Billy Bob Thornton Shares Relationship Insights
Billy Bob Thornton recently opened up about the secrets to his successful relationship with his wife, Connie Angland. At 69, Thornton, who has been married multiple times before, tied the knot with Angland in October 2014. The couple has been together for over 23 years, and during an interview at the Newport Beach Television Festival on June 7, he shared some thoughts on their enduring bond.
“Connie and I got married when I was 12,” he joked, clarifying that their daughter Bella, who is now 20 and attending California Polytechnic State University, is a major connection for them. He emphasized that while romance is important, a strong friendship forms the foundation of their relationship.
Thornton’s journey through marriage has been varied. His first marriage was to Melissa Lee Gatlin in 1978, which ended in divorce two years later. He then briefly married actress Toni Lawrence in 1986. After a few more relationships, including a notable marriage to Angelina Jolie that ended in 2003, he went on to marry Angland.
In fact, Thornton met Angland while working on the film “Bad Santa.” They began dating in 2004 and welcomed their daughter Bella soon after. Despite his past experiences, Thornton expressed that he was hesitant to marry again, feeling their relationship was already stable without the legal formalities.
However, he and Angland did eventually marry in a private ceremony at their home in October 2014. He mentioned that their daughter prompted them to take that step, asking why her parents weren’t married despite being together for so long.
Reflecting on his past relationships, Thornton commented on how things may have been exaggerated in the media, particularly regarding his marriage to Jolie—like the infamous blood necklace stories, which he described as being overly dramatized. Despite his tumultuous history, Thornton remarked that he and Jolie still share a mutual respect.
Most recently, at the Newport Beach Television Fest, Thornton accepted awards for his role in the series “Landman,” which has gained considerable acclaim. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that it always feels good to have one’s work appreciated, especially at events celebrating the television industry.
Ultimately, Thornton’s relationship with Angland reflects both a love and a companionship that’s a bit different from what you might typically expect in Hollywood, showing that every couple has their unique dynamics.
