debut for the fragrance line in two 30-second commercials, where he discusses his thoughts on love and longing. The first campaign garners 4 million YouTube views, along with a string of parodies, including a spoof on Saturday Night Live.