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Billy Bob Thornton Biography

Birth Place:
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States
Profession
Actor, producer, screenwriter

Fast Facts

  • Grew up in a small Arkansas cabin with no electricity or running water
  • Tried out for the Kansas City Royals baseball team in the 1970s, but a wild pitch broke his collarbone, ending his potential pro career
  • Performed as a singer and drummer in various rock and blues bands, including a ZZ Top tribute band
  • Before he found success as an actor, he worked as a telemarketer and on wind farm in Los Angeles
  • Made three appearances on TV's Evening Shade, fulfilling his mother's psychic prediction that he would one day work with Burt Reynolds
  • Wrote the screenplay for Sling Blade in longhand because he does not type

Awards

  • 2017Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama: winner
  • 2015Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 2014Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2004Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
  • 2002Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 2002Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
  • 2001National Board of Review-Best Actor: winner
  • 2001American Film Institute-Best Actor: nominated
  • 1999Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1999Critics' Choice Awards-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1999Critics' Choice Awards-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1998Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1998Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1998Toronto Film Critics Association-Best Actor - Runner-up: winner
  • 1998Chicago Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1997Writers Guild Awards-Adapted Screenplay: winner
  • 1997Independent Spirit Awards-Best First Feature: winner
  • 1996Oscar-Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): winner
  • 1996Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1996Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1996National Board of Review-Special Achievement: winner
  • 1996Chicago Film Critics Association-Best Actor: winner
  • 1996Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1993Independent Spirit Awards-Best Screenplay: nominated

Relationships