Billy Bob Thorton is an American actor who came into the limelight for Sling Blade (1996). He is also a talented filmmaker, singer, and songwriter. The 1996 film saw Bob win an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, for writing, starring, and directing it.
After a successful career as a filmmaker, Bob began singing and songwriting. He has released four solo albums and collaborated with other bands. Despite being a famous figure, the celebrity has chosen a private life, disliking the celebrity culture.
Who is Billy Bob Thornton?
Billy was born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His mother was a psychic while his father was a history teacher and basketball coach. He grew up in a family of four children, and his brother Jimmy Don is also a recognized singer and songwriter.
Bob tried a career in basketball, but it failed after he was injured. After graduating, he joined Henderson State University and pursued a psychology degree for two semesters. He settled in Los Angeles in the 1980s and started working on his acting career.
Career
Billy Bob started acting in the 1980s. However, he had a difficult time finding acting gigs, which saw him do other jobs like fast food management, telemarketing, and offshore wind farming, while he auditioned for roles.
Bob began securing minor roles towards the end of the 1980s. His debut role was in Hunter’s Blood, where he appeared in just two scenes. Next, he secured a role in South of Reno, and Matlock in 1987.
Billy Bob got recognition in 1992 after he acted as the villain in One False Move, a film he also co-wrote. He received positive critics for his role which helped him land more roles in other films.
In 1995, Billy began working on Sling Blade. He wrote, directed, and starred in the film that aired in 1996. The film received international acclaim, helping the actor to win awards, and get numerous nominations.
Following the film’s success, he starred in numerous films including A Simple Plan. He went on to direct three Hollywood films, and secured three project roles. In 2003, he established himself as an outstanding comic actor, after his portrayal in Bad Santa.
Net Worth
Billy Bob Thorton’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Considering the celebrity’s skills in acting, filmmaking, and production, he has been able to amass such a huge net worth.
Moreover, while he is not acting or directing films, he spends his time songwriting and singing. He has released a few solo albums and worked in famous bands.
The actor gained recognition in Hollywood after his portrayal in Sling Balde received international acclaim. As a result, he landed more acting and managing roles that have enabled him to rise to the rank of a millionaire.
Personal Life
Thorton has been married a few times. His first wife was Melissa Lee Gatlin, who he married for two years. They divorced after Bob was accused of infidelity. During their marriage, they welcomed a son.
He married two actresses in the next two marriages, but they divorced again after two years each. The actor married Pietra Dawn in 1993. They shared two children but divorced after four years. His current wife is Connie Angland whom he married in 2014 after eleven years of dating. The couple have a child.
