Michelle Randolph, known for her role in the Paramount+ drama Landman, revealed in an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show on February 11 that she asked her co-star Billy Bob Thornton about the longstanding rumor involving him and his ex-wife Angelina Jolie drinking each other’s blood. Randolph, 28, described her experience working alongside Thornton, 70, expressing both curiosity and admiration as she aimed to learn more about the Oscar-winning actor while filming the series.
The Story Behind the Rumor and Thornton’s Response
The rumor that Thornton and Jolie wore vials containing each other’s blood and consumed the blood as a symbol of their relationship has circulated for years. Randolph admitted that before meeting Thornton, this was the image she held in her mind, explaining,
“Most of my scenes are with him, and I’m thinking, ‘God, like what, all I know is that he drank Angelina Jolie’s blood or something.’ Which I since have asked him about,”
during her interview with Drew Barrymore. Thornton himself addressed the rumor in a recent Rolling Stone interview, clarifying the symbolism behind the act.
Thornton said,
“We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them,”
and added,
“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.”
With a sense of humor and detachment, Thornton downplayed the eerie nature of the claim, showing it was more symbolic than literal.
Randolph’s Impression of Thornton’s Character and On-Set Dynamic
Despite her initial apprehension about the blood rumor, Randolph described Thornton as surprisingly easygoing and comforting to work with. She recalled,
“He just, I mean, he’s just ease,”
and continued,
“If ease was a person, that’s who he is.”
This relaxed nature contributed to his ability to draw genuine performances from his co-stars.
Randolph elaborated on Thornton’s professionalism and kindness, saying,
“That’s why he’s so good at what he does. You think someone with his résumé is going to be so intimidating, but instead, he’s such a great actor because he pulls honesty out of you and he settles you in a scene and in life.”
She also mentioned how Thornton’s calming presence affected her personally, noting,
“I tend to talk a lot and move fast and he just makes me want to just chill.”
Randolph’s Growing Bond With Thornton on and off Screen
Beyond their professional connection, Randolph has publicly acknowledged Thornton as a father figure. During a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, she described him as
“definitely is another dad figure for me.”
In Landman, Randolph plays Ainsley, the 17-year-old daughter of Thornton’s character, oilman Tommy Norris, and Ali Larter’s Angela.
Reflecting on her first meeting with Thornton, Randolph admitted she was unsure what to expect but was hopeful about their collaboration. She said,
“I just had no idea what to expect. I had heard incredible things about him, and so I was excited to meet him, but obviously I’m like, ‘Okay, this is someone I’m going to share a lot of scenes with for a really important show. It’s something I care a lot about. I just hope that we have a good dynamic.’”
She recalled the warm atmosphere when she met both Thornton and Larter, adding,
“And I was with Ali when I first met him, and it was just, immediately, he’s the kindest, most genuine human. We went to a dinner and after I left that dinner, I was like, ‘Okay, this is going to be great.’”
How This Interaction Reflects on Thornton’s Public Persona
The exchange about the blood-drinking rumor highlights the contrast between Thornton’s public image steeped in Hollywood legend and his real-life demeanor, which Randolph found reassuringly simple and genuine. His ability to transform potentially uncomfortable topics into lighthearted conversations demonstrates his seasoned professionalism.
Given Randolph’s praise for Thornton’s calming influence and talent for eliciting authenticity, it is likely that their dynamic will continue enriching their performances together. As the Paramount+ drama progresses, viewers can expect a nuanced portrayal of the family relationship between their characters.
