In 1999, the surprise marriage of Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie grabbed headlines, leaving many astonished.
Not only did the couple share a significant 20-year age gap, but they were also both involved with other partners at the time, adding to the intrigue.
Among those blindsided was actress Laura Dern, Billy Bob’s fiancée. According to Laura, she learned about her partner’s wedding to Angelina at the same time as the public did, throwing a curveball into her relationship plans.
Billy Bob and Laura’s relationship began in 1997, shortly after Laura’s split from Jeff Goldblum and Billy Bob’s ongoing divorce from his fourth wife, Pietra Dawn Cherniak, per E! Online. After two years together they were engaged and preparing for a wedding when Billy Bob crossed paths with Angelina on the set of Pushing Tin in 1999.
Their whirlwind romance led to a spontaneous Las Vegas wedding in May 2000, surprising Laura. Reflecting on the abrupt marriage, Laura shared feeling sudden loss and confusion, never hearing from her husband again. Billy Bob expressed regret in a 2001 interview, apologizing for any pain caused. Oddly, Laura had previously babysat Angelina Jolie, adding an unexpected twist to the story.
Laura’s father, Bruce Dern, recalled Laura babysitting Angelina Jolie when they were children while he and Jon Voight were filming “Coming Home” in 1978.
Following her breakup with Billy Bob Thornton, Laura received support from friend Melissa Etheridge, who helped her move out of their shared home. Melissa recounted the difficult situation on Andy Cohen’s SiriusFM radio show.
In the aftermath, Laura moved on and married Ben Harper, while Billy Bob retreated from dating celebrities, eventually marrying a puppeteer in 2014 for a quieter life.
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