Billy Bob Thornton on Living in a Hotel During Divorces, Idol Andy Griffith & Goliath’s Final Season

Billy Bob talks about moving, having a recording studio at home, living at the Sunset Marquis Hotel during his various divorces, going to bars when he moved to LA in the 80s, playing a pawn shop owner on “Matlock,” Andy Griffith being a big influence on him, his friendship with Don Knotts, the fourth and final season of his show “Goliath” on Amazon Prime Video, working with J.K. Simmons and Bruce Dern, and getting advice from Ringo Starr.
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Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy®-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is well known for its huge viral video successes, with over 11 billion views and more than 15 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” “Unnecessary Censorship,” “Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge,” and music videos like “I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

[@jacklittle1624]

Goliath is a perfect role for him, massively underrated show

[@MartinaMcDonagh]

Such a brilliant series, can't wait to see the new one.. He is absolutely brilliant in the show.

[@testprepdojo9729]

It’s trash. Fargo was good

[@andreashabeck1155]

Why did they have to go all sci-fy in the last seasons tho?

[@testprepdojo9729]

@@andreashabeck1155 I mostly just liked the first season, I didn’t watch the others

[@catlady3147]

@@andreashabeck1155 it was horrible. Hated it.

[@acbc3543]

I’ve met Billy Bob at Antone’s in Austin Texas years ago . He is a kind person and very personable .

[@noahbtwofouronethree3225]

I’ve heard Stevie ray talking about Antone’s in an interview once

[@lisaknudsonlcsw3730]

I saw him at Whole Foods in Austin many years ago. He was so unassuming and gave me a big smile. :)

[@kit2130]

@@lisaknudsonlcsw3730 bet he’s a charming & mischievous guy 😁

[@Spoolymovies]

Yes, me too during SxSW in 2008. I still tell his :Billy Joe Shaver ordering 5 beers"-joke to this day.

[@iyatunde7860]

Billy has a gift, I'll never get bored listen to him speak.

[@lonewolf645]

Him in Fargo. My God. That was such stimulating performance.

[@julioalves8196]

Lorne Malvo was awesome!

[@lonewolf645]

@@julioalves8196 I envy your memory. I had forgotten the character's name. And yeah, no argument there. The scene when he tells the policeman to go back to his wife gave me chills.

[@Finnec123]

Totally agree. Seen the series five times and am going to watch it again. He's sooo cool!

[@Koffling]

Luckiest, ballsiest hitman ever. Until he crosses paths with Nygaard. :D

[@jam1870utube]

@@lonewolf645 oh my God, yeah that one scene was cringy AF. Great acting.

[@thereseduran7377]

He has the most beautiful voice. Just so soothing.

[@jasminejones9937]

Bad Santa is one of the best movies Billy ever made .. he's a genius !

[@veronicavictory83]

I still laugh out loud watching that!😂

[@valevisa8429]

For me is Sling Blade.

[@maggiebodek]

Billy bob is just lovely. He's so generous to everyone. I call him an actor's actor as a compliment.

[@lesafowers8142]

Billy is just so authentic. Know wonder Sling Blade has that exact same feel in one of the greatest films ever made. He is so underrated but he doesn't even seem to mind because he came from such a humble beginning!!!😉😉😉

[@brakesforsnakes757]

Billy seems like he is in such a good place in his life right now and that makes me happy.

[@SweetSoul]

He’s my all time favorite actor! Sling blade is a masterpiece!!

[@FUB666]

Biscuits and mustard all the way! I liked astronaut farmer a lot too, pretty much all his movies were interesting and worth watching. I thought he was real sexy in that movie with Sandra Bullock and they were the same, but working to get their politicians elected for the same position. That bald head, very confident know it all with an edge very hot! Forget the name of the movie I’ll google it in a bit.

[@danp1471]

Anytime I hear someone call a movie I've never seen or heard much about a masterpiece I get excited. I'm looking forward to checking that out, hopefully my expectations aren't set too high.

[@organican]

@@danp1471 Yeah, check it out. I describe "Sling Blade" as a very dark "Forrest Gump"

[@clownchaostime3024]

Love that movie! I also love Monsters Ball. It's so raw, so much tragedy packed into 90 minutes. Real life emotional problems right in your face. The suicide scene was just shocking beyond words. I literally sat there for like 10 minutes trying to compute what I had just witnessed.

[@neilsingh5923]

@@clownchaostime3024 Heath Ledger truly nailed it. That suicide scene was like the beginning of the movie itself because after that, Billy's character starts to re-examine his attitudes.

