He’s certainly in full steam ahead promotional mode, and Brad Pitt added another cover gig to his efforts by fronting the February 2012 issue of Backstage.

The 48-year-old big screen superstar spoke at length with the publication while beginning with his tale of falling in love with acting/storytelling and working through topics such as the auditioning experience and his take on whether he feels underrated as a thespian.

Highlights from Brad’s interview are as follows. For more, be sure to visit Backstage!

On when he first realized he wanted to be an actor:
“I grew up in Oklahoma and Missouri, and I just loved film. My folks would take us to the drive-in on summer nights, and we’d sit on the hood of the car. I just had this profound love for storytelling. I think it’s just an amazing thing we get to do. We are so complex, we are mysteries to ourselves, we are difficult to each other. And then here’s this storytelling that reminds us we are all the same. I consider it such a privilege.”

On whether he’s ever felt underrated as an actor:
“No. I thought I could always get there or make that turn as long as they let me stay in the game. Listen, I’ve been pretty fortunate. And if I’ve ever been underrated, it’s actually been something I’ve been able to work with; I can surprise people. It sets me up to exceed expectations, so I don’t mind.

Read more. Thanks Gabriella. Can anyone provide (HQ) scans please?

We sit in silent “Fiji” water in the Gulf of Mexico. Swim out and waving his children: “There is nothing that changes your life more than being a father. It’s such a wonderful change your life perspectives. Everything is relative. I would never trade youth for wisdom that I learn every day and go for it!”

He is considering a 50 step down from the canvas: “I want to realize many important projects.”

BILD: You have gray hair. Fear of old age?
“Grey I’m already long, I’m afraid of dying, but not before getting old.”

You can lead a normal life?
He laughs and itches his chin. “What is normal? You have to enjoy it. In New Orleans we can walk. I love the variety of noises and there to open a window and the feeling to hear the music. And to drink a beer on the balcony.”

They love Europe?
“Yes. Our fortress is our castle in France. Since we have our own protected world. A little paradise.”

Read more. Thanks Gabriella. Translation credit to Hefi!

The superstar with multiple Oscar nominations has everything: a brilliant career, a partner he wants to marry and, in “Moneyball,” a seeming disaster he turned into a masterpiece. Still, Hollywood’s producer-actor confesses to earlier bouts of depression and a relentless need to question just about everything (himself included): “This idea of perpetual happiness is crazy and overrated.”

Try to set up an interview with Brad Pitt, and you instantly plunge into his almost Dada-esque world.

After all, where do you go? A restaurant rendez­vous would devolve into a scrum of gawkers and gapers; his suggestion that we meet at this reporter’s office creates such a stir among jaded journalists, it is rapidly nixed; and Pitt’s house in the Hollywood Hills is apparently out of bounds, reserved for his partner, Angelina Jolie, and their six kids — and those inquiring minds eager to know about a decapitated head found nearby only days before.

So it is, like participants in the witness protection program, that we find ourselves ensconced in a 14th-floor suite at Hollywood’s W Hotel this Jan. 20 — chosen because Pitt’s Cadillac Escalade can make a quick in-and-out to avoid the paparazzi thirsting to behold him.

Pitt doesn’t blame them. Media reports surfaced hours earlier that police had interviewed his bodyguard about human limbs scattered near the Hollywood sign. Still, he can’t help being bemused. “I was watching CNN, and they said, ‘Brad Pitt’s home!’ and, ‘Brad Pitt’s bodyguard!’ “ he laughs in disbelief. “I’m like: ‘Why? Why?’ “

Read more.

And the ‘behind the scenes’ of the cover photoshoot:

Brad covers the latest The Hollywood Reporter magazine with a lovely new photoshoot and online interview as well. Check out the video, thanks to Lynn. Also made some screencaps as he is looking oh so very lovely. Thanks Gabriella.

FYI. Had a day off from work but have been working on SB all day just about now lol. Not complaining though: so much eye candy to add today. Be sure to check all the posts of today! Thanks for everyone who’s been emailing me about the W photoshoot, it is just true bliss this photoshoot.

Also, a serious beg to anyone out there who is able to scan (prefer HQ scans) of any latest magazine Brad has featured in lately, still missing some magazines like the french Premiere magazine and Italian Ciak. Would also love scans of this W magazine. Just contact me if you can help out please =) I would be forever grateful indeed.

On whom he’s channeling: ‘‘Peter Lorre — with a dose of Kramer.’’

Be sure to watch the short movie here.

PS. I am still looking for scans of the french Premiere magazine and the Italian Ciak (check left sidebar please). If you can help SimplyBrad.com with these or others, please email me @ webmaster@simplybrad.com.

Be sure to check my friend Yukko‘s BP website. She added some exclusive asian magazine covers featuring our Brad. If anyone could provide scans, that’d be lovely of course. Previews below. Full version at Brilliant Brad Pitt.

Ooh lala Brad features the cover of the Korean GQ magazine (december ’11). My copy will take a little while, perhaps someone could scan it please? Preview cover below (credit to Mr Ebay).