Landman star Billy Bob Thornton reflected on the key to his successful, 23-year relationship with his wife, Connie Angland, during an interview with Fox News Digital at the Newport Beach TV Fest. After five previous marriages that ended in divorce, Thornton emphasized that the foundation of their enduring marriage lies in their friendship rather than romance alone.
‘Connie and I have been together for 23 years, been married for 12, and our daughter is a great bond for us,’ Thornton said, revealing that their daughter Bella, now 20, plays a vital role in their relationship. He also acknowledged that true partnership requires mutual respect and friendship, stating, ‘You have to be friends, and she and I’ve always been friends.’ The romantic aspect, while important, is secondary to their deep connection as friends.
Thornton’s journey to marriage has been marked by a series of high-profile unions, including his first marriage to Melissa Lee Gatlin in 1978, which ended in divorce in 1980. Subsequent marriages to Toni Lawrence, Cynda Williams, and Laura Dern all ended in divorce, with the latter union particularly notable for being publicly announced and involving his now-ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. Thornton admitted that his marriage to Jolie didn’t last due to differing lifestyles, describing their union as ‘a different path and life we wanted to take.’ He also noted that media attention exaggerated aspects of their relationship, including the infamous blood-filled necklaces they wore.
Thornton’s current relationship with Angland, a former puppeteer and special effects artist on the set of Bad Santa, has been more straightforward. Despite initially hesitating to marry due to his troubled history, the couple decided to tie the knot in 2014. Thornton admitted that their marriage was initially kept secret because he feared it would subject Angland to the label of being his ‘No. 6’ wife. However, they ultimately chose to marry for their daughter’s sake, as Thornton explained, ‘We did for her, really.’ Their decision to marry also marked a shift in his perspective on relationships, as he stated, ‘My marriages were always very short, and I don’t like to try to fix things that aren’t broken.’
In addition to reflecting on his personal life, Thornton spoke about the success of his latest project, the Paramount+ series Landman, which has become a major hit. He acknowledged the honor of receiving the TV performance of the year award at the Newport Beach TV Fest, stating, ‘Anytime people recognize your work, it’s always an honor.’ Thornton highlighted the importance of the audience’s support and the recognition of his efforts in bringing the story to life. The series, which follows a petroleum landman navigating the challenges of the oil industry, has been renewed for a second season, reflecting its popularity and critical acclaim.