Comprehensive information and links about Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton Choctaw Native American motherBilly Bob Thornton is an American actor, and also an occasional director, playwright, screenwriter and singer. He has married five times and his most recent ex-wife is actress Angelina Jolie.

In his late twenties, Thornton settled on Los Angeles to pursue his career as an actor alongside future writing partner Tom Epperson. Like many other actors, Thornton had a difficult time succeeding as an actor while taking on several odd jobs such as telemarketing, fast food management, and any way to support himself while waiting for a big break. He suffered a bout of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) due to a diet of potatoes, which was the only food he could afford. With his mother's encouragement, Thornton kept plugging away for his big break. It was later on while Thornton was working as a waiter for an industry event that he was serving film director Billy Wilder. Thornton struck up a conversation with the film legend who advised the actor that given his not so movie star-like looks, he should consider writing to help utilize both his looks and his skills. Thornton put this advice to good use, going on to write, direct and star in garnered international acclaim, won Thornton an Academy Award for his screenplay (as well as a nomination for his performance), which made him an overnight movie star.

Thornton is a rare celebrity in that he has A-list status, but plays both leading-man roles and character roles. His southern, small-town persona has led him to be cast in a number of down-to-earth, "regular guy" parts. Even his role as the legendary Davy Crockett in 2004's made an effort to demythologize the character and bring out his human foibles.

After his success in Hollywood Thornton, who has a life-long love for music, decided to start a singer-songwriter career. The result was the dark and personal roots rock album .

Thornton is known for various idiosyncratic behaviors, well-documented in interviews with the actor. Among these is a phobia for antique furniture, something shared by the Dwight Yoakam character in the Thornton-penned . He and actress Angelina Jolie famously wore vials of each others' blood around their necks while married to each other.

Thornton lives in Los Angeles and has a home in Paris.