The Truth Behind Hollywood's Most Infamous Romance
More than two decades after their dramatic split, Billy Bob Thornton has finally set the record straight about the legendary blood vial he supposedly shared with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. The actor, now 70, provided the long-awaited explanation during a recent interview, putting to rest years of intense speculation about one of Hollywood's most talked-about relationships.
What Really Happened With The Blood Lockets
In his candid conversation with Rolling Stone, Thornton revealed that the infamous blood exchange was far less dramatic than rumours suggested. 'We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them,' he explained. 'That's a romantic little idea, and that's all that was.'
The couple's whirlwind romance began when they met on the set of Pushing Tin in 1999. They married the following year, announced the adoption of their son Maddox in 2002, and separated just three months later. Their relationship captivated public attention not only because of their 20-year age difference – Jolie was just 24 at the time – but also due to their unconventional public displays of affection.
Thorston expressed frustration about how the story became exaggerated over time. 'But by the time it's over, we're vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other's blood, and this kind of stuff.'
Both Sides of The Story
This isn't the first time Thornton has addressed the blood vial speculation. Back in 2014, while speaking at Loyola Marymount University's School of Film & Television, he provided additional context. He described how Jolie had brought home a kit containing clear lockets similar to those used for keeping photos of loved ones.
'She thought it would be interesting and romantic if we took a little razor blade and sliced our fingers, smeared a little blood on these lockets and you wear it around your neck just like you wear your son or daughter's baby hair in one,' he recalled. 'Same thing. From that we were wearing quart jars of blood around our necks.'
Jolie herself had previously attempted to clarify the situation in 2008, telling Entertainment Weekly that 'it was never a vial and was like a flower press.' She elaborated: 'It was like from a slight cut on your finger and you press your fingerprint in. It was kind of a sweet gesture. I thought it was kind of romantic!'
Despite the dramatic end to their marriage, both former partners maintain positive feelings about their time together. Thornton confirmed they remain 'very, very close friends' and described their breakup as 'really civilised'. He attributed their separation to lifestyle differences rather than any dramatic falling out.
Jolie echoed these sentiments in her 2008 interview, stating: 'I still love him dearly and think the world of him and I'm proud to have been his wife for a time.' She reflected that their relationship ended when 'overnight, we totally changed. I think one day we had just nothing in common.'
Following their 2003 split, both stars moved on to high-profile relationships. Jolie met Brad Pitt on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith a year later, eventually having six children with him before their 2016 separation. Thornton, who has been married six times, found lasting love with makeup effects crew member Connie Angland, whom he began dating in 2003 and married in 2014 after previously claiming he wouldn't wed again.
