Billy Bob Thornton biography- Does he suffers a mental condition

Publish date: 2024-05-22

Who is Billy Bob Thornton?

Billy Bob Thornton, born on August 4, 1955, is a multitalented personality known for his prowess as an actor, filmmaker, and musician. He is best known for his breakout role in the independent drama film Sling Blade, released in 1996. Thornton’s performance in the film won him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor.

Prestigious award shows, including the Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, have recognized Thornton’s remarkable acting skills. Billy Bob Thornton received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie at the Emmy Awards for his work in Fargo, a critically acclaimed TV series. Additionally, he won the Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Film Award at the 72nd Golden Globes for his outstanding performance.

Thornton’s contribution to the TV industry has been significant, with his role in Goliath being one of his most widely appreciated performances. His impressive portrayal of the lead character in the series earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama, cementing his status as one of the most talented actors of his time.

Table of Contents

Quick facts

Full nameBilly Bob Thornton
NicknameBud
BirthdayAugust 4, 1955
Age40 years old
Sun signLeo
BirthplaceHot Springs, Arkansas, USA
Current residenceAgoura Hills, California, USA
NationalityAmerican
ParentsBilly Ray Thornton,
Virginia Faulkner
SiblingsJimmy Don Thornton,
John David Thornton
Marital statusMarried
SpouseConnie Angland ​(2014-2023),
Angelina Jolie ​(2000-2003)​,
Pietra Dawn Cherniak (1993-1997),
Cynda Williams (1990-1992),​
Toni Lawrence ​(1986-1988)​,
Melissa Lee Gatlin (1978-1980)
ChildrenBella Thornton,
Amanda Thornton,
Harry James Thornton,
William Thornton
EducationMalvern High School
Henderson State University
ProfessionActor, filmmaker, singer, and songwriter
Net worthUSD 45 million
Social mediaFacebook,
Twitter

Childhood

Billy Bob Thornton was born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Virginia Roberta William Raymond Thornton. He was from a middle-class family with no one from a Hollywood background.

Based on his birthdate, he is a Leo. Billy Bob Thornton is known for his versatile personality and extraordinary talent. He is a creative and passionate individual with an excellent sense of humor. Billy is loyal and protective of his loved ones. However, he can be a private person known for his occasional stubbornness.

Thornton attended Malvern High School and graduated in 1973. He was interested in sports, especially baseball, during high school and was an excellent player. Billy Bob Thornton even tried out for the Kansas City Royals but couldn’t make it to the team due to an injury. After graduating from high school, Thornton worked at the Arkansas State Transportation Department for a brief period.

Thornton joined Henderson State University, pursuing higher education but dropped out after studying for only two semesters. Despite leaving college early, he continued to pursue his passion for music and formed a band named Tres Hombres, which performed in local bars and clubs. Thornton’s love for music led him to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, where he pursued a career in the entertainment industry.

Billy Bob Thornton’s upbringing in a small town in Arkansas instilled a strong sense of family values and work ethics, which he carried with him throughout his career. His hard work and dedication have paid off, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards for his outstanding performances in film and television.

Parents

Billy Bob Thornton was born to William Raymond Thornton and Virginia Roberta Faulkner. His father was a high school history teacher and basketball coach, while his mother was a self-proclaimed psychic. William Raymond Thornton was a strict disciplinarian father.

Virginia Roberta was known for her eccentricities and unusual beliefs, such as being a psychic and having premonitions. Her influence on Billy is evident in his music and films, which often explore the themes of spirituality, the paranormal, and the supernatural.

In his autobiography, Billy Bob Thornton mentioned that his childhood was tumultuous, with his parents’ rocky marriage. His parents’ relationship was strained, and they often had arguments and fights. Despite this, he also attributes his success in the entertainment industry to the values instilled in him by his parents.

Siblings

Billy Bob Thornton had one younger brother named Jimmy Don Thornton. Jimmy was born in 1958, and he and Billy were very close. However, Jimmy sadly passed away in 1988 due to a heart condition.

In an interview, Billy mentioned that Jimmy’s death profoundly impacted him and that he struggled to come to terms with it for many years. He credits Jimmy for inspiring him to pursue a career in music and for encouraging him to follow his dreams.

Besides his brother, Billy has not spoken much about his other siblings, if any. It is unclear if he has siblings or if Jimmy was his only sibling. However, it is evident that Jimmy played a significant role in Billy’s life and was a source of inspiration for him.

Relationships

Billy Bob Thornton is a six-time married man. His first marriage was to Melissa Lee Gatlin in 1978, which ended in divorce after two years. He tied the knot with Toni Lawrence in 1986, but their marriage ended soon after. Thornton’s third marriage was to Cynda Williams in 1990, which lasted only two years.

