In 1997, the talented Billy Bob Thornton, who is not just a great actor but also a skilled writer and director, achieved a remarkable milestone in his career. He grasped the prestigious Oscar award for best writing with his outstanding movie, "Sling Blade."
Thornton's love life has been as colorful as his Hollywood career. He has walked down the aisle six times, experiencing the highs and lows of relationships along the way. One of his most talked-about marriages was with the famous actress Angelina Jolie, which stirred up a lot of controversy in the media.
Currently Married To Connie Angland
Billy Bob Thornton's love story took a beautiful turn when he found his soulmate in Connie Angland. After a whopping 12 years of dating, the couple decided to take the plunge and exchanged vows on a memorable day, October 22, 2014. What makes their union even more heartwarming is the intimate setting in which they got married.
Billy Bob Thornton and his wife, Connie Angland SOURCE: AP Archive YouTube Channel
Surrounded by the warmth of their home in Los Angeles, Thornton and Angland hosted a private ceremony, inviting only close family members. Their decision to quietly tie the knot reflects their deep connection and the genuine love they share.
How Did Thornton Meet His Wife?
Thornton and Angland's love story began in the most unexpected yet charming way. Fate brought them together on the set of the 2003 comedy film "Bad Santa," where he portrayed the lovable yet mischievous character, Willie. Little did they know that this movie set would be the backdrop for their blossoming romance.
Amidst the lights, cameras, and action, Thornton and Angland found a genuine connection that went beyond the scripts and scenes. Their shared passion for the craft and mutual respect for talents laid the foundation for a beautiful relationship.
What Do We Know About Connie Angland?
Connie Angland leads a peaceful and serene life, far away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Despite her behind-the-scenes role, her contribution to the film industry has been invaluable. Having once worked in the special effects department at Cinovation Studios, she left her mark on some blockbuster movies, including "Men in Black I and II" and "Planet of the Apes."
Billy Bob Thornton and Connie Angland at an event SOURCE: AP Archive YouTube Channel
Angland specialized in seaming and patching, ensuring that the visual magic on screen was seamless and flawless. Though she may not be a household name, her dedication and skill have left an indelible impression on some of the most significant films in the industry.
Past Marriages
Angelina Jolie
Billy Bob Thornton's marriage to Angelina Jolie was the talk of Hollywood, often regarded as one of the most eccentric unions in the industry's history. Their whirlwind romance led them to tie the knot in Las Vegas on May 5, 2000. The wedding, characterized by its spontaneity and unique charm, captivated the public's attention.
However, the marriage was as short-lived as it was unconventional, coming to an end on May 27, 2003. One of the intriguing aspects of Billy and Angelina's relationship was the significant 20-year age gap between them, a fact that added to the fascination surrounding their partnership.
Billy and Jolie's magical connection blossomed on the set of the 1999 film "Pushing Tin," where they portrayed the roles of a married couple, Russell and Mary Bell. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and their ability to bring these characters to life was truly remarkable.
Engagement With Laura Dern
The love story of Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie left actress Laura Dern with a broken heart. At the time of their wedding, he was still engaged to Dern. According to her, one day he left for work on a movie, and the next thing she knew, he had married Jolie.
Billy Bob Thornton's ex-fiancée, Laura Dern SOURCE: Laura Dern Instagram @lauradern
It was a sudden and shocking twist of events that left Dern bewildered and hurt. Making it only worse for her, Thornton never returned home, and she never heard from him again. This abrupt end to their relationship became a part of Hollywood lore, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of love in the glitzy world of showbiz.
Why Was Billy And Angelina So Much Talked About?
Billy Bob and Angelina became the center of attention not just for their talent on screen but also for their unconventional and often eccentric relationship. Their public displays of affection and openness about their intimate life fascinated the media and fans alike.
One memorable incident that sparked chatter occurred in 2000 when Thornton and Jolie arrived at a movie premiere in a black limo, appearing remarkably underdressed for the occasion. To the surprise of onlookers, they openly shared that they had engaged in intimate activities in the back of the car on their way to the theater, showcasing their bold and carefree attitude towards their relationship, as mentioned in an article from The Things.
Billy's quirks, such as wearing Angelina's underwear, added to their unique charm. They even took their bond to an extraordinary level by wearing vials of each other's blood around their necks, a gesture that, although unusual, they treated as a symbol of their deep connection. Their fearlessness in expressing their love and individuality made them a talked-about couple, breaking the norms and challenging the conventions of traditional relationships.
Cynda Williams
Thornton's fleeting marriage to Cynda Williams, lasting less than a year and ending in 1992, left an indelible mark on both their lives. Reflecting on their brief union, he candidly admitted, "We were just friends; we had no business being married."
Cynda Williams in an interview SOURCE: Reelblack Two YouTube Channel
Billy and Cynda's connection wasn't solely confined to personal matters. They had collaborated professionally, working together on the film "One False Move." This shared experience, both in love and work, highlights the complexities of relationships, where friendships can sometimes withstand the challenges that romantic partnerships cannot.
Pietra Dawn Cherniak
Billy Bob Thornton's past marriage to Pietra Dawn Cherniak was marred by turbulence and ended in a storm of accusations. They were wedded on February 18, 1993, but their union faced significant challenges. The relationship came to a heartbreaking halt in April 1997 when she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
In a courageous move, Pietra sought legal protection by requesting a restraining order against the actor. She revealed a troubling pattern of alleged abuse, detailing instances where Billy had purportedly harmed her physically, sometimes in front of their children. He denied these accusations, defending himself against the claims.
Melissa Lee Gatlin
Billy Bob's first venture into marriage led him to Melissa Lee Gatlin, a fellow resident of their home state, Arkansas. Their union commenced in 1978, filled with hopes and dreams for the future. However, their love story took a dramatic turn when she filed for divorce in 1980, just two years after their wedding.
Billy Bob Thornton and Melissa Lee Gatlin at their wedding SOURCE: Pinterest
The reasons cited for their separation were "incompatibility and adultery on Billy's part," as reported in an article from People. This abrupt end to their marriage left both of them with wounds that time would slowly heal. His early experiences in marriage paved the way for the unpredictable journey of love and relationships that lay ahead of him.
Toni Lawrence
Billy Bob Thornton's early marriage to Toni Lawrence, which lasted from April 5, 1986, to 1988, remains veiled in secrecy, with only a few fragments of their relationship known to the public. Their union, shrouded in mystery, began when he was just 30 years old.
Despite the brevity of their marriage, it seemed to have left a lasting impact on both parties involved. While not much information is available about their time together, Lawrence once hinted at Thornton's inner struggles without delving into the specifics.
Other Relationships Of Thornton
Billy's romantic history is as diverse as his acting roles. Besides his marriages, he has had intriguing relationships with notable personalities. In 2008, he was linked with Téa Leoni. Before that, in 2002, he found companionship with Danielle Dotzenrod, showcasing his ability to connect with people from different walks of life.
Thornton's relationship with Laura Dern, spanning from 1997 to 2000, marked a significant chapter in his love life. Additionally, he shared a connection with Lisa Cone, adding another layer to his colorful romantic timeline. Amid these relationships, there was also a brief encounter with Halle Berry in 2000, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to his romantic escapades.
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