[@thecomicboss7039]

one of the best interviews I've ever seen Billy Bob give. Shows how comfortable he is with Jimmy. Great clip.

[@ninamoler1880]

Hi y’all from Arkansas. It is always a pleasure to see Mr. Thornton being neither proud nor ashamed of being from our beleaguered state of Arkansas. But we are unabashedly proud of him! A lovely human being and a great actor. Loved the stories of Don Knotts and Andy Griffith.

[@vijayiyer4987]

In what way is your state beleaguered ?

[@shonalovely2143]

Heyyy! Fellow Arkansan here. Gotta love ole Billy Bob!

[@Maxroffe56]

I used to think that being from Arkansas wasn't such a cool thing. Now I know better...

[@maryjensen5310]

I could listen to him tell stories for days.

[@angelestorres6334]

Settle down there miss (in Billy-Bob's voice)

[@acovenofmany333]

Billy Bob is the kind of person that has lived such a diverse life, his stories are folklore. He’s the man that everyone wants to be seated near at a dinner party.

[@jdt8983]

+ Tom Waitts

[@anacionqtfixo]

he is really a slow and funny story teller

[@fiona8781]

NOT.

[@jdt8983]

@@fiona8781 way to bring back a really clever trend from Wayne's world. Surprised you know how to use the internet

[@g-girl9867]

He's so sexy looking. Then you hear his voice. And you hear his intelligence. Then you see his movies. He scares me and I love him. Man, gimme some billy bob.

[@amidreaming1237]

One of the most underrated actors of our time!

[@ROOKTABULA]

Yeah. Because Academy Award winners are _underated_ ! THE most overused phrase on you tube.

[@TheCazz10]

Underrated? Pfft...

[@rollin19]

@@TheCazz10 Pshhh...

[@thebagelsproductions]

Pshaw!

[@jault8480]

That’s a real person right there. No BS

[@angelestorres6334]

Only BS during wig time

[@looptheloopish]

He's more interesting than the characters he plays.

[@NatoJacobs]

people don't talk nearly enough about how incredible of an actor billy is. one of the greatest of his time.

[@m7floyd]

Jimmy didn't even mention that he won an Oscar for best male actor!

[@markwyman6753]

Finally got around to watching that Fargo tv show, Billy is the centerpiece of that whole first season~

[@catenystrom6506]

He is THE most interesting guest and Goliath is SO DAMN GOOD I'm going to miss that show

[@donalee2023]

Funny, charming and down to earth!❤️ So glad you had him on!

[@glindaconard4363]

What a smile, can’t tell his age either ❤️

[@Marsbar1212]

Ya, he looks good for 66.

[@seathestarrynight]

So 🔥

[@Stargazer-n9j]

He speaks so clearly and looks so composed, a good story teller too. It's nice to listen to him.

[@arthurmah7023]

Billy Bob Thornton cool as a cucumber man, one of many favorite actor all time, cool guy...he look funny, so friendly, easy going , down to earth, genuine nice guy ..love his movies....monster balls, simple plan, the bandit,, armgedon , sling blade, bad Santa, in the tv series season 1 in Fargo he was brilliant....love that show.....it was mesmerizing and his performance was great....overall Billy Bob Thornton is cool actor...

[@Jedi-Biggs]

Monsters Ball will always be one of my favorite movies,Billy was phenomenal in it.

[@dannyr2784]

Billy is a freaking rock star.

[@blackbird5634]

well, he's a movie star with a cover band.

[@lostcat9lives322]

Is that's why he is dressed like Kieth Richards?

[@dthomason119]

Billy Bob seems like the coolest guy you would ever meet.

[@carolynmoffett5]

He is!

[@52goldtop]

Damn I love Billy Bob, never misses a beat. Can’t imagine the stories he has. I still go back and watch Sling Blade often, and can’t believe it’s the same dude as in Goliath and Bad Santa (favorite Xmas movie), unreal talent.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I pissed myself the first time i watched Bad Santa, it was that funny a surprise movie.

[@ydoccody9437]

Same. Sling Blade is an awesome movie

[@michgingras]

DAM I WISH I CARED

[@vb8428]

Wish he appeared in podcasts. Such a great voice and stories.

[@angelestorres6334]

With the fam ? Do ya'll watch Bad Santa gathered 'round during the festive season ? 😶

[@Kinseliplier]

Billy Bob is the funniest man. I Loved him in Bad Santa. Lol

[@wonderyearsdouche475]

Best B movie star ever

[@dianemitchell1717]

He was hilarious in Bandits with Bruce Willis and Kate Blanchet.

