Guide Note

Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor, director, playwright and singer. He was born on August 4, 1955 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Thornton's mother, Virginia Roberta, is a psychic and his father, Billy Ray Thornton, is a high school history teacher. He has three brothers, the late Jimmy Don, Jim Bean, and John David. Thornton has two cousins, Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk that are professional wrestlers. Thornton attended Henderson State University and majored in psychology, but dropped out before he earned his degree. He was married to actress Angelina Jolie. The couple adopted a child from Cambodia in which they named, Maddox. Thornton has four other children from other relationships named Amanda Spence, William Langston, Harry James, and Bella.

Fast Facts

1. American actor, director, and singer
2. Born: August 4, 1955
3. Birthplace: Hot Springs, Arkansas
4. Has been married 5 times
5. Has 5 children
6. Won and Academy Award for Sling Blade (Screenplay)

Thornton was cast in the CBS sitcom Hearts Afire in 1992. From there he went on to co-write the film One False Move which was released on May 8, 1992. In 1996, the actor wrote, directed and starred in the film Sling Blade which earned him an Academy Award. Since then, he has starred in other well known films such as Armageddon, Primary Colors, Monster's Ball, Bad Santa, and Love Actually. His more recent works include Friday Night Lights, Bad News Bears, The Astronaut Farmer, and Eagle Eye.

Thornton is said to have obsessive-compulsive disorder. He is also said to have a fear of certain types of silverware and antique furniture. Some of these disorders have been evident in a few of his films such as Monster's Ball in which he used a plastic spoon to eat ice cream with instead of silverware.