Billy Bob Thornton, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, credits a pivotal piece of advice from Robert Redford for steering his career toward success. During the filming of the 1993 movie “Indecent Proposal,” in which Thornton had a minor role, Redford encouraged him to focus on independent films before pursuing big-budget projects. This guidance proved instrumental in shaping Thornton’s path in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on their conversation, Thornton recalled Redford showing him a glowing review of “One False Move,” a film Thornton co-wrote and starred in. Redford suggested, “Continue that… Make a reputation for yourself in the independent cinema industry for a while before moving on to more significant endeavors. He cautioned against immediately accepting lucrative offers for major studio films, suggesting that such a move could jeopardize a budding career.
This wasn’t the first time Thornton received such counsel. Earlier, director Billy Wilder had advised him to become a screenwriter, noting that creating his own material would open doors in the industry. Taking this to heart, Thornton co-wrote and starred in “One False Move,” a low-budget crime thriller that garnered critical acclaim and significantly boosted his career.
The 1996 film “Sling Blade,” which Thornton wrote, directed, and starred in, was the pinnacle of his commitment to independent cinema. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor. This success solidified his reputation as a versatile talent in Hollywood.
Beyond film, Thornton has achieved success on television, winning a Golden Globe for his role in the first season of “Fargo” and another for his performance in “Goliath.” He is now set to star in “Landman,” a new series directed by Taylor Sheridan, exploring the world of oil rigs. The show is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on November 17.
Thornton’s journey underscores the importance of strategic career choices and the value of mentorship in the entertainment industry. By heeding the advice of seasoned professionals like Redford and Wilder, he navigated the complexities of Hollywood, building a diverse and enduring career.