[@sydneypaez]

I watch it every Christmas 😂

[@Kissy-Suzuki]

I could listen to his stories, all day! .....Love him

[@bossdeman]

He comes across as a really decent kind of guy and humble.

[@MshAhmxiO1]

watch his moody Q interview lol

[@mrsisig7443]

there is an interview where they are asking him about his acting and he went ballistic coz he wants to talk about his music instead lol

[@ROOKTABULA]

@@MshAhmxiO1 That total prick that was hosting Q _deserved_ it.

[@JCVV22]

@@ROOKTABULA lol how was he a prick?

[@conorhoney7776]

he's neither but thats why we love him

[@michaelweston2285]

this was a really really great interview. ties to several other prominent celebrities, great inside stories, and really covers several different aspects of Thorton's life and career. rarely see this much info in a night show interview

[@daniel.j9062]

Billy Bob is such a cool guy and has a great sense of humor and definitely excellent story teller !!

[@carolynmoffett5]

For sure!

[@harleyuggz2642]

He has a beautiful smile

[@isisnine]

I just love some Billy Bob Thornton. Funny guy. He has lived a very interesting life-excitement, pain, success, tragedy but still seems to be a normal, nice guy.

[@johnsmith-so5do]

No he’s not a nice guy. I love his acting but he’s not nice in person.

[@Societyofbrokensouls]

“Daddy and Them”! One of the GREATEST movies - that no one has ever heard of.

[@Purple-salamander]

What a great voice. Love Billy Bob

[@thekingofcool2105]

He's a helluva storyteller

[@honeybunch5765]

It is his job after all.

[@CR22098]

Val Kilmer: Oh, Johnny, i apologize..i forgot you were there…you may go now,😄Thanks Billy for all your work, you are one of the greatest!

[@marymacgregor6952]

Love Billy Bob. Great story teller and actor.

[@clownchaostime3024]

Man, hanging out with Billy Bob for a weekend would be one of the coolest weekends ever. The guy has been in some of the greatest movies ever made. Slingblade, Monsters Ball, Bad Santa, A Simple Plan ( which BTW he played a phenomenal part) The guy is brilliant. It's pretty cool when you meet someone who is doing exactly what they were born to do.

[@jmyoungofficial]

What a savagely cool dude. I would pay good money to grab a beer with him.

[@coleengoodell7523]

I've never seen a movie that he was bad in. Never disappoints.

[@R-A-F]

Bad Santa 1 & 2 😜

[@maxxdahl6062]

@@R-A-F lol the first one was hilarious.

[@charlotteboyd2516]

I don’t know. Pushing Tin was pretty bad.

[@robertaperez7030]

Love, love, love Billy Bob!! So cool and love his vibe! He always has interesting stories to tell, and he is a great actor!! It's been a while... Glad to see you again!! 😎🔥

[@zebrazagadore4827]

OMG! I remember Club Lingerie. And the Cat and the Fiddle. It was my regular rotation, too! Loved those places. Good times. Thanks for the memories, Billy Bob!

[@elausraliano]

The Don Notts episode reminds me of a group of friends I had back in the 80s and one of the girls was 90% blind. Another girl took her to meet her mother and our friend had warned her that this girl she was bringing over was blind. After introducing her, mum comes to within two millimetres of her face and say, in a very loud voice, “WOULD YOU LIKE A CUP OF TEA, LUV?” and my friend says, thanks, that’d be lovely, but I’m blind, not deaf!”

[@melissahausmann512]

Billy doesn't gaf. That's why I like him

[@sharondianneb]

I'm surprised hes still working w Bruce. I guess bygones are bygones

[@caseyzemliska643]

Agreed, but the fit is jacked

[@jakestroll6518]

He gives a very big F. He is famously neurotic and has all kinds of phobias alongside an anxiety disorder.

[@jakestroll6518]

@@sharondianneb Maybe Bruce isn't a very protective father or maybe he has the same cruel cheating history so he can't judge.

[@Jeremy-th5pt]

I think he gives many F's.

[@markmarsh27]

That was WAY too short! .... Billy Bob's stories are MESMERISING!

[@Pontisusan7]

I've always known what Angelina Jolie saw in Billy Bob. He is so freaking cool.

[@adiposadegrantonelag]

Yes, the question is what HE saw in her?!

[@MeTreesndirt]

Bet he's great in the clinches. The little dudes can bring it.🎉🎉r

[@stop94motion]

Billy bob Thornton The guy that’s been 60 for 30 years

[@amystabile7789]

Truth!

