Billy Bob Thornton: His Full Name, Life, & Career Facts

Mrs. Cynthia Von I 10 May 2025

Ever wondered about the man behind the quirky characters and captivating stories? William Robert "Billy Bob" Thornton Jr. is more than just an actor; he's a true auteur, a force of nature in the entertainment industry.

Born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Billy Bob Thornton's journey to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his raw talent and unwavering determination. Hes an American actor, filmmaker, singer, songwriter, drummer, and musician who has carved a unique path in the world of entertainment. From the small screen to the silver screen, and even the recording studio, Thornton has left an indelible mark with his distinctive voice, versatile performances, and unapologetically eccentric personality.

Billy Bob Thornton: Bio, Career, and Personal Information
Full Name	William Robert Thornton Jr. (Some sources cite "William Robert Thornton")
Date of Birth	August 4, 1955 (Some sources cite 1956)
Place of Birth	Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA (Some sources cite Alpine, AR)
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Parents	Virginia Roberta (Faulkner) Thornton (Psychic) and William Raymond (Billy Ray) Thornton (Educator, High School History Teacher, and Basketball Coach)
Siblings	James Donald (Jimmy Don) Thornton (Deceased, born in 1958) and John David Thornton (born in 1969)
Personal Life
Marital Status	Previously married multiple times: Melissa Lee Gatlin (1978-1980), Toni Lawrence (1986)
Early Life	Grew up in a modest household in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Early life filled with challenges that shaped his character.
Career Overview
Occupation	Actor, Filmmaker, Writer, Director, Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, Musician
Early Career	Began acting career in the 1980s. Gained recognition on the CBS sitcom "Hearts Afire" and in early 1990s movies.
Breakthrough Role	"Sling Blade" (1996): Wrote, directed, and starred in the independent drama film.
Awards	Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Sling Blade" (1996). Nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor for "Sling Blade".
Notable Works	"Sling Blade" (1996) "A Simple Plan" (1998) "The Man Who Wasnt There" (2001) "Hunter's Blood" (1986) "For the Boys" "Love Actually"
Other Talents	Plays drums and guitar. Performed at school functions as a child.
Additional Information
Ancestry	English, Scottish, and Irish
Trivia	At seven months old, he was recorded as the heaviest infant in Clark County, weighing thirty pounds.
Where to Watch	Find Billy Bob Thornton movies and TV shows (Example Link)