Billy Bob Thornton Net Worth: How He Built $45 Million Fortune

Billy Bob Thornton Net Worth: How He Built $45 Million Fortune.

What is Billy Bob Thornton's Net Worth and Salary?

Billy Bob Thornton is a versatile American actor, screenwriter, producer, and musician with a net worth of $45 million. He was already making a name for himself in Hollywood when he turned his short film, "Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade," into the feature film "Sling Blade." This poignant tale about a mentally challenged man who commits a terrible crime became a surprise hit, earning him several awards, including an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

After winning the Oscar, his visibility in Hollywood skyrocketed, and he continued to work consistently in acting, directing, and writing, while also releasing four music albums.

As an actor, he’s been in a bunch of notable films like "Tombstone," "Indecent Proposal," "Sling Blade," "A Simple Plan," "Armageddon," "Monster's Ball," "Bandits," "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Bad Santa," "Friday Night Lights," "Eagle Eye," "The Astronaut Farmer," and "The Baytown Outlaws." On the writing and directing side, he’s contributed to projects like "One False Move," "Sling Blade," "Don't Look Back," "All the Pretty Horses," and "The Gift."

While he still considers himself a journeyman actor, his film appearances now feel like more of a big deal. He tends to keep his personal life under wraps, possibly due to the media frenzy surrounding his three-year marriage to Angelina Jolie.

From 2016 to 2021, Billy Bob starred in the Amazon series "Goliath," which ran for four seasons with a total of 32 episodes. He’s racked up numerous awards over the years, including an Oscar, two Golden Globes, two Critics' Choice Awards, an Independent Spirit Award, and more. In 2004, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early Life

William Robert Thornton was born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He got his nickname from his dad, William Raymond "Billy Ray" Thornton, who was a high school teacher and basketball coach. Growing up in a Methodist family with two brothers, Billy Bob's family moved around a lot in Arkansas, living in places like Alpine, Malvern, and Mount Holly. They weren't well-off and lived in a small shack without electricity or plumbing.

In high school, Billy Bob showed off his skills as a baseball player and seemed on track for a pro career, but an injury dashed his hopes of joining the Kansas City Royals. After that, he worked for the Arkansas State Transportation Department before heading to Henderson State University to study psychology. However, he dropped out after just two semesters and made the leap to Los Angeles.

Before his move, he and his childhood buddy, Tom Epperson, hatched a plan to break into the entertainment scene, and Billy Bob got really excited about acting. He went to tons of auditions in L.A., but landing roles was tough. To make ends meet, he took jobs at fast-food joints and did some telemarketing. During this time, he also kicked off his music career and joined a band called Jack Hammer.

One day, while Billy Bob was waiting tables at an industry event, he unexpectedly bumped into the legendary director and screenwriter Billy Wilder. They hit it off and had a great chat, during which Wilder shared some important advice: he suggested that Thornton should concentrate more on screenwriting rather than acting. Taking this to heart, Thornton changed his game plan in the entertainment world in the years that followed.

Career Success

Billy Bob Thornton had a few small roles in movies and TV during the 80s, but he really made a name for himself with "One False Move," which he co-wrote with Tom Epperson. Critics loved his performance right off the bat. After a bunch of minor roles in the 90s, he wrote, directed, and starred in "Sling Blade," which earned him several awards. By the late 90s, he was in films like "Primary Colors" and took a shot at directing with "All the Pretty Horses" in 2000, but the film got slammed by critics, leading him to vow never to direct again.

Some of his standout roles include hits like "Armageddon," "A Simple Plan," "Monster's Ball," "Bandits," and "The Man Who Wasn't There." In 2003, he became famous for playing a down-and-out, suicidal Santa in the dark comedy "Bad Santa." As he gained a reputation for nailing the "jerk" roles, he took parts in films like "School for Scoundrels" and "Mr. Woodcock," but he also tried to break out of that mold with "The Astronaut Farmer."

In 2014, Billy Bob shifted his focus to TV, landing a recurring role in "Fargo" and making a guest appearance on "The Big Bang Theory." By 2016, he was the lead in "Goliath," an Amazon series about a washed-up lawyer, and in 2017, the show got the green light for a second season.

Billy Bob Thornton is set to star in Land Man (2024), a gripping drama series where he plays a complex character amidst the oil industry's turbulent backdrop. Known for his versatile roles, Thornton's portrayal promises to bring depth and intrigue to the show's compelling narrative.

Relationships

Billy Bob Thornton's first marriage was to Melissa Lee Gatlin, but it ended after just two years due to his infidelity. They had one child together. His next two marriages, to actresses Toni Lawrence and Cynda Williams, also only lasted two years each. In 1993, he tied the knot with Pietra Dawn Cherniak, and they welcomed two kids during their four-year marriage before she divorced him, claiming spousal abuse.

In 2000, Billy Bob stirred up a media storm when he married Angelina Jolie, who was 20 years younger than him. The buzz around their relationship continued until they split in 2002. Fast forward to 2014, he married his sixth wife, Connie Angland, after dating her for 11 years. They have one child and live in Los Angeles.

Real Estate

In 2000, Billy Bob Thornton and his then-wife Angelina Jolie bought a house in Beverly Hills from Slash, the guitarist from Guns N' Roses, for $3.7 million. After their split, Thornton managed to keep the place even after the divorce. He held onto the impressive 11,000-square-foot mansion until 2013, when he sold it for $8 million, making a nice profit.

In 2008, Thornton decided to treat himself and bought a property in Malibu's Point Dume area for $2.35 million. This 2,700-square-foot home boasts a minimalist design, plenty of outdoor space, and four bedrooms. However, unlike his previous sale, he took a hit when he sold this place in 2018. The best offer he got was $2.1 million, resulting in a $250,000 loss for him.

Then in 2013, Billy Bob picked up a property in Brentwood for $2.7 million. Nestled in the upscale Mandeville Canyon area, this 3,600-square-foot home has a cliffside view in the backyard. Inside, you'll find stylish French doors and spacious balconies. The house has been heavily renovated and even includes a solar-heated saltwater pool.

Billy Bob Thornton's career is a testament to his incredible versatility and dedication to his craft. From his iconic role in Sling Blade to his dynamic performances in film and television, including his recent work in Land Man (2024), he has continuously captivated audiences with his depth and authenticity. With a rich career spanning multiple genres and a wealth of accolades, Thornton's impact on Hollywood is undeniable.

His ability to transition seamlessly between acting, writing, and directing showcases his remarkable talent. As he continues to evolve, Billy Bob Thornton's legacy as a multifaceted artist remains firmly intact.

RELATED: Selena Gomez's Net Worth Skyrockets To $1 Billion In 2024.