In 1993, Billy Bob Thornton married Playboy model Pietra Dawn Cherniak, but they separated after two years. He married Angelina Jolie in 2000, his most high-profile relationship, but their marriage ended in 2003.

In 2014, Thornton married his longtime girlfriend, Connie Angland, and they share a daughter named Bella. Billy Bob Thornton has been candid about his struggles with relationships and admits to being terrible at being married. Despite this, he remains committed to making his current marriage work.

Thornton has also had several high-profile relationships, including an engagement with actress Laura Dern in the late 1990s. He has been linked to other famous women such as singer Lisa Cone, actress Amber Heard, and makeup effects artist Connie Cooper.

Connie Angland

Connie Angland is an artist and writer based in the United States. She has worked as a makeup artist and set designer in the film industry. She has exhibited her artwork in various galleries in Los Angeles. Angland is also known for her relationship with actor and filmmaker Billy Bob Thornton.

The couple has been together since 2003 and got married in 2014.

Billy Bob Thornton’s career

Billy Bob Thornton stepped into the entertainment world as a musician. He was the singer and the drummer for a band called Tres Hombres. In 1981, Thornton relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue acting. Likewise, Billy Bob Thornton began to work as a scriptwriter early in his career. Thornton and his friend Tom Epperson tried to sell their scripts to many clients but were unsuccessful. Thornton made his acting debut in 1988 in the South of Reno. He had a small role in the film, portraying the role of a counterman at a restaurant.  

His film One False Move, which Thornton had co-written with Epperson, was well-received. This helped establish him as a talented actor and screenwriter. Thornton was honored with an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, a Writers Guild of America Award, and an Edgar Award. Similarly, Thornton has been a part of successful projects such as Monster’s Ball, Bad Santa, Friday Night Lights, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Bandits, and A Simple Plan. Billy Bob Thornton has also been a part of TV shows like Goliath, Fargo, The Big Bang Theory, Larry King Now, Bandits, Hearts Afire, and The Outsiders.  

Filmography

YearTitleRole
1986Hunter’s BloodBilly Bob
1988South of RenoCounterman
1989Going OverboardDave
1989Chopper Chicks in ZombietownDonny
1991The Dark BackwardPatron At Sloppy’s
1991For the BoysMarine Sergeant In Korea
1991Widespread Panic: Live from the Georgia Theatre— (Director Only)
1992One False MoveRay Malcolm (Also Writer)
1993TombstoneJohnny Tyler
1993Blood In Blood Out‘Lightning’
1993Indecent ProposalDay Tripper
1993Ghost BrigadeLangston
1993Trouble Bound‘Coldface’
1994On Deadly GroundHomer Carlton
1994FlounderingGun Clerk
1994Some Folks Call It a Sling BladeKarl Childers (Also Writer)
1995Dead ManGeorge ‘Big George’ Drakoulious
1995The Stars Fell on HenriettaRoy
1996Sling BladeKarl Childers (Also Writer/Director)
1996The WinnerJack
1996A Family Thing— (Writer Only)
1997The ApostleTroublemaker
1997U TurnDarrell
1997Princess MononokeJigo (English Language Dub)
1997Burn Hollywood BurnHimself
1998A Simple PlanJacob Mitchell
1998ArmageddonDan Truman
1998HomegrownJack Marsden
1998Primary ColorsRichard Jemmons
1999Pushing TinRussell Bell
2000The Gift— (Writer Only)
2000The Last Real CowboysTar (Also Writer)
2000All the Pretty Horses— (Producer/Director Only)
2001South of Heaven, West of HellBrigadier General Smalls
2001Daddy and ThemClaude Montgomery (Also Writer/Director)
2001Monster’s BallHank Grotowski
2001BanditsTerry Lee Collins
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereEd Crane
2001Camouflage— Writer Only (Credited as Reginald Perry)
2002Waking Up in RenoLonnie Earl Dodd
2002The BadgeSheriff Darl Hardwick
2003Bad SantaWillie Soke
2003Love ActuallyPresident of the U.S.
2003Intolerable CrueltyHoward D. Doyle
2003LevityManuel Jordan
2004Friday Night LightsCoach Gary Gaines
2004The AlamoDavy Crockett
2004ChrystalJoe
2005The Ice HarvestVic Cavanaugh
2005Bad News BearsCoach Morris Buttermaker
2006School for ScoundrelsDr. P. / Dennis Sherman
2007The Astronaut FarmerCharles Farmer
2007Mr. WoodcockJasper Woodcock
2008Eagle EyeFBI Agent Thomas Morgan
2008The InformersWilliam
2009My RunNarrator
2009The Smell of SuccessPatrick
2010FasterDetective Slade Humphries / Cop
2011The King of Luck— (Director Only)
2011Nashville RisesNarrator
2011Puss in BootsJack
2013Jayne Mansfield’s CarSkip Caldwell (Also Writer/Director)
2013The Baytown OutlawsCarlos
2013ParklandForrest Sorrels
2014Cut BankStan Steeley
2014The JudgeDwight Dickham
2015Into the Grizzly MazeDouglas
2015EntourageLarsen McCredle
2015Our Brand Is CrisisPat Candy
2016Whiskey Tango FoxtrotGeneral Hollanek
2016Bad Santa 2Willie Soke
2018London FieldsSamson Young
2018A Million Little PiecesLeonard
TBAThe Gray Man

