Billy Bob Thornton Finally Sets Record Straight on Angelina Jolie Blood Vial Necklaces

Actor Billy Bob Thornton has broken his silence on one of Hollywood’s most enduring urban legends. In a new interview, he directly addressed the famous rumor about exchanging blood vials with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. The story has followed both stars for over two decades.

Thornton clarified the real story behind the symbolic lockets to Rolling Stone. He aimed to correct the record on what he called a “romantic little idea” that spiraled into a bizarre myth.

The Real Story Behind the Famous Lockets

Thornton explained that the reality was far tamer than the legend. He confirmed they did have lockets containing a drop of each other’s blood. The idea was meant as a personal and sweet gesture.

He expressed frustration with how the story grew. Thornton said the public imagination turned them into vampires living in a dungeon. The actor emphasized the truth was much simpler and more innocent.

According to People, the couple met in 1999. They married in 2000 and divorced in 2003. The blood locket story became a defining, though inaccurate, part of their relationship’s public narrative.

A Civilized End to an Intense Relationship

Thornton reflected fondly on his time with Jolie. He called it one of the greatest times of his life. He also stressed they remain very close friends today.

He revealed their breakup was civilized. The split happened due to different lifestyles, not animosity. This contradicts popular belief about their relationship’s end.

The actor had previously addressed the rumor in 2014. He told a university audience then that Jolie bought a locket kit. She suggested they add a single drop of blood as a symbolic act.

Thought you’d like to know

Did Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie actually wear blood vials?

No. Thornton confirmed they wore small lockets containing just a single drop of blood each. The public perception of large vials was a dramatic exaggeration of the actual sentimental gesture.

Whose idea were the blood lockets?

Angelina Jolie initiated the idea. She purchased a locket kit and proposed they add a drop of blood as a personal, romantic symbol of their connection during their marriage.

Are Thornton and Jolie still friends after their divorce?

Yes. Thornton explicitly stated they remain “very, very close friends.” He described their breakup as one of the most civilized splits in Hollywood, attributing it to lifestyle differences rather than personal conflict.

When were Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie married?

They married in 2000 after meeting on the set of “Pushing Tin” in 1999. Their marriage lasted until 2003, during which time they announced plans to adopt Maddox, Jolie’s first child.

What is Billy Bob Thornton doing now?

Thornton has been married to Connie Angland since 2014. He continues acting, with the second season of his series “Landman” recently premiering on Paramount+ in November 2024.