[@carollipton4584]

The hottest 60 I've ever seen@@amystabile7789

[@moongoddess8568]

😂

[@EnzoFerenczyo]

@@carollipton4584 If you find sick addicted malnourished sexy I guess. He's creepy even Angelina was wiser, that says sumpin. There's no accounting for taste as they say. Vivre like whatever.

[@anamorrawska5462]

@@EnzoFerenczyo wow, look at the venom on you....lmao

[@iamwesterncanadian570]

Goliath was a great show for Billy, but his work in Fargo season 01 was his best. Just a fantastic talent that only comes around not that often. I'm not one for fantasizing about meeting stars, but he's one I would like to meet and have a beer with.

[@judybrown1446]

Check out his interview with Norm MacDonald

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

I concur. Fargo season one was awesome! Also, to this day, I can't see Billy Bob in Slingblade. His character was just too good.

[@missourimongoose7643]

Kinda wish he was in American gods cuz he would of made a good one

[@aylamiller5752]

Fargo season one brought me to wanting to learn more about him! His role was fantastic.

[@FrankBenlin]

If you know Billy Bob you know his range but have you seen him in the movie U Turn? Hang on tight, it's one of his best roles.

[@scouts.748]

Great movie

[@neilsingh5923]

He gained 50 pounds for his role in that movie. That was one helluva performance.👏

[@FrankBenlin]

@@neilsingh5923 And a helluva mechanic.

[@neilsingh5923]

@@FrankBenlin Especially when he says "When I work on a car, I work on a car". Then Sean Penn is just literally losin' it....lol😄

[@FrankBenlin]

@@neilsingh5923 "Well you need to be more careful." Poor Sean, he got torn up and all because of a radiator hose. A good lesson in the importance of regular auto maintenance. I have to go watch it again now.

[@elizabethwesterschulte9924]

That smile!!

[@sarahcowan1489]

LOVE Billy Bob, LOVED Goliath, can't wait to see next series. This was a great interview, he seems humble and quiet, reflective almost. Brilliant man

[@rudhi87]

Just finished Goliath. Cant believe i didnt watch it before. Very good show. Billy Bob is truly one of the best out there.

[@advancedmonkey7702]

Billy Bob is the real deal.

[@cutzymccall7675]

Watching Goliath. He never disappoints.

[@tas22222]

He is looking great :) such a fun interview Well done to you both Cheers!

[@JudyinAL]

He is awesome!

[@michelleabad1874]

I never heard of Goliath before. I just started watching it and WOW....this is great show. This show needed much more exposure. It got me hooked after 1 episode.

[@naomibee8881]

Just finished watching GOLIATH and I’m gonna say Patty Solis-Papagian rocks pretty hard as a co-star! ❤️

[@elegantlywastedco]

I could not agree with anything more -- she is sooooo damn good. Underrated in this series! Seriously underrated.

[@janemorello]

She was epic!

[@meandmy5003]

She was outstanding! Hilarious!

[@amidreaming1237]

They are an unlikely duo, but, they really really work!!!

[@maryalicemeaneymeaney4551]

I want more Patty Solis-Papagian!!

[@LisaLGruman]

That was a darn interesting interview, and I loved every second of it.

[@lionel1963]

I Second That!

[@bluntfruntac9981]

I first that

[@karenling2106]

goodbye goliath

[@bluntfruntac9981]

@@karenling2106 Good bye Karen. I hope you enjoyed our night together. I like your new pet name for me. Hey what would be a good cover for a romantic novel? O I know, we can ask Fabio if he can do it.

[@korbellamarmol908]

@@bluntfruntac9981 what did you mean by this comment

[@mx_px]

Nice. I picked the same outfit when a new girl came to school and I wanted her to know that Im a mysterious guy who is really cool once she gets to know me without telling her. Junior high was a confusing time.

[@honeybunch5765]

😃 I take it didn't workout that well?

[@ZeLuluBear]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DrStellOO]

😂How did it work out for you?

[@ryanm4319]

Either that or an RnB singer, maybe she missed the message?

[@404_profile_not_found]

So the chains I get. You wear a lot of different types so that you can show off that you own a lot of Hot Topic jewelry. And the sleeveless shirt is because you're roleplaying as Mac from Always Sunny where you cut the sleeves off all your shirts. And the all-black is to try to convince others you're a brooding emo goth chick. But what's the deal with the head bandage?

[@CG-pj6cj]

I never really liked him but after watching Goliath I have a new respect. He's awesome, very talented!!

