When fans search for details about Billy Bob Thornton children, they discover that the acclaimed actor, musician, and filmmaker is not only known for his Hollywood career but also for being a proud father. As of 2025, Thornton has four children from different relationships — each with their own unique path and bond with their famous father. While Thornton often keeps his personal life private, he has occasionally opened up about fatherhood and how it shaped his perspective on life and fame.
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Who Is Billy Bob Thornton?
Before exploring his family life, it’s worth understanding the man behind the name. Billy Bob Thornton, born on August 4, 1955, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Over his decades-long career, he has earned critical acclaim as an actor, screenwriter, director, and musician.
He first gained widespread recognition for writing and starring in the 1996 film “Sling Blade,” which earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor. Since then, he’s appeared in hit films such as Armageddon, Monster’s Ball, Bad Santa, and the TV series Fargo, which won him a Golden Globe Award in 2015.
While his professional achievements are well-documented, Thornton’s personal life — particularly his relationships and children — often draw public interest for their complexity and privacy.
A Look at Billy Bob Thornton’s Four Children
Billy Bob Thornton is the father of four children, each from different relationships. Despite his fame, he has consistently expressed a desire to shield them from the spotlight.
Here’s a closer look at Billy Bob Thornton’s children:
1. Amanda Brumfield
- Mother: Melissa Lee Gatlin (Thornton’s first wife)
- Born: 1979
Amanda is Thornton’s eldest child. She was born during his first marriage to Melissa Lee Gatlin, which lasted from 1978 to 1980. Their relationship was short-lived, and over the years, Thornton and Amanda’s bond has been complex.
Amanda gained public attention in 2008 after a tragic incident involving the accidental death of a one-year-old child she was babysitting. She was later convicted of aggravated manslaughter in 2011. Thornton has rarely spoken publicly about the case but has expressed sadness over the situation and the distance it created in their relationship.
2. William Thornton
- Mother: Pietra Dawn Cherniak (Thornton’s fourth wife)
- Born: 1993
William Langston Thornton, often called “Will,” was born from Thornton’s marriage to Pietra Dawn Cherniak, a former Playboy model. The couple married in 1993 and divorced in 1997 after allegations of domestic issues.
Now an adult, William has largely stayed out of the public eye. He has occasionally appeared with his father at film premieres but prefers a private life. Thornton has described his son as creative and kind, noting that the two share a strong father-son bond built on mutual respect.
3. Harry James Thornton
- Mother: Pietra Dawn Cherniak
- Born: 1994
Harry, the younger of Thornton’s two sons with Cherniak, has followed a more public path. He is best known for appearing on the reality TV series “Relatively Famous: Ranch Rules” (2022), which featured the children of celebrities working together on a Colorado ranch.
Harry has also worked in Hollywood as a set decorator and production assistant, with credits on shows like Goliath — the Amazon Prime series starring his father. Harry often shares glimpses of his life and family moments on social media, showing that he maintains a close relationship with Thornton.
4. Bella Thornton
- Mother: Connie Angland (Thornton’s current wife)
- Born: 2004
Thornton’s youngest child, Bella Thornton, was born from his relationship with Connie Angland, a makeup effects artist. The couple began dating in 2003 and married in a private ceremony in 2014.
Now a teenager, Bella has grown up largely away from the public eye. Thornton has spoken warmly about his daughter, saying that fatherhood later in life brought him stability and joy. He has also credited Bella and Connie with helping him stay grounded amid Hollywood’s pressures.
Thornton’s Views on Fatherhood and Family
Though Billy Bob Thornton has been in the spotlight for decades, he has always been open about his struggles to balance fame and family. In several interviews, Thornton has said that fatherhood changed him profoundly, teaching him patience, humility, and perspective.
He once explained that his parenting style evolved with time — admitting that he wasn’t always as present when his career was at its peak. But as he grew older, he made family his top priority.
“The older you get, the more you realize what truly matters,” Thornton has said in interviews. “For me, that’s my kids, my family, and living an honest life.”
Thornton is now known for being a devoted husband and father who prefers a quieter, more private life. He often avoids the Hollywood party scene, spending most of his time with his wife Connie and daughter Bella at their Los Angeles home.
A Complex Family Tree, a Common Thread
While Billy Bob Thornton’s children come from different relationships, he has expressed love and support for all of them. His life has been full of personal challenges, but he has worked to maintain meaningful connections with his kids.
In public appearances, Thornton has praised all of his children for their individuality and independence. Each of them, he says, represents a different chapter in his life. Despite the ups and downs, family remains the most grounding influence in his world.
Thornton’s Marriage to Connie Angland: Family First
Thornton’s marriage to Connie Angland has brought a sense of peace and balance to his life. After five previous marriages — including a highly publicized relationship with actress Angelina Jolie — Thornton found long-term stability with Angland.
The couple met in 2003 on the set of Bad Santa, where Angland worked in the makeup department. They have been together for over two decades, and Thornton often credits her with helping him maintain a simpler, more family-centered life.
Together with their daughter Bella, they form a close-knit trio that avoids the public spotlight. Thornton has often said that, at this stage in his life, family time means more than fame or awards.
Where His Children Are Now
- Amanda Brumfield (born 1979): Lives privately after serving her sentence and has remained out of the media spotlight.
- William “Will” Thornton (born 1993): Keeps a low profile and leads a quiet life away from Hollywood.
- Harry Thornton (born 1994): Works in television production and reality TV; maintains an active social media presence.
- Bella Thornton (born 2004): Currently a high school student, focusing on her education and family life.
Though each child has chosen a different path, Thornton has made it clear that he is proud of all of them and continues to support their choices.
Billy Bob Thornton Today: A Legacy Beyond Hollywood
Now in his late 60s, Billy Bob Thornton continues to work in entertainment while keeping his family close. He remains active in music with his band The Boxmasters and occasionally takes on acting projects that inspire him.
For Thornton, family and creativity go hand in hand. In interviews, he often says that being a father helps him stay grounded and gives deeper meaning to his work. His children, he believes, are his greatest legacy — far beyond his Hollywood success.
Which of Billy Bob Thornton’s children do you find most inspiring? Share your thoughts in the comments and celebrate this side of the legendary actor’s life.