Billy Bob Thornton doesn’t see himself as part of the Hollywood scene, despite being a household name with a career packed full of hit films.
The 69-year-old actor, known for movies like A Simple Plan, Armageddon, and Friday Night Lights, says he prefers to keep a low profile and focus on what really matters to him.
In an interview with People, Thornton shared, “I don’t talk about politics and stuff with people. I just kind of stay out of it all. I’m not really much of a part of Hollywood, as you say. I’m at home with the family, or I’m in a recording studio or on the road or making this. Those are the things I do, and I just kind of mind my own business.”
His latest project is the Paramount series Landman, where he plays Tommy Norris, a landman for an oil company. And it turns out, the role came to him in a pretty personal way. Taylor Sheridan, known for Yellowstone and 1883, wrote the part specifically with Thornton in mind. “I had done a cameo for Taylor in 1883. I just went down to Fort Worth and did this cameo. When we were at the premiere of that in Las Vegas, he said, ‘Listen, I’m writing this show with your voice called Landman. I think you’re really going to dig this,’” Thornton said.
The character of Tommy Norris hit close to home. Thornton described him as a blend of past roles, saying, “It’s almost like a few characters I’ve played boiled into one. He’s like the guy from Goliath, Bad Santa, it’s like he doesn’t suffer fools, but he also has some fun every now and then. I’m just basically playing who I would be if I were a landman.”
Despite the praise for his performance, Thornton admitted he hasn’t been able to watch himself on screen. “I get nervous watching myself, so I haven’t actually seen them myself,” he confessed to Extra. It’s a surprising comment for someone with such a long career, but it’s clear he prefers the work itself over the attention it brings.
Landman may be Thornton’s latest hit, but his approach hasn’t changed. Whether he’s filming a gritty TV series or making music in a studio, he’s all about staying grounded and focused on what he enjoys. Thornton’s clear about one thing, he’s in it for the art, not the spotlight.
So while the Hollywood machine keeps turning, Billy Bob Thornton remains on the outside by choice, and thriving in roles made just for him.