[@lod7696]

Loved every second of this interview.

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Love Billy Bob.... best actor ever ❤️🙌🙌🙌

[@Monika-mh2je]

Such a honest ( not hiding, he's not perfect) ,cool guy. Good story teller. Thank you. 🙂

[@daniel.j9062]

Absolutely right ✅

[@dinahk4873]

Such a sweet man with such a dry sense of humor , I love this guy and his movies...

[@ethangeis1246]

Can’t unsee him as Malvo

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

My name is Andy and once Barney Fife himself came into the downtown SF luxury store where I worked (men's accessories) and walked up to my counter, looked at my name tag, paused and said in that awesome voice of his, "Hey Andy!" I died. Nice guy.

[@elaineA31]

Love his voice. ❤

[@bjune1285]

I hope he writes a book someday that would be great. Listening to him tell about Don Knots not being able to see reminded me of a patient I had that couldn't talk, so I raised my voice when speaking to him, he had his friend remind me he couldn't speak, but his hearing was fine!

[@msdixiepearl]

He did write a book several years ago. It’s called “The Billy Bob Tapes: A Cave Full of Ghosts.

[@MeTreesndirt]

​@@msdixiepearl.Good.

[@MeTreesndirt]

That's Big Pharma for ya.

[@chetvolz8363]

The movie he made with Andy Griffith is called Daddy and Them. Its awesome. John Prine is in it as well

[@cherdanland]

Whoa!! Will have to check that one out.

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

I am a big John Prine fan as well as Billy Bob but I have to say I just didn't find the magic in that movie at all. It let me down, sad to say.

[@miker.9138]

The Beatles song where Ringo taps on a matchbox is "I'm Looking Through You".

[@patriciat5323]

Great song!

[@kit2130]

I like how he’s stayed true to who he is & his era. He’s not trying to sound hip & he says things like he thought he was in “tall cotton” that kids nowadays can’t relate to. Very cool.

[@boneyard4729]

I love Thornton's work but I dunno about true to himself. He looks like he lost a bet or is hoping Pamela Anderson is still into this look!

[@Smarts2892]

I would love to go for a couple beers with billy bob.

[@maureenmcgrath8169]

Delightful man.

[@eritreanraiders1745]

Most coolest actor alive .

[@mayainthesea9927]

His voice 😍

[@robertomendez187]

Love Billy Bob!!! Put “mustard on yer biscuits!” 🤣🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@demonicsweaters]

I binged watched the first 3 seasons of Goliath when I had Covid in 2020, haha. It really helped get me though! Sad to see it go! Stoked for the last season though!

[@franbvm]

love BBT, love Goliath, love Andy G and Mayberry! Great interview!

[@triangleman2k6]

I had no idea this season would be out on Friday. Finished it a few hours ago, glad they were able to end on a high note

[@Sherri1971US]

I am a big fan of Billy. He is so simple and humble.

[@jcopher2730]

I saw The Boxmasters in Indianapolis back in August. My friend was playing lead guitar on the tour. Great show!

[@sameeramm]

His character in fargo is remarkable

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

BILLY BOB THORNTON SO GREAT HERE ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE !!!

[@susiecolorado3821]

I love me some Billy Bob.

[@catmansma]

Coolest and nicest guy I've seen on any show and talented!!!

[@BatmanHQYT]

I love his voice. Contains all the charismatic menace of Lorne Malvo.

[@DWESENTERPRISE]

I love Goliath! Sad it's the final season... Such a great show!

[@saleemahfareed4790]

Billy bob great actor and Director my favorite is sling blade and bad Santa and tombstone

[@baq8680]

What a fine actor and a class act...

[@pjlewisful]

Wow...That interview with Billy Bob was so interesting. He's more likable than I thought.

[@jackwarren1687]

He’s actually an amazing dude, multi talented type. There’s a great story about Bill Clinton and his brother roger hanging out with Thornton in a stand up show called “my buddy bill” by one of the west wing writers, worth a watch

[@freshhh_prince]

Billy having a Johnny Drama moment with Andy Griffith lolol

[@vinzenna]

He is a lovely guy

[@hornakmarla3586]

Always been up in the air about him, awesome interview made himself very likable

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

Great stories, this dude is so chill

[@osomusic]

Damn, Billy Bob is really entertaining.

[@chrishand3010]

Awesome actor

[@stinthesky]

Billy bob is a great actor. love this interview and how he is dressed..😉

[@sonyakim4403]

Sometimes i find interviews like this boring but I cannot be bored with this guy. Adore him, he reminds me of my god dad.