Billy Bob Thornton on Celebrity and Politics
Billy Bob Thornton recently shared that he’s not keen on using his fame to push his political or personal beliefs onto others. During an appearance on the podcast, “Howie Mandel Will Do Anything,” the 70-year-old actor, known for his role in “Landman,” expressed his disinterest in politics.
“I really don’t know much about it,” he stated, adding that he prefers not to impose his views because he doesn’t consider himself an expert.
Thornton humorously noted that his choice to keep quiet about his opinions might explain why he hasn’t frequented award shows as he used to. “I find it a bit uncomfortable when people start discussing issues like saving badgers at these events,” he remarked, referencing comedian Ricky Gervais’s take that it’s somewhat absurd.
This isn’t Thornton’s first commentary on this topic. Back in November on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he mentioned that he’s avoided awards ceremonies for years, despite previously collecting a fair share of accolades. “You sit down to a meal of dry chicken and green beans, while hearing people boast about themselves,” he recounted, wondering why awardees don’t acknowledge those who honored them instead of discussing unrelated causes.
Thornton also commented on the political bias he believes influences award nominations, particularly referencing “Landman” creator Taylor Sheridan’s grievances about the show’s lack of recognition. “I truly think a lot of it is political,” he commented, suggesting that some may mistakenly categorize Sheridan as a right-winger.
As he stars in “Landman” as oil executive Tommy Norris, Thornton explained that the show’s depiction of the oil industry is nuanced. “It focuses on the people affected by it rather than cheerleading for oil,” he clarified, emphasizing that it’s about the real-life impacts on workers and their families.
Notably, Sheridan’s other series, “Yellowstone,” has only received a single Emmy nomination in its five seasons, winning for Outstanding Production Design in 2021.
Thornton initially gained Hollywood’s attention in 1996 with the film “Sling Blade,” which he both wrote and directed, earning Oscar nominations for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor.
