Inspired by Billy Bob Thornton’s reflection on finding success later in life after early Hollywood hardships, budding artists find hope.
For well-known actor Billy Bob Thornton, the path to Hollywood glory was not at all clear.
After struggling to secure assignments in his early years, Thornton reflects on how discovering immense success later in life ultimately aided his career.”
I’m pleased that I became well-known or successful—whatever you want to call it—in my 30s,” the 69-year-old actor told Fox News Digital.
“If it had happened when I was 18 or 21, who knows if I would even be here now, given that I was a little bit looser back in those days?” the 69-year-old actor said to Fox News Digital.
Beginning in his hometown of Arkansas, Thornton’s path to prominence started with his brothers creating a ZZ Top cover band named Tres Hombres in the 1970s.
Only after moving to Los Angeles in the middle of the 1980s did he begin acting, playing small roles, and supporting himself with other side gigs.
The turning point occurred in 1991 when Thornton co-wrote and performed in the indie film “One False Move,” which launched his acting career and won critical praise.
He discovered even more success at 41 as the writer, director, and actor of the 1996 indie film “Sling Blade,” for which he received an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor.
If I had received an Academy Award nomination at the age of twenty-one, who knows what I would have done with it? Thornton nodded.
“Being a musician growing up helped me be ready for the part of it, as sometimes, as local heroes or artists, we might be regional. Still, this was a fantastic blast.”
Thornton attributes his longevity in the entertainment sector to his experiences in the music business and his struggle to achieve early success in Hollywood.
“I think if it had happened when I was 18 or 21, who knows if I would have even been here now since I was a little bit looser back in those days?”.
Now over three decades after his first performance, Thornton is making a comeback on Taylor Sheridan’s new series “Landman.”
The program features a reunion with his “Indecent Proposal” co-star Demi Moore as well as visits from other highly regarded performers like Jon Hamm and Michael Peña.
Thornton is confident in the project’s quality, despite acknowledging the challenge of building on Sheridan’s previous accomplishments.
“We all love this one, and I know Taylor loves it for sure,” he said. “All the people that participated in this love it.”
Thornton’s path from a provincial musician to an Oscar-winning actor is evidence of the strength of tenacity and the benefits that follow from realizing success later in life.
His narrative inspires young artists who may be trying to discover their big break as he keeps assuming demanding and varied tasks.