Billy Bob Thornton born August 4, 1955 is an American actor, filmmaker, singer, and songwriter. He gained widespread fame after writing, directing, and starring in the 1996 independent drama Sling Blade, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and received a Best Actor nomination. Thornton also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Simple Plan (1998). His other notable film roles include One False Move (1992), Tombstone (1993), Dead Man (1995), U Turn (1997), Primary Colors (1998), Armageddon (1998), Monster’s Ball (2001), The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001), Intolerable Cruelty (2003), Bad Santa (2003), and Friday Night Lights (2004). Thornton has also written and directed several films, including A Family Thing (1996), The Gift (2000), Daddy and Them (2001), All the Pretty Horses (2000), and Jayne Mansfield’s Car (2012).
Billy Bob Thornton Biography 2025
In television, Thornton starred in the CBS sitcom Hearts Afire (1992-1995) and gained further acclaim in 2014 for his portrayal of Lorne Malvo in the first season of the FX anthology series Fargo. His performance earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film. From 2016 to 2021, he played Billy McBride in the Amazon legal drama Goliath, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama. Aside from acting, Thornton is also a singer-songwriter. He has released four solo albums and is the lead vocalist for the rock band The Boxmasters. Despite his fame, Thornton is known for avoiding the celebrity spotlight and has been vocal about his dislike for celebrity culture. He has been married six times, including a highly publicized marriage to actress Angelina Jolie from 2000 to 2003.
Billy Bob Thornton Biography Details
| Born |
August 4, 1955 (age 69)
Hot Springs, AR, U.S. |
| Occupations |
- Actor
- filmmaker
- singer
- songwriter
|
| Years active |
1974–present |
| Spou |
|
| Children |
4 |
| Genres |
Alternative country |
| Instruments |
|
| Labels |
Vanguard |
| Website |
billybobthornton.net |
Billy Bob Thornton Early Life
Billy Bob Thornton was born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Virginia Roberta (née Faulkner), a self-described psychic, and William Raymond “Billy Ray” Thornton, a high school history teacher and basketball coach. His brother, Jimmy Don (April 1958 – October 1988), was a songwriter, and Thornton recorded two of his songs, “Island Avenue” and “Emily,” on his solo albums. Thornton is of English and partial Irish descent and has two other siblings.
Growing up, Thornton moved around various towns in Arkansas, including Alpine, Malvern, and Mount Holly. He was raised in a Methodist family in a small shack without electricity or plumbing. He attended Malvern High School, where he struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia. A talented baseball player, Thornton tried out for the Kansas City Royals but was released after suffering an injury. After graduating from Malvern High in 1973, he briefly worked for the Arkansas State Transportation Department laying asphalt before attending Henderson State University to study psychology, though he dropped out after two semesters.
In the mid-1980s, Thornton moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, teaming up with future writing partner Tom Epperson. He faced challenges in establishing his acting career, working various jobs such as telemarketing, offshore wind farming, and fast food management while auditioning for roles. He also played drums and sang with the South African rock band Jack Hammer. During a stint as a waiter at an industry event, he had a conversation with filmmaker Billy Wilder, who encouraged him to consider a career as a screenwriter.
