Bella Thornton: What We Know About Billy Bob Thornton’s Daughter

Bella Thornton may not be a Hollywood star, but she was born into a world full of fame, movies, and red carpets. Her father, Billy Bob Thornton, is a big name in Hollywood. He’s an actor, director, and musician who won an Oscar for Sling Blade. But even with all that fame, Bella chose a very different path. She lives a quiet and simple life, away from the spotlight.

In this article, we’ll gently explore Bella’s story. We’ll talk about her family, childhood, her special bond with her dad, and what makes her so unique. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a star’s daughter who doesn’t want fame, this will help you see that world in a calm, clear way.

Let’s get to know Bella Thornton, Billy Bob Thornton’s daughter.

Bella Thornton Quick Bio

When Was Bella Thornton Born?

Bella Thornton was born on September 24, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. At birth, she weighed 6 pounds and 11 ounces. She is the youngest child of Billy Bob Thornton and the first and only child of her mom, Connie Angland.

Her birth was a big moment for Billy Bob. By 2004, he was already a famous actor. But Bella came into his life during a time when he wanted more peace, more family time, and less Hollywood. Two weeks after her birth, he still showed up to the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, smiling, but his heart was clearly focused on home.

Having Bella brought something fresh and sweet into his life. She was like a second chance at fatherhood—one he didn’t want to mess up.

Who Are Bella Thornton’s Parents?

Bella’s parents are from two different parts of the movie world. Her dad, Billy Bob Thornton, is best known for films like Sling Blade, Bad Santa, and Armageddon. He has also worked as a director and singer. He’s had a long and busy Hollywood life, with many awards and many ups and downs.

Her mom, Connie Angland, works behind the scenes. She’s a special effects artist who also does puppetry and costume work. She isn’t famous like Billy, but she’s talented in her own creative way. They met on the set of Bad Santa in 2003 and started dating soon after.

They were together for over 10 years before getting married on October 22, 2014. Bella was 10 years old at the time of their wedding. Billy had once said he didn’t want to marry again after five failed marriages, but Connie and Bella changed his mind.

Bella Thornton and Her Famous Father

Bella Thornton has always had a very close bond with her dad. Billy Bob Thornton has often called her his “wonder kid.” He talks about her with love and care in many interviews. Even though he has three older children, Bella came into his life at a calmer time—and that made a big difference.

Billy once said, “There’s this thing between a father and a daughter, and it’s true. It’s wild. Especially with a girl. It’s a different experience.” You can feel how special their bond is from the way he speaks about her.

One sweet story shows just how much he loves her. For Halloween in 2013, Bella dressed up as a monarch butterfly. And Billy? He put on a ladybug costume, complete with wings, just to make her happy. It’s not something you’d expect from a serious actor, but for his daughter, he didn’t mind being silly.

Bella Thornton’s Quiet Childhood

Even though Bella was born into a famous family, her childhood was very private. Her parents did everything they could to keep her away from flashing cameras and celebrity drama.

She grew up in Agoura Hills, California, a peaceful area outside of the Hollywood rush. While other celebrity kids were posting online and going to big events, Bella was reading books, exploring nature, and enjoying a calm life at home.

This quiet way of growing up helped shape who she is today. Bella isn’t trying to be famous. She doesn’t want the spotlight. And that’s one of the reasons people are so curious about her—because she’s different in a good way.

Does Bella Thornton Have Any Siblings?

Yes, Bella has three older half-siblings from her father’s past relationships. Even though they don’t all live together, they are part of her family story.

• Amanda Brumfield is the oldest. She was born in 1979. Her mom is Billy Bob’s first wife, Melissa Lee Gatlin. Amanda had a very hard time in life and even spent 9 years in prison for a manslaughter case. She was released in 2020 after new information came out.

• William Langston Thornton was born in 1993. He is Bella’s half-brother from Billy’s marriage to model Pietra Dawn Cherniak. William lives a very private life and doesn’t like the spotlight, just like Bella.

• Harry James Thornton was born in 1994. He is William’s younger brother. Harry once starred in a reality TV show and now works in real estate. He has two daughters and is active on social media.

Bella is the youngest in the group and the only one raised by both Billy and Connie together.

What Does Bella Thornton Like?

Bella doesn’t care much about fame or acting. Instead, she has always loved science—especially insects. When she was little, she told her dad she wanted to become an entomologist—a scientist who studies bugs.

Billy once said, “Everything is about butterflies and caterpillars.” Her passion for bugs even inspired their Halloween costumes. That butterfly and ladybug story wasn’t just cute—it showed what Bella truly loved.

She also enjoys reading books, the kind with real pages. While many kids today are glued to phones and tablets, Bella likes to hold a book and turn the pages herself. Her dad said she prefers real reading over screens, and that made him proud.