Television:

YearTitleRole
1987MatlockPawnshop clerk
1988CircusBilly Bob
1990The Outsiders‘Buck’ Merill
1990Evening ShadeFlorist
1992Knots LandingTimberman
1992–1995Hearts AfireBilly Bob Davis
1995Out ThereJailbird
1996Don’t Look BackMarshall
1997EllenThe Grocer
1998King of the HillBoyce Hubert (voice)
2001,
2005
CatDogCatDog’s father (voice)
2014FargoLorne Malvo
2017FargoNarrator
2014Robot ChickenGrandpa Shlorp (voice)
2014The Big Bang TheoryDr. Oliver Lorvis
2016American Dad!Himself (voice)
2016–presentGoliathBilly McBride

albums

YearAlbumDetails
2001Private RadioRelease date: September 25, 2001
Record label: Lost Highway (#170 236)
Format: CD
2003The Edge of the WorldRelease date: August 19, 2003
Record label: Sanctuary (#SANCD212)
Format: CD
2005HoboRelease date: September 13, 2005
Record label: Big Deal (#BDR 8981)
Format: CD
2007Beautiful DoorRelease date: July 24, 2007
Record label: New Door (#B0009108)
Format: CD
As featured artist
YearAlbumDetails
2008The Boxmasters with The BoxmastersRelease date: June 10, 2008
Record label: Sawmill (#79862)
Format: 2xLP, 2xCD
2008Christmas Cheer (holiday album) with The BoxmastersRelease date: November 11, 2008
Record label: Vanguard (#)
Format: CD
2009Modbilly with The BoxmastersRelease date: April 21, 2009
Record label: Vanguard (#79926)
Format: 2xLP, 2xCD
2015Somewhere Down the Road with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2015
Record label: 101 Ranch (#Unknown)
Format: 2xCD
2015Providence with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2015
Record label: self-released, exclusively available via theboxmasters.com
Format: Digital download
2016Boys And Girls… And The World with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2016
Record label: NDR Records
Format: 2xCD
2016Tea Surfing with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2016
Record label: NDR Records
Format 1xCD
2018In Stereo! with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2018
Record label: NDR Records
Format 1xCD
2019Speck with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2019
Record label: Keentone Records
Format 1xCD
2020Light Rays with The BoxmastersRelease date: 2020
Record label: Keentone Records
Format 1xCD

Awards and nominations

Academy Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1997Sling BladeBest Adapted ScreenplayWon
1997Sling BladeBest Actor in a Leading RoleNominated
1999A Simple PlanBest Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated

American Film Institute Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereActor of the Year – Male – MoviesNominated

Berlin International Film Festival Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2012Jayne Mansfield’s CarGolden BearNominated

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1999ArmageddonFavorite Supporting Actor – Adventure/Sci-FiNominated

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996Sling BladeBest New FilmmakerRunner-up
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorTie

Central Ohio Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2003Bad SantaBest ActorNominated

Chicago Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996Sling BladeBest ActorWon
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorWon

Chicago International Film Festival Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996Sling BladeSpecial Jury Prize (Director)Won

Cinequest Film Festival Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001HimselfMaverick Tribute AwardHonored

Crime Thriller Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2014FargoBest Supporting ActorNominated

Critics’ Choice Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1999 (Critics’ Choice Movie Awards)A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorWon
1999 (Critics’ Choice Movie Awards)Primary ColorsBest Supporting ActorWon
2014 (Critics’ Choice Television Awards)FargoBest Actor in a Movie/MiniseriesWon

Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorRunner-up

DVD Exclusive Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2002The Man Who Wasn’t ThereDVD Premiere Award – Best Audio Commentary: New ReleaseNominated

Edgar Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1997Sling BladeBest Motion PictureWon

Emmy Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1999 (Daytime Emmy Awards)Film Preservation ClassicsOutstanding Special Class SpecialNominated
2014 (Primetime Emmy Awards)FargoOutstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or MovieNominated

