From Angelina Jolie To Connie Angland: Inside Billy Bob Thornton's Six Marriages And The Secret To His 23-Year Romance

Few Hollywood stars have a relationship history as dramatic and well-documented as Billy Bob Thornton. The Oscar-winning actor, director, and musician has walked down the aisle a remarkable six times, a journey that has included headline-grabbing romances and quiet, enduring partnerships. As of December 10, 2025, the man known for his roles in *Sling Blade*, *Fargo*, and the recent series *Landman* is happily married to his sixth wife, Connie Angland, a relationship that has become his longest by a significant margin. Their enduring 23-year partnership—over a decade of which has been as a married couple—has proven that the sixth time really is the charm for the famously eccentric star.

The public's fascination often centers on his brief, intense marriage to Angelina Jolie, but it is his private life with Connie Angland that defines his current chapter. The couple recently made a high-profile appearance at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, where Thornton was nominated for his work on *Landman*, showcasing a united front that contrasts sharply with his earlier, tumultuous relationships. The key to their long-lasting success, according to Thornton himself, lies in their shared values, privacy, and their daughter.

Billy Bob Thornton: A Complete Relationship Biography & Timeline of His Six Wives

Billy Bob Thornton, born August 4, 1955, has a complex personal history marked by six marriages and four children. His journey through matrimony offers a unique look at the evolution of one of Hollywood's most unconventional talents. The following is a complete list of his wives in chronological order, detailing the start and end of each marriage.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Wife #1: Melissa Lee Gatlin (1978–1980)
  • Relationship: Thornton's first marriage was to Melissa Lee Gatlin, a woman whose background is largely outside of the entertainment industry.
  • Children: They welcomed his first child, daughter Amanda Brumfield (née Thornton), in 1979.
  • Duration: Married in 1978 and divorced in 1980.
• Wife #2: Toni Lawrence (1986–1988)
  • Relationship: Toni Lawrence is an actress. Their relationship was brief and occurred early in Thornton's career.
  • Duration: Married in 1986 and divorced in 1988.
• Wife #3: Cynda Williams (1990–1992)
  • Relationship: An actress and singer, Williams co-starred with Thornton in the 1992 film *One False Move*, which he also co-wrote. The marriage ended around the time of the film's release.
  • Duration: Married in 1990 and divorced in 1992.
• Wife #4: Pietra Dawn Cherniak (1993–1997)
  • Relationship: A former *Playboy* model, this was one of Thornton's longest marriages prior to his current one. The relationship was reportedly volatile.
  • Children: They share two sons, William Langston Thornton (born 1993) and Harry James Thornton (born 1994).
  • Duration: Married in 1993 and divorced in 1997.
• Wife #5: Angelina Jolie (2000–2003)
  • Relationship: Arguably his most famous and high-profile marriage. They met on the set of the film *Pushing Tin*. Known for their eccentric public displays of affection, including wearing vials of each other's blood.
  • Duration: Married in 2000 and divorced in 2003. Thornton later admitted that his own insecurities and the vast difference in their lifestyles contributed to the split.
• Wife #6: Connie Angland (2014–Present)
  • Relationship: His current wife and longest partner. They met in 2003 and dated for 11 years before marrying.
  • Children: They share one daughter, Bella Thornton (born 2004).
  • Duration: Married on October 22, 2014, and remain together.

Connie Angland: The Woman Who Tamed the Wild Man of Hollywood

Connie Angland is the sixth and current wife of Billy Bob Thornton, and she represents a significant shift toward stability in his personal life. Unlike some of his previous partners, Angland is not a high-profile actress but a professional makeup artist and special effects technician.

The couple’s relationship began in 2003 after they met on the set of the dark comedy *Bad Santa*, a film that would become an iconic part of Thornton's career. They started dating shortly after his divorce from Angelina Jolie was finalized. This period marked a deliberate move by Thornton away from the intense media scrutiny that characterized his fifth marriage.

Angland and Thornton welcomed their daughter, Bella Thornton, in 2004, a full decade before they officially married. They tied the knot quietly on October 22, 2014, in a private ceremony at their Los Angeles home, with the news not becoming public until early the following year.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Connie Angland is credited by many sources as being a grounding force in the actor's life. Thornton has openly discussed his struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxieties, and Angland's calm, private nature appears to complement his personality perfectly.

The Secret to Billy Bob Thornton’s Longest Marriage (2025 Update)

After five failed marriages, the key to Billy Bob Thornton's long-term success with Connie Angland is a topic of great curiosity. Their relationship, which has spanned over two decades, is his longest by far, and the actor has recently offered insights into why it works.

In interviews following his 2025 Golden Globe appearance, Thornton emphasized the importance of their shared family life and their commitment to privacy. Their daughter, Bella, who is now an adult, is a central bond in their relationship. He noted that their compatibility is rooted in a mutual understanding and a deliberate avoidance of the Hollywood spotlight.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

“I think the key is that we’ve been together for 23 years, and we’ve been married for over 10. We have a great bond, and our daughter is a big part of that,” Thornton revealed.

Other factors that contribute to their longevity include:

• Privacy: Unlike his marriage to Angelina Jolie, which was a constant media circus, Angland and Thornton maintain a very private life, largely keeping their relationship out of the tabloids.
• Compatibility: Thornton has stated that their personalities align well, allowing them to embrace their imperfections and appreciate authenticity.
• Shared Values: Both partners value a quiet, stable family life over the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world, a significant change from his earlier years.
• Acceptance: Thornton has been vocal about his eccentricities, including his phobias and anxieties. Angland’s acceptance of his unique personality has provided him with the stability he sought.

This enduring partnership with Connie Angland proves that while fame and fortune can complicate relationships, finding a true, grounding partner—even on the sixth attempt—is possible. The actor's journey from five divorces to a stable, two-decade-long romance is a testament to personal growth and finding the right balance between public life and private happiness.