Billy Bob Thornton Discusses Health Struggles and Unique Diet

Billy Bob Thornton recently shared details about his ongoing health issues and how they’ve shaped his dietary choices. During an appearance on “Howie Mandel Does Great Things,” the 70-year-old actor talked about how he has dealt with a variety of health challenges throughout his life.

He explained, “My diet is pretty limited. I’m allergic to wheat and dairy. Plus, I’ve got AB negative blood type, which is quite rare—just under 1% of people have it. This means I have fewer digestive enzymes, and I’ve grown up with a lot of allergies.” He emphasized the need to avoid dairy, wheat, shellfish, and even red meat.

Thornton mentioned, quite self-aware, that his health concerns dictate much of what he can eat. He recalled his breakfast of blueberries and planned to snack on gluten-free chips with dairy-free cream cheese later. “Growing up in Arkansas and East Texas, I thought I could eat anything back then. I didn’t realize everyone didn’t feel this way after eating,” he reflected.

Interestingly, he’s adapted to his dietary restrictions, becoming more adventurous with food. While in his dressing room before a Q&A for “Landman,” he found little he could eat, spotting a grape amongst a spread of meat, cheese, and crackers. He humorously noted he would “be bored to death” with just the grape, which led him to pair it with something unexpected: “I soaked these grapes in Dijon mustard,” he recalled. “It was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.”

On a different note, Thornton reminisced about his more physically demanding roles as a young actor, recounting how he gained significant weight for movies like “Tombstone” and “U-Turn.” He said he even dropped to 128 pounds for “Pushing Tin.” Reflecting on his younger days, he laughed, “I used to think I could gain and lose weight so easily for roles. But now, it just doesn’t feel right anymore.” It seems age brings a change in perspective.

Currently, he’s part of the Paramount+ series “Landman,” which dives into the interactions between ruffians and oil tycoons in West Texas amidst the expanding oil industry. He mentioned gaining new insights into the oil business and the diverse backgrounds of those working in it. “I’ve met folks trying to rebuild their lives, often with challenging pasts, but they earn a decent living in those fields,” he said, recognizing both the opportunities and struggles associated with the industry.