In 1999, the unexpected union of Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving many bewildered by the suddenness of their marriage.
The couple’s relationship was not only notable for their significant 20-year age gap but also because they were both involved with other partners at the time, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their whirlwind romance.
Among those blindsided by the news was actress Laura Dern, who was engaged to Billy Bob at the time. Laura revealed that she learned about her partner’s marriage to Angelina at the same time as the public, throwing her relationship plans into disarray.
Billy Bob and Laura’s relationship began in 1997, following Laura’s split from Jeff Goldblum and Billy Bob’s ongoing divorce from his fourth wife, Pietra Dawn Cherniak. After two years together, they became engaged and were preparing for a wedding when Billy Bob crossed paths with Angelina on the set of Pushing Tin in 1999.
Their impromptu wedding in Las Vegas in May 2000 caught Laura off guard, leaving her feeling blindsided and without closure. Reflecting on the abrupt turn of events, Laura shared her feelings of sudden loss and confusion, emphasizing the lack of communication from Billy Bob following their breakup.
While Billy Bob has never explicitly addressed the situation, he expressed regret in a 2001 interview, acknowledging the pain caused by his actions. Despite this, he defended his decision, emphasizing that it brought happiness to himself and others.
Adding a peculiar twist to the story, Laura and Angelina had a prior connection, with Laura having babysat Angelina when they were children. Laura’s father, Bruce Dern, recalled the incident, highlighting their early acquaintance.
Following the breakup, Laura received support from her friend Melissa Etheridge, who recounted helping Laura move out of her shared home with Billy Bob. Melissa described the situation as “nasty” and recounted assisting Laura in retrieving her belongings.
In the aftermath, all parties involved moved on with their lives. Laura eventually married Ben Harper and has since been linked to former NBA player Baron Davis. Billy Bob and Angelina divorced in 2002, prompting Billy Bob to retreat from dating celebrities in pursuit of a quieter life.
Overall, the situation surrounding Billy Bob Thornton, Angelina Jolie, and Laura Dern remains a complex and intriguing chapter in Hollywood history, sparking discussion and reflection on relationships, celebrity, and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny.