Billy Bob Thornton’s Thoughts on Southern Prejudice in Hollywood

Billy Bob Thornton recently shared his views on Hollywood’s perception of people from the South during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He lit a cigarette and mentioned a “prejudice” that he encountered when he arrived in Los Angeles, a bias that he feels still lingers today.

Thornton, who has his roots in Arkansas, stated, “When I first started in Hollywood, there was a lot of prejudice, and there’s still a lot of prejudice.” Although he believes that, once an actor reaches a certain level, their background doesn’t matter as much, he had a tough time securing roles in the beginning.

Reflecting on his early days, he recalled his first audition in L.A., which was for a student film role portraying someone from Alabama. “I was broke and couldn’t afford anything, but I thought, ‘I probably got this,'” he said, recalling the experience.

“When I first started in Hollywood, there was prejudice in Hollywood. There’s still prejudice.” — Billy Bob Thornton

Thornton also shared a memorable audition moment, explaining that the casting director wanted him to sound “more Southern.” He felt a bit taken aback, saying, “Are you shy of me? I just got out of the truck from there.” He expressed confusion over the descriptor of how he should sound, noting, “I’ve never heard anyone speak like that.” The men eventually told him he was “not Southern enough.” Thornton remarked on the unrealistic expectations, saying, “They wanted a Foghorn Leghorn accent,” something he had never encountered in his upbringing.

Despite his efforts, he didn’t get the part; it went to someone from the Bronx instead. He emphasized that actors from the South often go unnoticed in Hollywood. He pointed out that those not from the South frequently land roles that typically are associated with Southern characters and even earn awards for them. “Southerners don’t really get chosen or noticed for things,” he explained, adding that even if a person has an accent, it doesn’t necessarily prevent them from landing roles as Southerners.

Logan, who was on the podcast with Thornton, contributed to the conversation, mentioning the “coastal city stereotype” that often affects perceptions of talent from other regions. Thornton agreed, reflecting on how people in the East and West dominate casting decisions, leaving those in the middle feeling overlooked.

“They would literally call it the Elevated State,” Logan added, criticizing how this attitude can lead to a dismissal of those living in different areas as being lesser or less intelligent. Thornton nodded, affirming that this stereotype remains prevalent.

Thornton’s breakthrough came in 1996 with the film “Sling Blade,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in. This film earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor. He has also appeared in notable films like “A Simple Plan,” “Friday Night Lights,” and “The Alamo.” Recently, he returned to his Southern roots in the TV show “Landman,” where he stars as Tommy Norris, a senior oil executive in West Texas. The show’s second season is set to premiere on Paramount+ on November 16th.