Billy Bob Thornton's Age Revealed: The 70-Year-Old Star's Shocking New Career Chapter In 2025

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As of today, December 25, 2025, the legendary actor, filmmaker, and musician Billy Bob Thornton is 70 years old. Born on August 4, 1955, the Arkansas native has spent decades crafting one of the most unique and respected careers in Hollywood, transcending genres from Oscar-winning screenplays to dark comedy masterpieces and even a successful rock music career.

This milestone age finds Thornton in a particularly vibrant chapter of his professional life, anchoring a major new television series, *Landman*, which has been the subject of significant industry buzz in late 2025. Far from slowing down, the septuagenarian star continues to surprise audiences, maintaining the trademark intensity and gritty authenticity that first made him a household name with the 1996 masterpiece, *Sling Blade*.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton, known for his distinctive Southern drawl and versatile talent, has established himself as a true Hollywood polymath. His career spans acting, screenwriting, directing, and a dedicated musical pursuit, making him one of the most complex figures in modern entertainment. Below is a detailed profile of the star.

  • Full Name: William Robert Thornton
  • Date of Birth: August 4, 1955
  • Current Age (as of Dec. 25, 2025): 70 years old
  • Birthplace: Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
  • Zodiac Sign: Leo
  • Occupations: Actor, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Musician, Singer-Songwriter
  • Breakthrough Role: Karl Childers in *Sling Blade* (1996)
  • Major Awards: Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay for *Sling Blade*), two Golden Globe Awards (for *Bad Santa* and *Fargo*)
  • Musical Group: The Boxmasters (Vocalist)
  • Spouses: Melissa Lee Gatlin (1978–1980), Toni Lawrence (1986–1988), Cynda Williams (1990–1992), Pietra Dawn Cherniak (1993–1997), Angelina Jolie (2000–2003), Connie Angland (2014–Present)
  • Children: Amanda Thornton, William Thornton, Harry Thornton, and Bella Thornton

The 2025 Career Resurgence: Why 'Landman' is His Biggest Role Yet

While many actors his age might be easing into semi-retirement, Billy Bob Thornton is currently embarking on one of the most demanding and high-profile projects of his career: the Taylor Sheridan-created series *Landman*. The show, which premiered in late 2025, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny and critical acclaim, positioning Thornton back in the center of the television landscape.

The series, set in the tumultuous world of West Texas oilfields, features Thornton as Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for a major oil company. This role is a perfect fit for the actor's signature style, blending weary cynicism with moments of surprising vulnerability. The show’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality, character-driven drama, and Thornton’s ability to carry a series.

The commitment to this project is substantial. In a November 2025 interview, Thornton confirmed that he has signed on for an extensive run, telling reporters he is committed to four to five seasons of the show. This multi-year deal, well into his seventies, signifies a major, long-term commitment that is rare for a star of his stature, cementing *Landman* as a defining chapter in his later career. The show, which also features Sam Elliott, has been praised for delivering some of the year's "quietest pleasures" and brilliant veteran acting.

From 'Sling Blade' to 'Fargo': The Pillars of a Legendary Filmography

To understand the depth of Billy Bob Thornton's career, one must look beyond his recent work to the pivotal films that established his reputation as a formidable talent. His path to stardom was not immediate; he spent years in Los Angeles struggling to break into the industry before his defining moment.

The pivotal moment arrived in 1996 with *Sling Blade*. Thornton not only starred as the mentally impaired character Karl Childers but also wrote and directed the film. This triple-threat performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor, instantly catapulting him to the A-list.

Following this success, Thornton became a sought-after character actor, demonstrating incredible range. He played the President’s aide in *Primary Colors*, an astronaut in the blockbuster *Armageddon*, and a cynical lawyer in the Coen Brothers’ *The Man Who Wasn't There*. His dark comedic genius shone through in the holiday classic *Bad Santa*, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

His television work has been equally impactful. His 2014 role as the enigmatic, chilling hitman Lorne Malvo in the first season of the FX series *Fargo* was a critical triumph, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries. This role, alongside his work in *1883* and now *Landman*, showcases his masterful transition between film and premium television.

The Six Marriages and The Boxmasters: A Life of Contrasts

Billy Bob Thornton’s personal life has often been as compelling as his on-screen roles, particularly his six marriages. His most famous union was with actress Angelina Jolie, a highly publicized relationship marked by their eccentric displays of affection, including wearing vials of each other's blood. The marriage, from 2000 to 2003, remains a significant pop culture reference point.

His current and longest-lasting relationship is with special effects artist Connie Angland. The couple, who met on the set of *Bad Santa* in 2003 and share a daughter, Bella Thornton, quietly married in 2014 after over a decade together. This marriage, along with his other children, Amanda, William, and Harry, represents a more settled and private phase of his life.

The Boxmasters: A Deep Dive into Thornton's Musical Passion

Lesser-known to some fans is Thornton's parallel career as a dedicated musician. He has released four solo albums, but his primary musical outlet since 2007 has been the rock band The Boxmasters. The band, which he fronts as the vocalist, was co-founded with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer J.D. Andrew, and also features Teddy Andreadis and Brad Davis.

The Boxmasters play a blend of rock and roll, country, and pop, often touring extensively. Thornton views his music career not as a celebrity side project, but as a serious artistic endeavor, even adopting the stage name "Bud" for his musical performances. This commitment to the band reveals a deeper artistic necessity beyond acting, demonstrating his relentless creative spirit even as he celebrates his 70th birthday.

how old is billy bob thorton
how old is billy bob thorton

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