Billy Bob Thornton - Details

Biography

Billy Bob ThorntonAn Academy Award winning writer, and Academy Award nominiated actor and director, Billy Bob Thornton has an extensive and impressive career in motion pictures, television and theater. Charismatic and uniquely talented, Thornton has established himself as one of the most sought-after filmmakers of his generation.

The 1996 release of the critically acclaimed and phenomenally popular feature "Sling Blade," which he starred in and directed from a script he wrote, firmly established Thornton's status as a preeminent filmmaker. For his efforts, he was honored with Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor, winning the Oscar for his screenplay.

In 1998, Thornton was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild Award as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Sam Raimi's "A Simple Plan." He was also named Best Supporting Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics.

Most recently, Thornton wrote, directed and starred in "Daddy and Them," also starring Laura Dern and Andy Griffith.

Prior to "Sling Blade," Thornton had amassed an impressive list of motion picture credits. He wrote and starred in Carl Franklin's "One False Move," a sleeper success which brought him critical acclaim for writing and acting.

As an actor, Thornton most recently co-starred in Mike Newell's "Pushing Tin," as well as the blockbuster adventure movie "Armageddon," Oliver Stone's "U-Turn" and Mike Nichols' "Primary Colors." He also has appeared in "The Winner," Adrian Lyne's "Indecent Proposal," Jim Jarmusch's "Dead Man" and George Cosmatos' "Tombstone." Other films include "On Deadly Ground," "Bound by Honor," "For the Boys" and "The Stars Fell on Henrietta." His forthcoming projects include the romantic comedy "Wakin' Up in Reno," the Coen Bros. "The Barber Project" and Barry Levinson's "The Bandits."

As a writer, Thornton worked on numerous projects for United Artists, Miramax, Universal, Warner Bros., Touchstone, Island Pictures, David Geffen Productions and HBO. He also scripted "A Family Thing," starring Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones.

Thornton has appeared on television as a regular on the comedy series "Hearts Afire" and "The Outsiders," among various other television credits. His stage work includes performances in productions of "Lone Star" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."

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Events

  • 4th August 1955 - Birth