Billy Bob Thornton’s Shocking New Role: 5 Things You Didn't Know About His Landman Comeback And Private Life

Few Hollywood figures possess the enigmatic aura and raw talent of Billy Bob Thornton. As of December 2025, the Oscar-winning actor, writer, and musician is experiencing a massive career resurgence, not just with a new project, but with the renewal of a critically acclaimed series that has cemented his status as a modern-day television icon.

The most current and pressing news dominating the entertainment landscape is his lead role as the crisis-ridden oil executive Tommy Norris in the Taylor Sheridan-created Paramount+ series, Landman. With Season 2 having just premiered in November 2025 and a third season already confirmed, fans and critics are once again captivated by the unique blend of grit and vulnerability that only Thornton can deliver, making this the most relevant time to explore his full, complex career.

Detailed Biography and Profile: William Robert Thornton

William Robert "Billy Bob" Thornton is a multi-hyphenate talent whose career spans over four decades in film, television, and music. Known for his distinctive Southern drawl and ability to portray both menacing and deeply sympathetic characters, his life off-screen has often been as compelling as his roles.

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• Full Name: William Robert Thornton
• Born: August 4, 1955
• Age (as of December 2025): 70
• Birthplace: Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
• Height: Approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Professions: Actor, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Musician (Vocalist for The Boxmasters)
• Spouse: Connie Angland (m. 2014)
• Notable Ex-Spouse: Angelina Jolie (m. 2000–2003)
• Children: 4 (Amanda, William, Harry, and Bella)
• Key Awards: Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Sling Blade), Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (Goliath), Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (Fargo).

1. The Oil Patch Comeback: Landman and the Tommy Norris Phenomenon

Billy Bob Thornton's latest career high is undeniably his starring role in Landman, a gritty, contemporary drama set against the backdrop of the West Texas oil boom. This project is a crucial piece of the Taylor Sheridan universe, which includes hits like Yellowstone and Tulsa King, solidifying Thornton's position in one of the most successful franchises in modern television.

The Fixer of the Permian Basin

In Landman, Thornton plays Tommy Norris, a crisis executive for the fictional M-Tex Oil company. The character is a "fixer"—a man constantly navigating the moral and legal gray areas of the volatile oil industry. Norris is a complex figure, balancing the demands of a high-stakes corporate world with a complicated personal life, a narrative space where Thornton thrives. The show's focus on the energy sector provides a fresh, high-tension setting that differs from the legal drama of his previous hit, Goliath.

Season 2 Premiere and Season 3 Renewal

The news is exceptionally current: Landman Season 2 premiered on Paramount+ on Sunday, November 16, 2025. New episodes are being released weekly, with the season finale scheduled for January 18, 2026. More importantly for fans, the series has already been renewed for a third season, a testament to the show's massive success and Thornton's compelling performance. This ongoing commitment to the *Landman* universe ensures that Thornton will be a fixture on television screens for the foreseeable future, making his career more relevant than ever.

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2. From Sling Blade to Fargo: The Legacy of a Multi-Hyphenate

While his current work is in television, Thornton's legacy is rooted in his groundbreaking work as a screenwriter and director. His 1996 independent drama, Sling Blade, remains the cornerstone of his career. He not only wrote and directed the film but also starred as the iconic Karl Childers, a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor.

The Eccentric Filmography

Thornton possesses a filmography rich with memorable, often eccentric characters, demonstrating his incredible range. Key roles that have defined his career and contribute to his high topical authority include:

• Jacob Mitchell in A Simple Plan (1998): A performance that earned him further critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
• Willie Soke in Bad Santa (2003): A dark comedy role that became a cult classic and showcased his comedic timing.
• Lorne Malvo in Fargo (Season 1, 2014): His chilling portrayal of the hitman in the FX anthology series won him a Golden Globe, proving his ability to master the long-form television format.
• Billy McBride in Goliath (2016–2021): The Amazon legal drama earned him another Golden Globe and established his modern TV success before Landman.

3. The Private Life: Marriages, Music, and the Angelina Jolie Era

Thornton's private life has often been scrutinized, particularly his high-profile, three-year marriage to actress Angelina Jolie. Their relationship, marked by public displays of affection and wearing vials of each other's blood, became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s, cementing his image as an unconventional Hollywood figure.

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The Current Chapter: Connie Angland

Today, Thornton is married to Connie Angland, a make-up effects artist. The couple, who have a daughter named Bella, have maintained a much more private and stable life since marrying in 2014. He is a father to four children in total, including Amanda, William, and Harry from previous relationships, showcasing the less-publicized family man side of the complex star.

The Musician: The Boxmasters

Beyond acting, Thornton is a dedicated musician. He is the vocalist and drummer for the rock band The Boxmasters, a passion project that allows him to explore his roots in Southern rock and Americana. His commitment to music is not a side hobby but a parallel career, often citing it as equally important as his film work, a unique dedication that further defines his entity in the entertainment industry.

From the Oscar stage for Sling Blade to the oil fields of *Landman*, Billy Bob Thornton continues to defy categorization. His recent and ongoing success in the Taylor Sheridan universe, coupled with a deep, respected body of work, ensures that his presence in Hollywood remains as vital and compelling as ever, proving that the enigmatic actor still has plenty of stories left to tell.