5 Surprising Details Billy Bob Thornton Just Revealed About His ‘Very Close’ Friendship With Angelina Jolie (2025 Update)
The Iconoclastic Duo: Angelina Jolie & Billy Bob Thornton Profiles
The marriage of Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton was a cultural phenomenon, uniting two of Hollywood's most unconventional and talented figures. Here is a brief profile of the two stars whose paths crossed so memorably:
- Angelina Jolie (Born June 4, 1975):
- Occupation: Actress, Filmmaker, Humanitarian.
- Career Highlights: Academy Award winner (for Girl, Interrupted), star of the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider franchise, director of films like First They Killed My Father.
- Personal Life: Previously married to Jonny Lee Miller (1996–2000) and Brad Pitt (2014–2019). Known globally for her extensive humanitarian work, including her role as a Special Envoy for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
- Billy Bob Thornton (Born August 4, 1955):
- Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Singer-Songwriter.
- Career Highlights: Academy Award winner for Best Adapted Screenplay (for Sling Blade), Golden Globe winner for Fargo and Goliath. Notable films include Bad Santa, A Simple Plan, and the recent series Landman.
- Personal Life: A highly respected multi-hyphenate artist, he has been married six times.
The couple first met on the set of the 1999 film Pushing Tin and eloped in Las Vegas in May 2000, a move that instantly cemented their status as a legendary celebrity couple.
The Real Reason for Divorce: Differing Lifestyles, Not Drama
For years, the public narrative surrounding the Jolie-Thornton divorce was steeped in drama and sensationalism, fueled by their eccentric public displays of affection. However, in a recent interview, Billy Bob Thornton offered a mature, grounded explanation that completely reframes the end of their three-year marriage.
Thornton revealed that the split was "civilized" and not caused by any personal conflict or lack of love. The core issue was a fundamental clash of professional and personal lifestyles.
He described a major difference in their temperaments and career trajectories. While Angelina Jolie was rapidly moving toward a global, political, and humanitarian focus, traveling the world for her work with the United Nations, Thornton preferred a quieter, more domestic existence.
Thornton candidly referred to his own preference as an "agoraphobic" lifestyle, contrasting sharply with Jolie's expansive, globe-trotting existence. This distinction—between a star who wanted to stay home and one who was being called to the world—made their paths diverge naturally.
This revelation provides a fresh, modern perspective on their relationship's end, shifting the focus from tabloid gossip to the reality of two successful people whose lives simply moved in different directions. The amicable nature of the divorce is a key detail that often gets overlooked in the discussion of their volatile public image.
The Enduring Bond: Why They Remain ‘Very, Very Close Friends’
Perhaps the most surprising and enduring detail about the former couple is the strength of their friendship today. Despite the passage of over two decades, Billy Bob Thornton has consistently and recently confirmed that he and Angelina Jolie are still "very, very close friends."
In a recent interview, Thornton gushed about his ex-wife, calling her "awesome" and a "great friend." This continued connection is a testament to the genuine bond they shared, which transcended the pressures of their celebrity status and the eventual end of their marriage.
Their ability to maintain a strong, respectful relationship contrasts sharply with the often-publicized difficulties Jolie faced with her later ex-husband, Brad Pitt, highlighting the unique and civilized nature of her split from Thornton. The former couple has reportedly maintained contact over the years, a rare feat for Hollywood exes.
The two also made headlines again in early 2025 with a reported reunion at a major Hollywood event, such as the Golden Globes. While details were scarce, the public sighting reaffirmed the truth of Thornton's statements: their connection remains intact, proving that not all celebrity splits have to end in acrimony.
Addressing the Infamous Blood Vials and Other Sensational Details
No discussion of their relationship is complete without addressing the elements that made them tabloid gold, most notably the necklaces containing vials of each other's blood. The infamous accessory became a symbol of their extreme passion and the unconventional nature of their love.
Thornton recently addressed the blood vials, clarifying that the reality was far less dramatic than the media portrayed. He explained that the "vials" were merely small lockets containing a tiny smear of blood, akin to a romantic gesture of wearing a loved one's hair—a concept often seen in Gothic literature and history. The intention was a simple, deeply personal symbol of commitment while they were apart, not a dark, ritualistic statement.
Other sensational details that defined their three-year marriage included:
- The Quickie Vegas Wedding: They eloped in Las Vegas after a short courtship, a spontaneous act that shocked Hollywood.
- Matching Tattoos: Both got tattoos dedicated to each other, which, in true Hollywood fashion, were later covered or modified.
- Public PDA: Their red-carpet appearances were characterized by intense, public displays of affection, often making them the most talked-about A-listers at any event.
Ultimately, the latest updates from Billy Bob Thornton—confirming their close friendship and clarifying the amicable, lifestyle-based reason for their divorce—provide a final, mature chapter to one of Hollywood’s most memorable love stories. The legacy of Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton is not just one of sensationalism, but of two artists who shared a powerful, albeit brief, connection that has evolved into a rare and enduring friendship. Their story serves as a unique case study in how celebrity relationships can transition from intense romance to respectful, lifelong camaraderie.
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