JENNIFER ANISTON - PITT HID MARRIAGE PROBLEMS FROM FAMILY

LATEST: Hollywood actor BRAD PITT's family are stunned he's separating from wife JENNIFER ANISTON - because he kept his marriage problems secret from his relatives.

The TROY star's grandmother, BETTY RUSSELL, was surprised when she received a telephone call from Pitt's father giving her advance warning of the impending separation.

Pitt's publicist CINDY GUAGENTI issued a statement on behalf of the couple on Friday (07JAN05), in which it was announced they have officially separated after four and a half years of marriage.

Russell, 82, says, "When I talked to Brad at Thanksgiving in November (04) he was happy as a lark. He never gave any hint that something might be up.

"I was not aware of it until Wednesday (05JAN05) when Brad's father called me. He said they were going to separate, have a trial separation. I was just advised not to be shocked when it happened.

"It was a surprise to us. Brad is a family man. I had no idea this was coming. Obviously I was very sad to hear it. I don't want my grandson or Jennifer to be hurt."