Pitt says facial hair a 'very brave' move

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt says he feels "very brave" to have grown a mustache.

The "Burn After Reading" star has downplayed criticism of his new facial look, saying it represents a fashion risk, People.com reported Friday.

"It's fashion," he said of his thin mustache. "Who am I without creative facial hair?

"I consider it very brave."

Pitt, once dubbed the Sexiest Man Alive according to People magazine, grew the mustache for his new role in the movie "Inglourious Basterds."

The actor also took time to joke about fellow actor and friend George Clooney, who also has been spotted with a mustache.

"I cannot get this guy out of my slipstream. He calls me up and wants to know what I'm wearing -- and then he shows up in the same thing," Pitt told People about his "Ocean's Eleven" co-star. "Next thing you know he's going to have six kids. Just got to tell you it's getting really old."