Billy Bob Thornton Bio
| Topic |
Details |
| Birth Date |
August 4, 1955 |
| Birth Place |
Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA |
| Parents |
Virginia Roberta (psychic), William Raymond (teacher, coach) |
| Siblings |
Two brothers, one of whom, Jimmy Don, was a songwriter |
| Early Environment |
Lived in a shack with no electricity or plumbing |
Health Challenges
| Health |
Facts |
| Health Conditions |
Diagnosed with myocarditis in early years |
| Diet |
Follows a vegan diet, allergic to wheat and dairy |
| Mental Health |
Diagnosed with dyslexia and obsessive-compulsive disorder |
Career Beginnings
| Career |
Points |
| Initial Jobs |
Worked in telemarketing, offshore wind farming, and fast food |
| Early Acting Roles |
Appeared in Hunter’s Blood, South of Reno, and Matlock |
| Breakthrough Role |
Sling Blade (1996) as writer, director, and actor |
Famous Film Roles
| Film Role |
Information |
| Sling Blade (1996) |
Directed, wrote, and starred in the Academy Award-winning film |
| A Simple Plan (1998) |
Nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards |
| Bad Santa (2003) |
Played a mall Santa, known for his anti-heroic role |
| Armageddon (1998) |
Played a drill team leader in a blockbuster action film |
Television Appearances
| Appearances |
Years |
| Hearts Afire |
Appeared in the CBS sitcom from 1992 to 1995 |
| Fargo (2014) |
Played Lorne Malvo, winning a Golden Globe |
| Goliath (2016-2021) |
Starred as Billy McBride, earning another Golden Globe |
Music Career
| Career |
Dates |
| Early Music Groups |
Drummer for Tres Hombres and Jack Hammer band |
| Solo Albums |
Released Private Radio (2001), The Edge of the World (2003), and others |
| Musical Influence |
Known for alternative country and rock styles |
Personal Life
| Family |
Point |
| Marriages |
Married six times, including to Angelina Jolie |
| Children |
Four children with three different women |
| Relationships |
Has had high-profile relationships and marriages |
Awards and Recognition
| Awards |
Facts |
| Academy Award |
Won Best Adapted Screenplay for Sling Blade |
| Golden Globe |
Won Best Actor for Fargo and Goliath |
| Hollywood Star |
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Phobias and Quirks
| Topic |
Data |
| Furniture Phobia |
Has a fear of antique furniture, especially French |
| Silverware Fear |
Prefers plastic utensils over silver |
| Other Quirks |
Frequently exhibits eccentric behaviors in interviews |
Influence in Hollywood
| Category |
Information |
| Iconic Roles |
Known for playing complex anti-hero characters |
| Writing and Directing |
Wrote and directed several films, including Sling Blade |
| Hollywood Persona |
Often cast as a gruff, complicated character |
Impact on Film Industry
| Topic |
Details |
| Indie Filmmaking |
Helped popularize independent films with Sling Blade |
| Writing Success |
His screenplays have been adapted into several successful films |
| Directorial Vision |
Known for a unique, hands-off approach to filmmaking |
Filmography Highlights
| Highlights |
Points |
| One False Move (1992) |
Co-wrote and starred in this crime drama |
| Tombstone (1993) |
Played a role in the famous Western film |
| Monster’s Ball (2001) |
Played a widower in the romantic drama |
Social Commentary
| Social Commentary |
Facts |
| Celebrity Disdain |
Avoids celebrity culture, preferring privacy |
| Social Commentary |
Has been outspoken on issues of fame and public life |
Influences and Interests
| Sports |
Facts |
| Baseball |
Passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Music Interests |
Enjoys a variety of rock and country music |
| Brony Fan |
Self-described fan of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |
Legacy and Future Projects
| Projects |
Points |
| Lasting Impact |
Continues to shape Hollywood with complex roles |
| Upcoming Projects |
Interested in future acting and directing roles |
| Continuing Influence |
His unique blend of acting and writing continues to inspire |
Billy Bob Thornton Net Worth
Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, and musician who has a net worth of $45 million.
Billy Bob Thornton Summary
Billy Bob Thornton is a multifaceted American actor, filmmaker, singer, and songwriter, best known for his role in Sling Blade (1996), which earned him an Academy Award. He has appeared in numerous films including Monster’s Ball, Bad Santa, and Armageddon, showcasing his diverse acting talents. Beyond acting, Thornton is also a successful musician, leading the rock band The Boxmasters. Over the years, he has gained recognition for his unconventional approach to celebrity culture. Thornton has been married six times and has four children, with notable past relationships, including with Angelina Jolie.
