Before the much-publicized relationship of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Jolie was married to actor Billy Bob Thornton, known for his roles in films like “Sling Blade” and “A Simple Plan.” Their marriage, which lasted from 2000 to 2003, was heavily followed by the media. Thornton reflected on their time together during a 2018 podcast appearance on “HFPA in Conversation.” He expressed, “I view that period positively, and Angie remains a good friend. She has accomplished a lot.”
While Jolie moved on to a relationship with Brad Pitt after meeting on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2004, Thornton has been happily married to Connie Angland since 2014. They have one daughter, Bella, and Thornton has three other children from previous relationships. His recent marriage to Angland marks his sixth. The couple appeared together at the premiere of Thornton’s new Paramount+ series “Landman” in November 2024, where he plays the lead role of Tommy Norris.
At the premiere, they were seen together in matching all-black outfits, marking a rare public appearance. This event came nearly seven months after they attended the CMT Music Awards in April 2024, and over two years since Thornton’s Netflix film “The Gray Man” was released in July 2022. Thornton has often discussed the discreet nature of his marriage with Angland.
Billy Bob Thornton and Connie Angland lead a low-key lifestyle
In contrast to his high-profile marriage with Angelina Jolie, Billy Bob Thornton enjoys a more private and settled life with his wife, Connie Angland. Their shared introverted personalities foster a comfortable home life. In a 2019 interview for Oprah Winfrey’s “Master Class”, Thornton candidly discussed his challenges with fame and the unique pressures of high-profile relationships. He noted, “It can be tough, especially in celebrity marriages,” but admitted he feels much happier and secure with Angland, with whom he has been for over a decade.
Thornton has noted that his marriage to Jolie ended partly due to their conflicting lifestyle preferences. While Jolie sought a glamorous, global lifestyle, Thornton preferred a quieter, more reclusive existence. He reflected, “If circumstances were different, we might still be together.” Angland shares his preference for a simple life, avoiding parties and social functions, which contributes to their harmonious relationship. “I feel out of place around wealthy or influential people,” Thornton admitted to GQ. “I appreciate my way of living.”