Billy Bob Thornton: From Oscar Winner to Streaming Sensation in Landman

Billy Bob Thornton Returns to Mainstream Success

At 70 years old, Billy Bob Thornton’s irreverence mixes with his Southern charm as he delivers what may be his most successful television role yet. The TV show, which stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, had more than 5 million viewers watch last year’s season premiere and broke streaming records. The second season has proven even more successful, with the Landman season 2 premiere delivering “over 9.2 million” global streaming views in its first two days on Paramount+, marking the most‑watched premiere in the streamer’s history.

The Man Behind Tommy Norris

In the Paramount+ show “Landman,” viewers get a peek behind the curtain of a world we really usually see – the oil industry of West Texas. Thornton has recently revealed that his character serves a specific purpose for creator Taylor Sheridan. “Taylor uses me in this show to say a lot of things that he wants to say,” said Thornton, whose Season 1 speech railing against wind turbines went viral. The actor describes his delivery style as more laid-back than Sheridan’s energetic personality, noting “If you compared it to drugs, Taylor is on coke and I’m on, I don’t know, mescaline”.

A Multi-Faceted Career Continues

Whilst Landman dominates headlines, Thornton maintains his diverse artistic pursuits. Thornton may be best known for his film career, which garnered him an Oscar for his Sling Blade screenplay and two acting nominations, but in tandem, he’s had a career in rock music. Over the past several decades, he has released four solo albums and 19 records with his band, The Boxmasters. His band, The Boxmasters, has recorded 19 albums, and this past Summer they opened for The Who.

Personal Reflections and Future Outlook

In recent interviews, Thornton has also reflected on his personal life, including his relationship with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. “Angelina and I had a great time together,” the 70-year-old told Rolling Stone in an interview published Nov. 17. “That was one of the greatest times of my life. She and I are still very, very close friends.” As for his television future, Thornton remains optimistic despite Taylor Sheridan’s pending move to NBCUniversal, trusting the creative partnership they’ve built.

Why This Matters

Billy Bob Thornton’s resurgence demonstrates that compelling storytelling and authentic performances transcend age in modern entertainment. His success with Landman proves there’s substantial audience appetite for mature actors in complex roles, whilst his continued musical pursuits show the value of maintaining artistic diversity throughout a long career.