During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on February 11, Michelle Randolph revealed she directly asked her Landman co-star Billy Bob Thornton about the longstanding Billy Bob Thornton blood rumor involving his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. Randolph, 28, discussed what it was like working with the veteran actor on the Paramount+ drama, where he plays her father.
Randolph admitted that before working closely with Thornton, she could only think about the bizarre claim that he had consumed Jolie’s blood, a story widely circulated since the early 2000s. The actress was candid about her curiosity and how she finally addressed it with Thornton himself.
Thornton Addresses the Blood-Locking Story
The origin of the rumor involves the couple allegedly carrying vials with small amounts of each other’s blood, an eccentric notion that captured media attention. Thornton spoke about it in a recent Rolling Stone interview, clarifying the story behind the headlines.
He explained,
“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,”
to refute the exaggerated versions of the tale.
Randolph’s firsthand encounter with Thornton’s reaction was surprisingly casual and composed, contrary to what one might expect given the rumor’s intensity.
Behind the Scenes: Randolph’s Experience Working with Thornton
Randolph described Thornton’s demeanor on set as calm and grounding. She noted,
“He just, I mean, he’s just ease. If ease was a person, that’s who he is.”
This quality, she said, helps him excel as an actor because he creates an environment where honesty and vulnerability flourish.
She elaborated that his presence encourages her to slow down and focus during scenes, contrasting her usual fast-paced energy:
“I tend to talk a lot and move fast and he just makes me want to just chill.”
Developing a Bond Amid Major Roles
Randolph also spoke about the relationship she has formed with Thornton, who plays Tommy Norris on the Taylor Sheridan series. Portraying Tommy’s 17-year-old daughter Ainsley, Randolph expressed how Thornton has become a father figure to her both on and off screen.
Reflecting on their initial meeting, 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.’”
Randolph recalled a shared dinner with co-star Ali Larter when she first met Thornton, recounting,
“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.’”
Significance of the Relationship and Future Impact
Randolph’s openness about the iconic rumor and her honest admiration for Thornton illustrate the blend of Hollywood myth and real human connection that shapes their work on the series. Her admiration highlights Thornton’s ability to balance complex public perceptions with professionalism and warmth during production.
Their on-screen family dynamic adds depth to the show’s narrative, and with Randolph’s ongoing collaboration with Thornton and Ali Larter under Taylor Sheridan’s direction, the series is expected to continue drawing viewers invested in genuine performances and emotionally rich storytelling.
