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Billy Bob Thornton’s Six Wives: The Untold Story Of His Marriages And The Secret To His Longest Relationship Yet

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Yes, Billy Bob Thornton is currently married. As of late 2025, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and musician is in his sixth marriage, having been married to special effects artist Connie Angland for over a decade. This relationship, which began in 2003 and culminated in a private wedding in 2014, is notable not only for being his longest partnership but also for its stark contrast to his previous high-profile, whirlwind romances, particularly his marriage to Angelina Jolie.

The star of the upcoming series *Landman* has spoken openly about finding "the right spot" in his life with Angland, a stability that eluded him through five prior marriages. Their enduring relationship, which spans more than 22 years together, represents a significant chapter in the life of a celebrity whose personal relationships have often generated as much media attention as his acclaimed film career.

Billy Bob Thornton's Complete Marital History: Six Wives, Four Children

Billy Bob Thornton, known for his roles in *Sling Blade*, *Bad Santa*, and *Fargo*, has had one of Hollywood's most colorful and turbulent romantic histories. He has been married a total of six times, resulting in four children from three different women. His journey through marriage is a fascinating study in celebrity relationships, marked by short, intense unions and, finally, a long-lasting, private commitment.

Here is a complete list of Billy Bob Thornton's wives, from his first marriage in 1978 to his current union with Connie Angland:

  • Wife #1: Melissa Lee Gatlin (1978–1980)
    Thornton’s first marriage was to fellow Arkansas native Melissa Lee Gatlin when he was just 22 years old. The marriage lasted only two years but produced his first child, daughter Amanda, in 1979. The divorce was reportedly acrimonious, with Gatlin citing adultery.
  • Wife #2: Toni Lawrence (1986–1988)
    Six years after his first divorce, Thornton married actress Toni Lawrence. This marriage was equally brief, lasting just two years before they separated in 1987 and finalized their divorce in 1988. Lawrence was an artist and actress, but their union ended quickly as Thornton continued to struggle to break into the film industry.
  • Wife #3: Cynda Williams (1990–1992)
    Thornton met actress Cynda Williams on the set of his writing debut, the 1992 film *One False Move*. They married in 1990, but their relationship concluded around the time the movie was released, lasting only two years.
  • Wife #4: Pietra Dawn Cherniak (1993–1997)
    This four-year marriage was one of Thornton's most volatile. Pietra Dawn Cherniak, a former *Playboy* model, was 14 years his junior. Together they had two sons, William (known as Billy) and Harry. The marriage ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce, with Cherniak alleging abuse.
  • Wife #5: Angelina Jolie (2000–2003)
    The most famous and media-frenzied of his marriages, Thornton wed superstar Angelina Jolie in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony in 2000 after a two-month courtship. Their relationship was characterized by eccentric public displays of affection, including wearing vials of each other's blood. The marriage lasted three years and ended in divorce, which Thornton later attributed to their different lifestyles and intense career demands.
  • Wife #6: Connie Angland (2014–Present)
    After his split from Jolie, Thornton found lasting stability with Connie Angland. They began dating in 2003, welcomed their daughter Bella in 2004, and quietly married a decade later in 2014. This is his longest and most private relationship.

The Enduring Union: Who is Connie Angland?

Billy Bob Thornton’s current wife, Connie Angland, is a private figure whose career is rooted firmly in the creative, behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, far from the spotlight that consumed his previous marriages. She is a highly respected professional in the field of special effects and puppetry.

Angland’s professional background includes work as a special effects technician, puppeteer, and costume designer on various films and television projects. Her work involves intricate skills in makeup, cosmetic fabrication, and miniature effects, showcasing a creative talent that complements Thornton’s own artistic pursuits.

The couple first met in May 2003, shortly after his divorce from Angelina Jolie, and their relationship evolved over a long period before they decided to marry. They welcomed their daughter, Bella, in September 2004. They officially tied the knot in a small, private ceremony at their Los Angeles home on October 22, 2014, a decade after they began dating.

The Secret to Billy Bob Thornton’s Successful Sixth Marriage

For an actor whose previous five marriages lasted an average of just over two years each, the longevity of his union with Connie Angland has been a subject of considerable curiosity. Thornton himself has offered a clear, and perhaps surprising, explanation for why this sixth marriage has been his most successful.

The Importance of Space and Privacy

In various interviews, Thornton has emphasized that the key to their enduring happiness is their mutual respect for privacy and personal space. He has stated that their relationship thrives because they do not feel the need to be a single, inseparable unit. This approach is a direct contrast to the intense, highly public nature of his marriage to Angelina Jolie.

Thornton once described the dynamic, saying they respect each other's individuality. "She knows that you gotta let me be me," he explained, noting that they don't have to be together 24 hours a day. This freedom from conventional relationship expectations seems to be the foundation of their long-term stability.

"She Dragged Me Out of the Gutter"

Thornton has also credited Angland with helping him find a healthier, more grounded path in life. He has publicly stated that Connie "dragged me out of the gutter" and provided the stability he was searching for. Their relationship is characterized by a quiet, domestic life focused on raising their daughter, Bella, away from the Hollywood frenzy.

The shared experience of raising their daughter has also been a powerful bonding agent. Bella, now an adult, provides a strong, unifying element to their family life, a common focus that transcends the pressures of the entertainment industry.

A Shift in Lifestyle and Intention

Another factor contributing to the success of his current marriage is Thornton's own personal evolution. After his highly publicized divorces, he made a conscious decision to prioritize a quieter, more stable existence. Marrying Angland a decade into their relationship, rather than impulsively, showed a more mature and deliberate approach to commitment.

Their low-key wedding ceremony in 2014, which was done without a major announcement or media fanfare, perfectly encapsulated their desire for a private life. This intentional move away from the spotlight has allowed their relationship to flourish on its own terms, free from public scrutiny and external pressures.

Topical Authority: Billy Bob Thornton's Children and Legacy

Beyond his six marriages, Billy Bob Thornton is a father to four children, a crucial part of his personal legacy. His children are a direct link to three of his six wives, further intertwining his professional life with his family history:

  • Amanda Thornton (b. 1979): From his first marriage to Melissa Lee Gatlin.
  • William "Billy" Thornton (b. 1993): From his fourth marriage to Pietra Dawn Cherniak.
  • Harry James Thornton (b. 1994): From his fourth marriage to Pietra Dawn Cherniak.
  • Bella Thornton (b. 2004): From his current marriage to Connie Angland.

Thornton's ability to maintain relationships with his children, despite the complexity of his marital history, speaks to his commitment as a father. His current stability with Connie Angland provides a solid foundation for his family life as he continues his successful career in film and television, including his upcoming role in *Landman*.

In summary, Billy Bob Thornton is happily married to his sixth wife, Connie Angland. Their long-term partnership, which began over two decades ago, is a testament to the fact that even the most unpredictable Hollywood figures can eventually find lasting peace and stability through mutual respect, privacy, and a shared commitment to a life away from the relentless media glare.

is billy bob thornton married
is billy bob thornton married

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