Billy Bob Thornton recently revealed why he declined a major opportunity to portray NFL legend Vince Lombardi, highlighting his awareness of fit and authenticity when selecting roles. Speaking at the ATX TV Festival to promote Taylor Sheridan’s series Landman, Thornton shared that he avoids projects where he does not see himself as the right match, even if it means passing up lucrative offers. His careful approach underscores his commitment to respecting the true character of iconic figures in biopics.
Why Thornton Declined the Vince Lombardi Role
Thornton said he was offered the part of Vince Lombardi but immediately felt it was not a good fit due to the stark differences between himself and the football coach. He explained,
“I don’t take things that I’m not right for. I’ve turned down many things. I was offered to play Vince Lombardi once, and I was like, ‘What?’ I was like, ‘You need a wider, shorter, Italian guy from the East Coast for that. Not a Texarkansan,’”
—Billy Bob Thornton.
This candid admission shows his understanding that Lombardi’s personality and background required a very specific portrayal, which Thornton felt he could not authentically deliver given his own Texarkana roots and build. Choosing authenticity over opportunity informs his wider career philosophy.
Preferring the Right Fit Over Star Power
Thornton also recounted an instance where a director sought him for a role better suited to another actor, referencing J.T. Walsh, who ultimately embodied the character with greater ease. He emphasized the abundance of talented actors available and the importance of casting the right people from the start. This perspective avoids forcing misfits into roles and benefits the storytelling process.
He further noted,
“These days, they cast a lot of people because they seem fancy. If you’re doing a movie in Texas, we’ve got plenty of Texans. You know what I mean? There’s all kinds of Texans,”
and added,
“And there are all kinds of people raised in a similar way near Texas. We don’t have to go to other countries to get people to play cowboys – or oil guys, whatever it is. That happens.”
—Billy Bob Thornton.
The Broader Impact of Thornton’s Casting Philosophy
By prioritizing genuine connection to the character’s background, Thornton not only protects the integrity of biographical roles but also promotes more nuanced, credible performances. His refusal of the Vince Lombardi biopic part highlights a trend toward more thoughtful casting that values lived experience and cultural fit. As audiences demand greater authenticity from biopics and period pieces, actors like Thornton who openly acknowledge their limitations help raise standards in the entertainment industry.
Looking forward, Thornton’s approach may encourage filmmakers to lean into more regional and culturally accurate casting choices, enriching narratives tied to specific communities like Texas or the American East Coast. This practice supports a deeper respect for the real-life stories being portrayed, a principle Thornton clearly champions based on his recent statements.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Billy Bob Thornton a smoker?
A. He quit smoking after finishing the movie “The Man Who Wasn’t There” in 2001.
His hometown honored him, where people recall his love for milkshakes, playing the drums, and enjoying rock music.
Mayor Bill Scrimshire shared, “I ran a Tastee-Freez stand before going into politics,” and announced a “Billy Bob Thornton Day” on a Tuesday.
Q. How long did Angelina Jolie date Billy Bob Thornton?
A. Billy Bob Thornton was engaged to Laura Dern, but they broke up, and he eloped in Las Vegas in 2000. Dern shared in a 2000 interview how she left to film a movie. She explained that when she returned, her boyfriend had married someone else, and she never heard from him again.
Q. How much older is Billy Bob Thornton than Angelina?
A. Thornton and Laura Dern were in a relationship from 1997 to 1999, but they were never engaged. In 2000, he married Angelina Jolie, who was in the movie “Pushing Tin” with him in 1999. Jolie was almost 20 years younger than Thornton.
Q. Was Angelina Jolie in a relationship with Billy Bob Thornton?
A. Before Angelina Jolie wed Brad Pitt, she was married to Billy Bob Thornton from May 2000 to May 2003. This was Jolie’s second marriage; her first husband was Johnny Lee Miller, whom she married from 1996 to 2000. Jolie and Thornton revealed their fast-paced relationship to the public in June 2000, just before they got married.
