Brad Pitt says fatherhood is ‘a true joy’

updated 3:26 p.m. ET July 17, 2006

NEW YORK - 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 aired Monday 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 organization, on a competition to choose ecologically sound designs for rebuilding neighborhoods in post-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 traveled the globe as a U.N. 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 also 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 know, you can write a book, you can make a movie, you can draw, paint a painting, but having kids is really the most extraordinary thing I've ever taken on."

"And, man, if I can get a burp out of that (baby), that little thing," said Pitt, referring to daughter Shiloh, "I'll feel such a sense of accomplishment."

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