Michelle Randolph isn’t afraid to ask the hard-hitting questions.
The Landman actress recently revealed she confronted her costar Billy Bob Thornton about one of Hollywood’s most notorious early 2000s rumors.
And his response? Classic Thornton—calm, honest, and completely unfazed.
During her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Randolph opened up about what it’s really like working alongside the Oscar-winning actor on the Paramount+ drama.
When Curiosity Gets the Best of You
Randolph, 28, appeared on the talk show to promote her upcoming role in Scream 7, but naturally, conversation turned to her experience working with Thornton, who plays her father in Landman.
That’s when she dropped the bombshell about her bold question.
Most of my scenes are with him, and I’m thinking, ‘God, like what, all I know is that he drank Angelina Jolie’s blood or something.’ Which I since have asked him about.
The rumor Randolph referenced dates back to Thornton’s marriage to Angelina Jolie in the early 2000s. Stories circulated that the former couple wore vials of each other’s blood around their necks—a claim that became tabloid gold and cemented their relationship as one of Hollywood’s most eccentric.
Setting the Record Straight
Thornton addressed those infamous rumors in a recent Rolling Stone interview, finally clarifying what actually happened.
We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them. That’s a romantic little idea, and that’s all that was. But by the time it’s over, we’re vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other’s blood, and this kind of stuff.
So no dungeon dwelling or vampire rituals—just a romantic gesture that spiraled into Hollywood legend.
When Randolph brought it up to Thornton herself, his response was perfectly in character.
The Power of Being at Ease
According to Randolph, Thornton handled her question with complete nonchalance.
He just, I mean, he’s just ease. If ease was a person, that’s who he is.
That laid-back demeanor isn’t just a personality quirk—Randolph believes it’s fundamental to what makes Thornton such an extraordinary actor.
That’s why he’s so good at what he does. You think someone with his résumé is going to be so intimidating, but instead, he’s such a great actor because he pulls honesty out of you and he settles you in a scene and in life.
The actress even admitted that Thornton’s calming presence changed her own approach to work and life.
I tend to talk a lot and move fast and he just makes me want to just chill.
A Father Figure On and Off Screen
In Landman, Randolph plays Ainsley, the 17-year-old daughter of Thornton’s character Tommy Norris, an oilman, and Ali Larter’s Angela. Their on-screen relationship mirrors something deeper off camera.
In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Randolph described Thornton as “definitely another dad figure” for her.
Before filming began, Randolph naturally felt some nervousness about meeting her legendary costar.
I just had no idea what to expect. I had heard incredible things about him, and so I was excited to meet him, but obviously I’m like, ‘Okay, this is someone I’m going to share a lot of scenes with for a really important show. It’s something I care a lot about. I just hope that we have a good dynamic.’
Those concerns evaporated quickly.
First Impressions Matter
Randolph first met Thornton alongside Larter, and the experience exceeded expectations.
And I was with Ali when I first met him, and it was just, immediately, he’s the kindest, most genuine human. We went to a dinner and after I left that dinner, I was like, ‘Okay, this is going to be great.’
Why Authenticity Wins
Thornton’s approach to both acting and life offers valuable lessons beyond Hollywood. His ability to remain grounded despite decades of fame demonstrates that authenticity always trumps intimidation.
For young actors like Randolph working with established legends, finding someone who creates a safe, honest space can be transformative.
Key takeaways from Thornton’s approach:
- Ease creates better work: When actors feel comfortable, performances become more authentic
- Honesty matters: Being straightforward about past rumors eliminates mystery and builds trust
- Humility enhances credibility: Despite an impressive résumé, staying grounded earns respect
- Calmness is contagious: A relaxed presence helps others perform at their best
Beyond Blood Vials and Headlines
While the blood vial story continues capturing public imagination, what’s more compelling is how Thornton has evolved past tabloid headlines to become a respected mentor figure.
His willingness to address old rumors without defensiveness shows maturity and self-awareness. Rather than dodging uncomfortable questions, he meets them with honesty—exactly the quality Randolph praised in his acting.
Landman, created by Taylor Sheridan, continues showcasing these dynamic relationships both on and off screen. For Randolph, working alongside Thornton proved that sometimes your heroes exceed expectations—especially when they’re willing to answer questions about their vampire-free past.