More than two decades after their divorce, Billy Bob Thornton is shedding new light on his whirlwind marriage to Angelina Jolie, including clarifying the infamous story about their blood vial necklaces that captured public imagination.
The Truth Behind the Blood Vials
In a candid new interview with Rolling Stone, the Landman star revealed that he and Jolie, who were married from 2000 to 2003, indeed wore lockets containing each other's blood. However, Thornton insists the gesture was far less dramatic than media portrayed it.
"We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them," Thornton told the publication. "That's a romantic little idea, and that's all that was."
The actor expressed frustration with how the story became sensationalized over time. "But by the time it's over, we're vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other's blood, and this kind of stuff," he added, mocking the exaggerated narratives.
A Marriage Under the Microscope
Thornton explained that Jolie originally suggested the blood lockets because the couple spent significant time apart due to their acting careers. In a separate interview with Esquire, he described the practical process: "She got two of those little lockets where you can open it up, put a picture of your grandma or whatever. And we got a little razor blade. We cut our fingers and we smeared a little blood on this locket, close it up, and wear it around your neck."
The actor reflected on how their relationship unfolded during a pivotal moment in celebrity culture. "When we met, I was the more famous one," Thornton recalled. "And then when we got together, for some reason, the people and the media are very interested in celebrity couples."
He noted the intense paparazzi attention made normal life difficult, saying they "couldn't go anywhere" without causing a media frenzy.
Civilized Parting and Lasting Friendship
Despite their 2003 divorce, Thornton emphasized that he and Jolie parted on good terms and maintain a positive relationship today. "And of course, Angelina and I had a great time together. That was one of the greatest times of my life," he shared. "She and I are still very, very close friends. And that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup."
The actor attributed their separation to practical lifestyle differences rather than dramatic conflict. "We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different," he explained.
Jolie had previously discussed the marriage in a 2004 Vogue interview, noting that the breakup "took me by surprise" and was accelerated by their time apart while filming. "Because we're actors, we go away for months at a time and you grow and change separately," she told the magazine.
Thornton, now 69, has been married to his current wife Connie Angland since 2014, and they share a 21-year-old daughter. Reflecting on his marital history, he expressed contentment with his current relationship, noting they've been together for 23 years total.
"Connie and I have been together 23 years and married for 12," Thornton said. "I found the right spot to be."
