Billy Bob Thornton praises Angelina Jolie, saying their friendship remains strong years after their marriage. The actor, now 70, reflected positively on their relationship during remarks made in November 2025.
Warm Reflections on Jolie and Their Marriage
Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie were married from 2000 to 2003, experiencing high-profile years together as stars in Hollywood. Even though their partnership concluded in divorce, Thornton continues to speak highly of Jolie and their enduring connection. During an interview with Extra, Thornton shared his admiration:
She’s awesome. Yeah, a great friend of mine, and yeah, that’ll never go away.
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
Thornton recounted the fond memories from their years together, considering it a significant chapter in his life. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he elaborated on their amicable separation and continued friendship:
“Angelina and I had a great time together. That was one of the greatest times of my life.”
She and I are still very, very close friends. And that was the one that ended up being a really civilised break-up. We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different.
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
Moving Forward Through Friendship
The actor emphasized that despite the end of their marriage, he and Jolie remain “very, very close friends.” Their breakup, he explained, was handled respectfully, rooted more in differing lifestyles than any dramatic fallout. The ongoing camaraderie between Thornton and Jolie continues to attract public interest, especially given the high emotion and intensity surrounding their past relationship.
The couple’s reputation for eccentric displays, such as wearing vials of each other’s blood, was addressed by Thornton. He clarified that the truth was far less sensational:
“We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them. That’s a romantic little idea, and that’s all that was.”
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.
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
New Collaborations in Music
In addition to reflecting on his past with Angelina Jolie, Thornton has kept busy through creative projects in both film and music. Recently, he teamed up with musician Carter Faith, appearing in one of her music videos and expressing strong confidence in her burgeoning career. At the 2025 CMA Awards, where he appeared alongside Landman co-star Mark Collie, Thornton spoke about writing songs with Faith and supporting her first appearance at the event.
She is great. She’s going to be a big star.
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
A Lasting Legacy of Respect and Friendship
Billy Bob Thornton’s comments highlight not just fondness for Angelina Jolie, but a model of mature, lasting friendship after marriage. With his continued work alongside figures like Carter Faith and Mark Collie at major events such as the CMA Awards, Thornton demonstrates an energetic and positive outlook. For fans of both stars, the enduring respect and affection between Thornton and Jolie speaks to the possibility of meaningful relationships even beyond Hollywood’s spotlight.
