The Blood Vials And Beyond: 7 Shocking Secrets Of Angelina Jolie And Billy Bob Thornton's Wild Romance, Revealed In 2025

The whirlwind romance between Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic and mysterious chapters, a three-year marriage defined by passionate public displays of affection and the infamous 'blood vial' necklaces. Decades later, the fascination hasn't faded, especially as new details emerge from both stars about their time together and their surprisingly enduring friendship. As of late 2025, Thornton has offered the most candid insights yet, finally clarifying the rumors that defined their relationship and explaining the fundamental lifestyle clash that led to their "civilised" separation.

Their story is a masterclass in celebrity mystique—a gothic, high-octane union between two of the industry's most unconventional talents. This deep dive uncovers the latest truths, separates fact from hyperbolic fiction, and explores the current, post-divorce relationship between the Oscar-winning actress and the multifaceted filmmaker.

I. The Unconventional Duo: Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton Biographical Profiles

The intensity of their relationship was fueled by two distinct, yet equally complex, personalities. Their age difference—Thornton was 44 and Jolie was 24 when they married—only added to the media frenzy surrounding their union.

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Angelina Jolie

• Full Name: Angelina Jolie Voight
• Born: June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Jon Voight (actor) and Marcheline Bertrand (actress).
• Key Roles/Accolades: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Girl, Interrupted), three Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award (2024). Known for films like Gia, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Maleficent.
• Marital History: Previously married to Jonny Lee Miller (1996–1999) and later to Billy Bob Thornton (2000–2003), followed by Brad Pitt (2014–2019).
• Humanitarian Work: Active as a Special Envoy for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

Billy Bob Thornton

• Full Name: Billy Bob Thornton
• Born: August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
• Key Roles/Accolades: Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Sling Blade). Known for acting, directing, producing, and music. Films include A Simple Plan, Monster's Ball, and the TV series Fargo.
• Marital History: Thornton has been married six times, with Jolie being his fifth wife. He was engaged to actress Laura Dern prior to his spontaneous marriage to Jolie.
• Current Status: Remains an active actor and musician, often touring with his band, The Boxmasters.

II. The Truth Behind the Infamous Blood Vials and Las Vegas Elopement

Their first meeting on the set of the 1999 film Pushing Tin instantly sparked a connection that was both electric and volatile. The public was captivated by their dark, punk-rock aesthetic and their unashamedly intense passion. This media fixation culminated in two major, long-standing rumors that Thornton has recently addressed in detail.

1. The Spontaneous Las Vegas Wedding

In May 2000, the couple shocked Hollywood by eloping in Las Vegas. The spontaneous nature of the wedding, which took place while Thornton was still engaged to actress Laura Dern, set the tone for their unconventional marriage. They skipped the traditional Hollywood fanfare for a quick, private ceremony, cementing their image as rebellious outsiders.

2. The Blood Vial Necklace Clarification (The Latest Update)

The most enduring and sensational story of their three-year marriage involved the matching necklaces containing vials of each other's blood. For years, this detail was presented as evidence of their extreme, almost gothic, devotion. However, in recent interviews—some as current as late 2025—Billy Bob Thornton has finally set the record straight, stating the story was drastically exaggerated.

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“It was never a big jar of blood,” Thornton explained. He described the so-called "vials" as tiny, lock-it-style pendants that held a small smear of blood, a gesture born from a desire to feel close while they were separated by work. He framed it as a simple, albeit unusual, "romantic gesture" that was blown out of proportion by the press, suggesting the dramatic "vials" often reported "never existed."

3. The Tattooed Love

Beyond the necklaces, their commitment was etched in ink. Jolie famously had "Billy Bob" tattooed on her arm, a piece of body art that she later had removed after the divorce. Thornton also had a tattoo dedicated to Jolie, another entity in the complex tapestry of their public declarations of love.

III. Lifestyle Differences: The Real Reason for Divorce

Their highly publicised marriage came to an end in 2002, with the divorce finalised in 2003. While many speculated about infidelity or dramatic fallout, Thornton has consistently maintained that the split was amicable and rooted in fundamental differences in their life philosophies and career trajectories.

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The Worldly vs. The Homebody

The core of their separation, as revealed by Thornton, was a profound clash of lifestyles.

• Angelina Jolie: At the time, Jolie was rapidly ascending to global superstardom, taking on major roles like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and becoming increasingly committed to her humanitarian work with the UNHCR. She was described by Thornton as "worldly and outgoing," drawn to international travel, politics, and a high-profile life.
• Billy Bob Thornton: Thornton, by contrast, preferred a quieter, more domestic existence. He described himself as a "homebody," more interested in his music, writing, and staying at home. He struggled with the intense public scrutiny and the expectations of a Hollywood power couple.

“We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different,” Thornton stated. He noted that Jolie wanted to travel the world and "save the world," while he simply wanted to watch baseball. This divergence in priorities made maintaining their marriage unfeasible, despite their deep affection for one another.

IV. A Rare Hollywood Friendship: Where They Stand Today in 2025

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is the enduring closeness between the two stars, even after their divorce and Jolie’s subsequent high-profile marriage to Brad Pitt and their contentious split involving entities like Château Miraval.

4. Still "Very, Very Close Friends"

In recent interviews, Billy Bob Thornton has confirmed that he and Angelina Jolie remain "very, very close friends." This is a rare feat in Hollywood, especially after such an intense and highly scrutinised relationship. They maintain contact and share a mutual respect that transcends their romantic history.

5. Mutual Respect and No Regrets

Thornton consistently speaks of Jolie with warmth and admiration. He has acknowledged that he and Jolie "had a great time together" and that their separation was "civilised." There is no public animosity, only a shared history and a continued bond, a testament to the genuine connection they forged despite their incompatible lifestyles.

6. The Unconventional Legacy

Their marriage, though brief, left an indelible mark on pop culture. It was a time of raw, unedited celebrity, a stark contrast to the more controlled narratives that followed. Their story paved the way for the next iteration of Jolie's life, including her shift toward major humanitarian efforts and her eventual marriage to Brad Pitt, which formed the super-couple "Brangelina." The period with Thornton remains a vital entity in understanding Jolie's evolution from an edgy artist to a global icon.

7. The Enduring Curiosity

Even in late 2025, the public's curiosity about their connection endures. It’s a fascination rooted in the extreme nature of their devotion and the dramatic contrast between their public personas and their private reality. The recent clarifications from Thornton—especially debunking the dramatic blood vial narrative—have only served to humanise a relationship that was often portrayed as purely sensational, confirming it was simply a passionate romance that succumbed to the pressures of two diverging worlds. Their friendship today is the final, unexpected act in this legendary Hollywood drama.