Net Worth Ranker
What Is Billy Bob Thornton’s Net Worth?
Billy Bob Thornton, a multifaceted American talent excelling as an actor, screenwriter, producer, and musician, has amassed a considerable net worth of $45 million. This financial success is a result of his extensive work in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as his musical endeavors.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
William Robert Thornton was born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He grew up in a Methodist household, moving frequently within Arkansas, including stops in Alpine, Malvern, and Mount Holly. His early life was humble, with his family residing in a shack lacking basic amenities like electricity and plumbing. While in high school, Thornton displayed athletic promise as a baseball player, even attracting attention from the Kansas City Royals. However, an injury dashed his hopes of a professional baseball career. Before pursuing acting, Thornton worked for the Arkansas State Transportation Department and briefly studied psychology at Henderson State University for two semesters. He later dropped out and moved to Los Angeles with his childhood friend Tom Epperson, aspiring to make a career in the entertainment industry.
In Los Angeles, Thornton faced numerous rejections. He supported himself by working at fast-food restaurants and as a telemarketer. During this period, he also delved into music, joining a band called Jack Hammer. A chance encounter with director Billy Wilder while working as a waiter led to Wilder advising Thornton to focus on screenwriting. Thornton took this advice to heart and began to establish himself as a writer.
Breakthrough and Subsequent Success
Although Thornton secured minor film and television roles in the 1980s, his breakthrough arrived with “One False Move,” which he co-wrote with Tom Epperson. Critics lauded his performance, paving the way for further opportunities. In the 1990s, Thornton penned the script for “Sling Blade,” also starring in and directing the film. “Sling Blade” earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Following his Oscar win, Thornton’s career trajectory accelerated. He appeared in films such as “Primary Colors” and directed “All the Pretty Horses” in 2000. However, the negative critical reception of “All the Pretty Horses” led him to vow never to direct again. Thornton also took on memorable roles in blockbusters like “Armageddon,” “A Simple Plan,” “Monster’s Ball,” “Bandits,” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There.” In 2003, he portrayed an alcoholic Santa in “Bad Santa.” Later, he appeared in movies like “School for Scoundrels” and “Mr. Woodcock,” while also challenging typecasting by taking roles in films like “The Astronaut Farmer.”
Television and Music Career
In 2014, Thornton transitioned to television, securing a recurring role in “Fargo.” He also made a guest appearance on “The Big Bang Theory” that year. In 2016, he landed the lead role in “Goliath,” an Amazon Studios series about a washed-up lawyer. “Goliath” was renewed for a second season in 2017. Between 2016 and 2021, Billy Bob starred in the Amazon series “Goliath,” which aired 32 episodes over four seasons. Thornton has released four albums over the course of his career.
Awards and Recognition
Thornton has received numerous accolades, including an Oscar, two Golden Globes, two Critics’ Choice Awards, and an Independent Spirit Award. In 2004, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Real Estate Investments
In 2000, Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie purchased a Beverly Hills property from Slash, the Guns N’ Roses guitarist, for $3.7 million. Thornton retained the property after their separation and sold it in 2013 for $8 million, realizing a substantial profit. The mansion was approximately 11,000-square-feet.
In 2008, Thornton acquired a property in the Point Dume neighborhood of Malibu for $2.35 million. The 2,700-square-foot property had minimalist architecture, outdoor space, and four bedrooms. He sold this property in 2018 for $2.1 million, incurring a loss of $250,000.
In 2013, Thornton purchased a property in Brentwood for $2.7 million. The 3,600-square-foot property, located in Mandeville Canyon, features French doors, balconies, and a solar-heated, saltwater swimming pool.
These real estate ventures contribute to Billy Bob Thornton’s overall net worth. His earnings from acting, screenwriting, producing, and music, coupled with strategic property investments, have solidified his financial standing in the entertainment industry.
Relationships
Billy Bob Thornton’s first wife was Melissa Lee Gatlin, who divorced him after two years of marriage citing infidelity. They had one child. Subsequent marriages to Toni Lawrence and Cynda Williams also lasted two years each. In 1993, Pietra Dawn Cherniak became his fourth wife, and they had two children. Cherniak divorced him after four years, accusing him of spousal abuse. In 2000, Thornton married Angelina Jolie, a woman 20 years his junior, resulting in significant media attention. The couple separated in 2002. In 2014, Thornton married Connie Angland, a makeup effects specialist, after dating for 11 years. They have one child and reside in Los Angeles.
