Billy Bob Thornton on Shia LaBeouf, Heath Ledger and his love for Angelina Jolie
Billy Bob Thornton, who stars with Shia LaBeouf in the new action drama "Eagle Eye," says that his costar reminds him of the late Heath Ledger.
"Heath was a kid who ... well, let me put it this way, if Heath was here right now, he would really enjoy the conversation we just had. He never involved himself in Hollywood and he wasn't a guy who wanted to be a celebrity. He wanted to be an actor."
Thornton worked with Ledger on one of the late actor's early films, "Monster's Ball."
He also spoke very fondly and supportively of his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, with whom he's still good pals.
"She's a wonderful person. And she's one of my best friends. I love her. I always have, always will. She's a great person who has endured a lot, and every thought I have for her is positive."
And he admits to being baffled by criticism of Angelina.
"She's an amazing person and, you know, it's so funny to me that people can put her down sometimes when she's doing what she's doing. 'Why is she having so many children?' It's nobody's business why she's having so many children. It's a great thing, and if that's what she wants to do, she has every right to, and she's saved some children's lives, so ... I mean, so what?"
"Let's say she saves 30 children's lives, or 30,000,000 children's lives. It's more than a lot of people are doing."
Photo: Billy Bob Thornton at the "Eagle Eye" premiere Wednesday night.
Credit: WireImage
I have to say-I miss the wackiness of Billy Bob and Angelina. They were fun-and honest. THey're both way cool people.
BBT is a cool dude and fantastic artist at everything he attempts. That he speaks highly of Angelina Jolie only serves to prove he is truly a gentleman and honest with himself and his feelings. Why do people criticize AJ for all the marvelous things she has done to improve other people's lives? Who knows? She is a pretty incredible woman. Bright, beautiful and a mother earth. And I remember when I first saw Shia in a promo for movie and knew he was going to be sharing some incredible talent for many years. He too is a pretty cool guy. I miss Heath terribly. Sure wish the press had left him alone and let him have his life. All he wanted to do is do his craft well. He wasn't into the celebrity crap. Neither is BBT. Nor is Shia. These are just truly fine men. Very gifted.
He's so right about Jolie rearing more children. She can afford, to, and is genuinely a caring mother. Unlike a certain mother in the news lately for having 8 more kids when she cannot afford to take proper care of the 6 she already has.