Empire Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorNominated

Fantasporto Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1992One False MoveInternational Fantasy Film Award – Best ScreenplayWon

Florida Film Critics Circle Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001BanditsBest ActorWon
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorWon
2001Monster’s BallBest ActorWon

Golden Globe Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1999A Simple PlanBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureNominated
2002The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – DramaNominated
2002BanditsBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or MusicalNominated
2004Bad SantaBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or MusicalNominated
2015FargoGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television FilmWon
2017GoliathGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series DramaWon

Hollywood Walk of Fame Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2004HimselfMotion Pictures StarHonored

Humanitas Prizes

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996A Family ThingFeature Film CategoryNominated

Independent Spirit Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1992One False MoveBest ScreenplayNominated
1996Sling BladeBest First FeatureWon

Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996Sling BladeBest ActorWon

Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereSierra Award – Best ActorNominated

London Film Critics’ Circle Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2002The Man Who Wasn’t ThereActor of the YearWon

Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorTie

National Society of Film Critics Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting Actor3rd Place

Online Film & Television Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorWon
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorNominated
2003Love ActuallyBest EnsembleNominated
2014FargoBest Actor in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesNominated
2014FargoBest Ensemble in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesNominated

Online Film Critics Society Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorWon
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorWon

Paris Film Festival Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001All the Pretty HorsesGrand PrixNominated

Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest Actor in a Leading RoleNominated
2001BanditsBest Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated

Russian Guild of Film Critics Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2002The Man Who Wasn’t ThereGolden Aries Award – Best Foreign ActorWon

San Diego Film Critics Society Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorWon

Satellite Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996Sling BladeBest Motion Picture Screenplay – OriginalNominated
1996Sling BladeBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – DramaNominated
1998A Simple PlanBest Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture – DramaNominated
2001Monster’s BallBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – DramaNominated
2003Bad SantaBest Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or MusicalNominated
2015FargoBest Actor – Television Series DramaNominated
2019GoliathBest Actor in a Drama / Genre SeriesNominated

Saturn Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1996HimselfThe President’s Memorial AwardHonored
1999A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorNominated
2001The GiftBest WritingNominated
2002The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorNominated

Screen Actors Guild Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1997Sling BladeOutstanding Performance by a CastNominated
1997Sling BladeOutstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading RoleNominated
1999A Simple PlanOutstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated
2015FargoOutstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television MovieNominated

Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1998A Simple PlanBest Supporting ActorRunner-up
2001The Man Who Wasn’t ThereBest ActorWon

Teen Choice Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2004Bad SantaChoice Movie: VillainNominated

Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2003Love ActuallyBest EnsembleWon

Writers Guild of America Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
1997Sling BladeBest Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or PublishedWon

Billy Bob Thornton Net Worth

His net worth is estimated to be a whopping USD 45 million, a testament to his successful career. Thornton began his career in Hollywood in the 1980s, and gaining recognition for his work took some time. However, in 1992, he gained critical acclaim for his performance in the film One False Move, which he also wrote.

He went on to star in several hit films, earning rave reviews for his performances. Thornton even won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work in the film Sling Blade, which he directed and starred in.

Despite primarily being known for his work in film, Thornton has also done some exceptional television work. His extensive catalog of work shows his talent and ability to sell projects.

In 2021, Billy purchased USD 3.1 million in California Hills from Lifehouse lead singer and guitarist Jason Wade.

FAQs

How much older was Billy Bob Thornton than Angelina Jolie?

Billy Bob Thornton is 20 years older than Angelina Jolie.

What is Billy Bob Thornton most famous for?

Billy Bob Thornton is most famous for his work as an actor, writer, and director in the entertainment industry. He has starred in several hit films, won critical acclaim for his performances, and even won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film Sling Blade.

What condition does Billy Bob Thornton have?

Billy Bob Thornton was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult and was unaware of his condition while growing up. As a result, he had difficulty in school, and his teachers and peers often thought he was slow. However, he overcame his dyslexia challenges to become the successful actor, writer, and director he is today.

Why did Angelina Jolie leave Billy Bob Thornton?

The separation between Jolie and Thornton resulted primarily from the difference in lifestyle.

Is Billy Bob Thornton agoraphobia?

Yes, Billy Bob Thornton suffers from a learning disability, OCD, and possible agoraphobia.

What phobias does Billy Bob Thornton have?

Billy Bob Thornton’s phobia includes a fear of antique furniture. In an interview with The New York Times, the actor said, “it’s that French/English/Scottish old mildewy stuff.”

Is Billy Bob Thornton a vegan?

Billy Bob Thornton follows a vegan diet and is “extremely healthy.” He avoids junk food as he is allergic to wheat and dairy.

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