Billy Bob Thornton, born August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is an American actor, filmmaker, and musician. He rose to fame with Sling Blade (1996), winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $45 million, reflecting his decades-long career in film, television, and music.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Robert Thornton |
| Birthdate | August 4, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA |
| Height | is 5ft 10 or 177.8 cm tall |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Musician |
| Breakthrough | Sling Blade (1996) |
| Net Worth | $45 million (2025) |
| Awards | Academy Award, Golden Globe |
| Recent Work | Landman (2024–2026) |
| Spouse | Connie Angland (m. 2014) |
| Children | 4 |
Early Life
Billy Bob Thornton was born on August 4, 1955 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His full name is William Robert Thornton. Raised in a modest household, his father was a teacher and his mother a psychologist. Thornton developed early interests in music and storytelling, which would later shape his career. He attended Malvern High School and briefly studied psychology at Henderson State University before dropping out to pursue entertainment.
Career Timeline
1980–1989: Early Struggles
- Moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and screenwriting.
- Worked odd jobs while auditioning for small roles.
- Co-wrote One False Move (1992), which gained critical acclaim and established him as a serious writer.
1990–1996: Breakthrough
- Wrote, directed, and starred in Sling Blade (1996).
- Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Nominated for Best Actor.
- This film marked his breakthrough and positioned him as a respected filmmaker and actor.
1997–2005: Hollywood Recognition
- Roles in Armageddon (1998), A Simple Plan (1998), and Bandits (2001).
- Directed All the Pretty Horses (2000).
- Starred in Monster’s Ball (2001) and Bad Santa (2003), showcasing his versatility.
- Continued to balance acting with music projects.
2006–2015: Established Star
- Appeared in The Astronaut Farmer (2006).
- Roles in Eagle Eye (2008) and The Informers (2008).
- Lead role in Fargo (2014), earning a Golden Globe Award.
- His performance in Fargo was widely praised, cementing his reputation in television.
2016–2021: Television Success
- Starred in Goliath (2016–2021), a legal drama series.
- Received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Billy McBride.
- The series ran for four seasons and reinforced his standing as a versatile actor.
2022–2026: Continued Influence
- Active musician with his band The Boxmasters.
- Recent role in Landman (2024–2026), confirming his ongoing relevance.
- Continues to act, write, and perform music, maintaining a multifaceted career.
Filmography Highlights
- Sling Blade (1996)
- Armageddon (1998)
- A Simple Plan (1998)
- Bandits (2001)
- Monster’s Ball (2001)
- Bad Santa (2003)
- Fargo (2014)
- Goliath (2016–2021)
- Landman (2024–2026)
Personal Life
- Married multiple times, including high-profile marriage to Angelina Jolie (2000–2003).
- Currently married to Connie Angland (since 2014).
- Father of four children: Amanda, Bella, Harry James, and William.
- Known for his candid personality and openness about struggles with health and fame.
Family Background
- Billy Bob Thornton was born on August 4, 1955 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
- He grew up in a modest household, with his father working as a teacher and his mother as a psychologist.
- His upbringing in the American South influenced his storytelling style and music.
Marriages and Relationships
- Thornton has been married six times.
- His most high‑profile marriage was to Angelina Jolie (2000–2003), which attracted intense media attention.
- He is currently married to Connie Angland (since 2014), with whom he has a daughter, Bella.
- Despite multiple divorces, Thornton has maintained cordial relationships with some of his former spouses.
Children
- He has four children: Amanda, Bella, Harry James, and William.
- Thornton has spoken openly about the importance of family and how fatherhood shaped his personal priorities.
Personal Interests
- Beyond acting, Thornton is passionate about music. He is the lead singer of the band The Boxmasters.
- He has also expressed interest in writing and storytelling, often drawing from his Southern roots.
- Known for his candid personality, he has openly discussed struggles with health, fame, and anxiety, making him a relatable figure to fans.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | August 4, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA |
| Marriages | 6 (including Angelina Jolie) |
| Current Spouse | Connie Angland (m. 2014) |
| Children | 4 (Amanda, Bella, Harry James, William) |
| Passions | Music, storytelling, Southern culture |
| Band | The Boxmasters |
His private life reflects both high‑profile relationships and a strong commitment to family and music, showing how he balances Hollywood fame with personal authenticity.
Net Worth
- Estimated at $45 million (2025).
- Sources of income:
- Acting salaries (films and TV series).
- Screenwriting and directing.
- Music career with The Boxmasters.
- Endorsements and public appearances.
Net Worth Overview
- As of 2025, Billy Bob Thornton’s net worth is estimated at around $45 million.
- His wealth comes from a combination of acting, directing, screenwriting, producing, and music.
- Thornton’s career spans over four decades, with consistent earnings from Hollywood films, television series, and his band The Boxmasters.
Sources of Income
- Film Salaries: Thornton earned millions from roles in Armageddon, Monster’s Ball, and Bad Santa.
- Television: His performances in Fargo (2014) and Goliath (2016–2021) brought both acclaim and steady income.
- Music: As the frontman of The Boxmasters, he tours and releases albums, adding to his revenue.
- Producing & Writing: Thornton co‑wrote One False Move and directed Sling Blade, which won him an Academy Award.
- Endorsements & Appearances: Occasional brand collaborations and public speaking engagements.
Analysis
Billy Bob Thornton’s net worth reflects his versatility and resilience. Unlike many actors who rely solely on film roles, Thornton diversified into television and music, ensuring long‑term financial stability. His Oscar win for Sling Blade elevated his career, while his Golden Globe for Fargo proved his staying power. The success of Landman in 2025 further boosted his earnings, keeping him relevant in the streaming era.
Analysis
Billy Bob Thornton’s career reflects resilience and versatility. From struggling actor to Oscar-winning filmmaker, he has consistently reinvented himself. His ability to balance mainstream Hollywood films with independent projects and music highlights his creative range. Despite personal controversies, Thornton remains a respected figure in entertainment, with a legacy defined by authenticity and artistic risk-taking.
Conclusion
Billy Bob Thornton’s biography illustrates his evolution from a struggling artist to a multifaceted Hollywood star. With decades of success in film, television, and music, he continues to inspire audiences with his authenticity and creative risk-taking, securing his place as one of the most versatile entertainers of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Billy Bob Thornton
Who is Billy Bob Thornton?
Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor, filmmaker, and musician born on August 4, 1955 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is best known for writing, directing, and starring in Sling Blade (1996), which won him an Academy Award.
What is Billy Bob Thornton’s net worth?
As of 2025–2026, his net worth is estimated at around $45 million, earned through acting, directing, screenwriting, producing, and his music career with The Boxmasters.
What are his most famous movies and TV shows?
- Sling Blade (1996)
- Armageddon (1998)
- A Simple Plan (1998)
- Monster’s Ball (2001)
- Bad Santa (2003)
- Fargo (2014)
- Goliath (2016–2021)
- Landman (2024–2026)
Has Billy Bob Thornton won any awards?
Yes. He won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sling Blade and a Golden Globe Award for his role in Fargo.
Who is Billy Bob Thornton married to?
He has been married six times. His most high‑profile marriage was to Angelina Jolie (2000–2003). He is currently married to Connie Angland (since 2014).
How many children does he have?
Billy Bob Thornton has four children: Amanda, Bella, Harry James, and William.
Is Billy Bob Thornton also a musician?
Yes. He is the lead singer of the band The Boxmasters, which tours and releases albums regularly.
