Michelle Randolph openly addressed her curiosity about co-star Billy Bob Thornton‘s notoriously unusual relationship with ex-wife Angelina Jolie during their time working together on the Paramount+ drama The Landman. In a recent interview, Randolph shared how she ventured into asking Thornton about the viral rumors involving their unique bond, revealing insights into their on-set dynamic while highlighting the enduring intrigue surrounding their past.
The focus on the Billy Bob Thornton interview centers on his calm and approachable nature, which contrasts with the intimidating image some might expect from an actor with his extensive career. Randolph described their working relationship as grounded in honesty and ease, and she relayed how her playful questioning about his time with Jolie was met with an unflustered response.
Michelle Randolph Opens Up About Her Curiosity Regarding Billy Bob Thornton
During a February 11 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Michelle Randolph spoke candidly about the personal conversations she shared with Billy Bob Thornton. Since most of her scenes on The Landman are with Thornton, she admitted to thinking,
“God, all I know is that he drank Angelina Jolie’s blood or something,”
before confessing,
“Which I since have asked him about.”
Her inquisitiveness sprung from the well-known stories that Thornton and Jolie had exchanged blood vials during their marriage in the early 2000s.
Randolph expressed admiration not only for Thornton’s acting skills but also for his laid-back demeanor, stating,
“If ease was a person, that’s who he is. 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.”
This blend of professionalism and warmth created a unique environment for their collaboration.
Billy Bob Thornton Reflects on His Relationship with Angelina Jolie
While Randolph did not reveal Thornton’s exact response to her question, the actor has openly discussed the origins and media portrayal of his romance with Angelina Jolie in previous interviews. In a November interview with Rolling Stone, Thornton addressed the blood vial story head-on, describing the token as “a romantic little idea.” He added,
“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,”
poking fun at the sensationalism that surrounded their relationship.
More than two decades after their separation, Thornton emphasized the continued closeness he shares with Jolie, stating,
“We are still very, very close friends.”
He described their breakup as amicable, saying,
“That was one of the greatest times of my life. And that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup. We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different.”
Celebrity Exes Who Maintain Friendly Relationships
The amicability between Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie is one example among many celebrity exes who remain on good terms after their splits. Here are several well-known pairs who have demonstrated lasting friendships despite ending their romantic relationships.
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt: Friends Beyond the Breakup
Though Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have no plans to rekindle their romance, their interactions at birthday parties and public events suggest a warm, respectful connection. Their playful exchanges, including participating in a virtual reading together, continue to captivate fans and hint at a comfortable camaraderie.
Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel’s Lighthearted Rapport
Comedian Sarah Silverman’s appearances on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show highlight her ease in playfully teasing her ex. She joked about the change in Kimmel’s personality since marrying Molly Kimmel:
“She gets, like, new woke Jimmy. I had Man Show Jimmy,”
reflecting their continued friendship and humorous bond.
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris: Supportive Co-Parenting
After their 2017 divorce, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris have maintained a strong co-parenting relationship. Faris even offered to officiate Pratt’s wedding to Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2019, and she sent a gift when they welcomed their daughter Lyla in 2020. Sources have described Faris as “very supportive,” emphasizing their mutual respect for their son Jack’s well-being.
Tarek El Moussa and Christina Hall as Partners in Parenting and Business
Despite a difficult split, Tarek El Moussa and Christina Hall continue to collaborate successfully on parenting their children, Taylor and Brayden, as well as working together in real estate flipping. Their ability to maintain a cooperative partnership demonstrates a commitment beyond their personal history.
Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz: Lifelong Friends After Love
Musician Lenny Kravitz described his relationship with ex Lisa Bonet as being “one big happy family,” praising their enduring bond and shared connection, especially as co-parents to actress Zoe Kravitz. Reflecting on their friendship, Kravitz said,
“It’s beautiful, and it just shows you what can be done.”
Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich: Celebrating New Chapters Together
After ending their marriage in 2020, Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich have sustained a supportive relationship. When Laich became engaged to Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir, Hough congratulated them, posting,
“I’m so happy for you both as you step into this beautiful new chapter together. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures.”
Later, the trio spent time together on a lake, with Hough captioning a photo,
“Special day on the lake with these three cuties.”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner: Exemplifying Civil Co-Parenting
Since their split in 2015, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have modeled respectful co-parenting as they raise their three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Affleck publicly praised Garner as “an amazing mother,” demonstrating a positive and cooperative dynamic.
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder: Friends Long After Romance
After parting ways in 2013, actors Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder continued their friendship. When Somerhalder began dating Nikki Reed, Dobrev befriended Reed, showing an ongoing supportive network despite the breakup.
Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney: Maintaining a Strong Bond
Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney called off their engagement in 2016 after five years together. Gaga revealed on The Howard Stern Show that she remains close to Kinney, saying,
“He’s been my lover and a friend for so long.”
She summarized their relationship simply:
“We love each other. That’s it.”
Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak’s Familial Connection
The close relationship between Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak endures well beyond their on-again, off-again dating history. Kaling explained to Good Housekeeping,
“If I was on the outside looking at it, I would think the same thing. But the truth is that B.J. is so much more like family now than a platonic friend.”
Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz: Respectful Co-Parents
Though divorced in 2011, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz have successfully co-parented their son Bronx. Wentz has praised Simpson as “an awesome mom,” reflecting their cooperative approach to parenting.
Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas: Friendly After Their Past
While their early relationship inspired songs and headlines, Nick Jonas has described his relationship with Miley Cyrus as “really friendly,” noting, “We’ve got a good relationship,” suggesting mature respect beyond their earlier years.
Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter’s Respectful Split
Stars of Dexter, Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter divorced in 2011 but have maintained mutual respect. Carpenter has assured that
“there was nothing but love and respect”
between them post-divorce.
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore: Exemplary Ex-Parents
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore set a high standard for amicable ex-partners, choosing to quarantine together with their daughters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their close relationship has often been highlighted as exemplary in Hollywood.
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: Gratitude and Support
Four years after divorcing in 2014, Jennifer Lopez spoke positively about Marc Anthony’s ongoing support during challenges she faced. Lopez recalled,
“While I was married to Marc, he really helped me with my confidence and he saw where I suffered. He was like, ‘You’re a great singer. Don’t ever let anybody tell you you’re not a great singer.’ And I respected him so much ’cause I consider him one of the best singers of all time.”
Courteney Cox and David Arquette: Co-Parenting with Respect
Following their 2010 split, Courteney Cox has described their divorce as “one of the better ones,” highlighting their effective co-parenting of daughter Coco and ongoing friendship. She said, “We’re good co-parents together.”
Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake: Professional Collaboration Post-Romance
Although Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake ended their real-life relationship in 2007, they reunited professionally for the 2011 film Bad Teacher, demonstrating a sustained professional respect.
Peter Facinelli and Jennie Garth’s Evolved Relationship
After a difficult period following their 2013 separation, actors Peter Facinelli and Jennie Garth now enjoy group vacations and mutual respect. Facinelli shared with LaPalme Magazine,
“I really like her husband and I think he’s a great guy,”
and
“People come into your life for a reason and relationships can change. Just because we aren’t living together doesn’t mean you can’t love each other.”
Will Arnett and Amy Poehler: Friendship After Separation
Despite separating in 2012, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler have maintained a strong friendship and co-parenting partnership. Poehler told Howard Stern in 2014, “As you know, Will and I are very, very good friends. We are doing a really good job. I don’t think a 10-year
