Billy Bob Thornton reveals he's content with not achieving success in his 20s.

After struggling in his early Hollywood years, Billy Bob Thornton found massive success later in life and reflected on his journey.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, the 69-year-old actor, who is starring in Taylor Sheridan's new series "Landman," stated that he believed achieving fame later in his career had a positive impact on his longevity in the industry.

Thornton expressed satisfaction with his success in his 30s, regardless of whether it is referred to as fame or notoriety.

If it had happened when I was 18 or 21, I might not be here now because I was more carefree back then, he said with a grin.

"I'm happy about it because I grew up in the music business and was already familiar with being in the entertainment industry. However, this was a bigger blast than anything I've experienced before. Growing up as a musician also helped me prepare for some of it because we could be local heroes in our communities."

"If I had been nominated for an Academy Award at the age of 21, I wonder what I would have accomplished with it."

Billy Bob Thornton, star of 'Landman,' reveals that he's content with his current level of success, despite not achieving it earlier in life.

Thornton, born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, recounted in an August interview with The Houston Chronicle how he and his family moved around the state before settling in Malvern. He remembered working alongside brothers Nick and Mike Shipp at their father's equipment rental business. As teenagers, Thornton, Nick, and Mike formed a rock trio called Nothin’ Doin’ and relocated to Houston, Texas, in the 1970s when the business was moved.

Nothin' Doin' played a gig at Cardi's club in Houston, where a promoter recognized their sound as similar to ZZ Top. The promoter suggested they become a ZZ Top cover band named Tres Hombres, after the legendary group's hit 1973 album.

"I think if I had been nominated for an Academy Award when I was 21, who knows what I would have done with it?" — Billy Bob Thornton

The three-member band, consisting of Mike on guitar and vocals, Nick on bass and vocals, and Thornton on drums, achieved success by performing at local Houston clubs.

"According to Thornton, who spoke to the Houston Chronicle, our performance of their songs in the Houston area was excellent. We played at various parties and locations that no longer exist."

"Gunslinger," an album with nine original songs, was released by Tres Hombres in 1983 during their time performing together.

In the mid-1980s, Thornton relocated to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Initially, he faced difficulties in securing roles and sustained himself through various jobs such as telemarketer, offshore wind farmer, and fast-food manager amidst his auditions.

Thorton made his acting debut in "Beethoven Symphonies" after joining the West Coast Theatre Ensemble. He later appeared in small roles in films and TV shows before becoming a cast member in "Hearts Afire," which aired from 1992 to 1995.

While on "Charlie Rose," Thornton recounted his experience working as a waiter at a Hollywood party where he met legendary director Billy Wilder. During their conversation, Wilder deduced that Thornton aspired to become an actor.

Thornton was deemed "too damned ugly" to be a movie star by Wilder, who recommended that he pursue a career in screenwriting to create his own acting opportunities.

"Wilder advised Thornton to write his own stuff, play his own things, and make his own way, stating that nobody would wait for him."

Thornton co-wrote and starred in the 1991 independent film "One False Move," which was a low-budget crime thriller that received critical acclaim and launched his career in the entertainment industry.

In the mid-1990s, the actor appeared in small roles in several movies, including "Indecent Proposal," "Bound by Honor," "Tombstone," "On Deadly Ground," "The Stars Fell on Henrietta," and "Dead Man." It was his own independent project that eventually led to his breakthrough.

In 1996, Thornton directed, wrote, and starred in the independent crime thriller "Sling Blade," which follows the story of Karl Childers (Thornton), a mentally disabled man released from a psychiatric hospital after murdering his mother and her lover. Childers attempts to start a new life in a small town and befriends a young boy and his mother.

Thornton gained notoriety after "Sling Blade" became a box office sensation and received critical acclaim. He won an Academy Award for best screenplay and was nominated for best actor. Following this success, he received another Academy Award nomination for his role in "A Simple Plan."

Thornton has won two Golden Globe Awards and been nominated for an Emmy Award for his work in television.

Thornton has continued with his music career in addition to acting. He released his debut solo album "Private Radio" in 2001 and followed it up with "The Edge of the World," "Hobo," and "Beautiful Door." Thornton is also the frontman of The Boxmasters, which he formed in 2007 with recording engineer J.D. Andrew. The band has released 17 albums and their latest record, "Love & Hate In Desperate Places," debuted in June.

Thornton is returning to the small screen with Sheridan's new series "Landman," which features a reunion with his "Indecent Proposal" co-star Demi Moore, as well as Ali Larter and Jon Hamm. The show also includes guest appearances from Michael Peña and Andy Garcia.

In contemporary West Texas, the story of 'Landman' follows the quest for wealth in the oil rig industry.

The podcast "Boomtown" is a narrative about the interplay between working-class individuals and wealthy entrepreneurs, resulting in a massive economic surge that is transforming our planet, economy, and geopolitics.

Christian Wallace, host of "Boomtown," collaborated with Sheridan to produce the 10-episode Paramount+ series, which aired its first season on Nov. 17.

Billy Bob Thornton discusses the process of landing a role in Taylor Sheridan's new show 'Landman'.

Tommy Norris, portrayed by Thornton in "Landman," is a crisis executive at an oil company. Thornton recounted that Sheridan pitched the show to him after the actor appeared in "1883," the prequel series to "Yellowstone."

"I appeared in a cameo in the TV series "1883" alongside Taylor, and during the after-party, we sat next to each other. He expressed his gratitude for being able to work with me on his project, which he called "Landman." He shared with me the world that the story takes place in, which I was familiar with but found intriguing since I hadn't seen anything about it since the movie "Giant.""

Thornton remarked that he was fond of "Giant," the 1956 Western drama featuring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and Dean Martin.

"Thornton stated that he believed the streaming version of "Giant" would be even more dangerous and insane, making it a no-brainer decision. Additionally, Taylor assured him that he would write the part specifically for his voice and described it as the character of a landman."

Billy Bob Thornton discusses the pressure to make his new show "Landman" a success.

Sheridan has achieved immense success with the Western drama "Yellowstone" and its spinoffs "1883" and "1923." He is also the creator of the crime series "Tulsa King," starring Sylvester Stallone, and "Mayor of Kingstown," featuring Jeremy Renner.

During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Thornton discussed whether he felt any pressure to make "Landman" successful after Sheridan's previous successes.

Thornton stated, "If a director has successfully directed 12 popular movies, you don't want to be the one who fails." He chuckled as he added, "That's for sure."

He continued, 'So, yeah, there is a lot of pressure because of the successes he's had with the other shows. But, you know, there's always an audience for every kind of thing.'

"Thornton added that he knows Taylor loves it and everyone who participated in it does too."