In 1999, the unexpected marriage of Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie shocked the world. The significant 20-year age gap between them and their involvement with other partners at the time added to the intrigue. One person blindsided by this union was actress Laura Dern, Billy Bob’s fiancée at the time.
Billy Bob and Laura’s relationship began in 1997 when they both were in transitional phases, having recently ended their previous relationships. They got engaged after two years together. However, their wedding plans were abruptly interrupted when Billy Bob crossed paths with Angelina on the set of the film Pushing Tin in 1999.
In May 2000, Billy Bob and Angelina impulsively tied the knot in Las Vegas, leaving Laura completely caught off guard. She learned about their marriage at the same time as the general public, turning her relationship plans upside down. Laura shared her experience, saying, “I left our home to work on a movie, and while I was away, my boyfriend got married, and I’ve never heard from him again.” This sudden loss and lack of closure left her feeling confused and hurt.
Although Billy Bob has never explicitly admitted any wrongdoing, he did express regret in a 2001 interview, acknowledging the pain his actions caused. He said, “Others may say that you left our girl and married someone else. But it made me happy and somebody else happy. I’m sorry it caused pain.”
Interestingly, Laura and Angelina had a connection before this love triangle unfolded. Laura had actually babysat Angelina when they were children, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
After the breakup, Laura received support from her friend Melissa Etheridge, who recalled helping her move out of the shared home with Billy Bob. Melissa described the situation as “nasty” and even mentioned breaking into their house to retrieve Laura’s belongings.
In the aftermath of this tumultuous love triangle, everyone involved moved forward with their lives. Laura eventually married Ben Harper, with whom she has two children, and has since been linked to former NBA player Baron Davis. As for Billy Bob, he retreated from dating celebrities and opted for a quieter life away from the spotlight, marrying a puppeteer in 2014.
The situation between Billy Bob Thornton, Angelina Jolie, and Laura Dern was certainly surprising and heartbreaking for those involved. What are your thoughts on this complicated love triangle? Let us know in the comments!
