Brad Pitt's eccentric character is an amalgamation of a handful of notable actors known for their work in the Golden Age of Hollywood. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jack Conrad is based on John Gilbert and Douglas Fairbanks, with a sprinkle of Clark Gable. In the silent film era of the 1920s, both Gilbert and Fairbanks were leading men on screen, known for their expressive performances.
Outside of his acting roles, Fairbanks is also recognised as a founding member of the Motion Picture Academy, per PBS. Often dubbed "The King of Hollywood," Gable dominated early Hollywood and famously starred in films like "Gone With the Wind" and "It Happened One Night."