Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor and director known for roles in such films as Monster's Ball and Sling Blade.

Born in 1955 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Billy Bob Thornton moved to Los Angeles, determined to make his living as an actor. In 1996 his career took off when he wrote, starred in, and directed Sling Blade, which was awarded an Oscar for Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. He later directed All the Pretty Horses and has acted in numerous films.