Bella Thornton’s Mental Health Journey

Bella Thornton may live a calm life, but that doesn’t mean her journey has always been easy. In fact, her father, Billy Bob Thornton, has spoken honestly about the things they’ve both faced.

Billy has shared that he lives with OCD, anxiety, and signs of autism. He says Bella also deals with anxiety and OCD, just like him. But instead of hiding it, they talk about it together. He wants her to know that these things don’t make her weak—they can be strengths too.

He once said, “These things are looked at by people as problems, but they’re also gifts—especially in the arts.” That shows how much he supports Bella and helps her feel proud of who she is.

Has Bella Thornton Been in Movies or TV?

Even though her dad is a Hollywood star, Bella Thornton hasn’t made acting her path. She did appear in a short film called Hodgepodge in 2013. She was just 9 years old at the time.

That film wasn’t a big Hollywood project—it was more like a fun, creative moment. Bella played a character named Maria. It gave her a chance to try something new, but she didn’t continue acting after that.

Since then, Bella hasn’t taken on any public roles. She seems happy focusing on her own interests instead of becoming a star. That’s one more thing that makes Billy Bob Thornton’s daughter stand out.

Bella Thornton’s Public Appearances

Even though Bella stays out of the spotlight, she’s made a few sweet public appearances with her parents. Each one shows how close they are as a family.

In 2008, Bella joined her dad on stage while he performed with his band, The Boxmasters. She was just a little girl, but already full of confidence and joy.

Later, in 2016, she walked the red carpet with her parents at the Finding Dory premiere. And in 2019, she attended a book event for The Tale of Steven, written by Rebecca Sugar, creator of Steven Universe. Bella looked happy and relaxed—always with her parents close by.

Is Bella Thornton Active on Social Media?

Many people search for Bella online, but you won’t find her on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. As of 2026, Bella Thornton has no public social media accounts.

This is rare today, especially for someone with a famous last name. But Bella prefers to keep her life private. She doesn’t post pictures, videos, or stories about her day. And honestly, that’s what makes people even more curious about her.

In a world full of noise and fame, Bella chooses peace. She is one of those few people who still enjoy life without needing likes and followers.

What About Bella Thornton’s Love Life?

One question people often ask is: Is Bella dating anyone? As of now, there’s no public news about her being in a relationship. She’s never been seen with a boyfriend at events, and she hasn’t posted anything about dating.

Her dad, Billy Bob Thornton, once joked, “I don’t want my daughter to ever be near anyone like me.” That shows how protective he is—but also how much he wants her to have a better, more peaceful love life than he did.

Bella is still young. She may date when she’s ready—or she may not. Either way, her family supports her choices.

Where Is Bella Thornton Now?

As of 2026, Bella Thornton is 21 years old and living in Agoura Hills, California, with her parents. She’s believed to be attending college, and some reports say she might be studying at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

It makes sense, especially since her dad said he bought a house just 12 minutes away from campus. That shows how much Billy Bob wants to stay close and be there for his daughter.

Bella isn’t chasing fame or starting a movie career. She’s focused on her studies, her peace, and the things she loves—like books, science, and family.

Final Thoughts

Bella Thornton may not be in movies or on magazine covers, but she’s special in her own way. She’s quiet, smart, and true to herself. She grew up with a famous father but chose a life that’s calm, gentle, and real.

Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to shine. You can be soft and still be strong. You can love books and bugs more than cameras and still be deeply admired.

Most of all, Bella shows that being Billy Bob Thornton’s daughter isn’t about red carpets—it’s about love, trust, and being yourself. And in a world where everyone is trying to be seen, Bella stands out by simply being herself.

(FAQs)

Does Bella Thornton have a disability?

Yes — Bella Thornton has shared traits like anxiety and OCD, which she inherited from her father, Billy Bob Thornton. He says she also shows signs of being on the autism spectrum, but they treat these as creative strengths, not weaknesses.

How old is Bella Thornton, and when is her birthday?

Bella Thornton was born on September 24, 2004, in Los Angeles. She is 21 years old as of 2026.

Has Bella Thornton ever been in a movie?

Surprisingly, yes! Bella acted in a short film called Hodgepodge in 2013. She was only 9 years old. Since then, she hasn’t appeared in any other movies.

Where does Bella Thornton go to school or college?

Bella is believed to be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2026. Her dad even bought a house just 12 minutes from campus to stay close to her.

What is Bella Thornton’s life like in 2026?

Bella lives a quiet, private life in Agoura Hills, California. She doesn’t use public social media, avoids fame, and spends her time studying, reading, and staying close to her family.

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