Billy Bob Thornton Shares Insights into Rare Blood Type and Dietary Restrictions
Billy Bob Thornton, the 70-year-old star of Landman, has recently opened up about a rare health condition that significantly impacts his diet. The actor revealed that his unique blood type, AB negative, requires him to follow a highly restrictive eating plan.
Thornton explained that his AB negative blood type leads to digestive issues due to a lack of sufficient digestive enzymes. This condition makes it challenging for him to consume certain foods like wheat, dairy products, and meat. He discussed these details on an episode of Howie Mandel’s podcast, Howie Mandel Does Stuff.
While there is limited scientific evidence supporting the concept of a blood type diet, some theories suggest that individuals with AB negative blood may have lower stomach acid levels. According to WebMD, this could mean they should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoked or cured meats. However, these are not universally accepted medical facts.
Thornton first discovered he had AB negative blood in the late 1980s. On the recent podcast, he reflected on his childhood, recalling that he “grew up with a lot of allergies” but still “ate everything.” He admitted that he initially assumed everyone felt unwell after eating.
“I just assumed everybody felt like s*** after they ate. I didn’t know,” he said. “But anyway, I can’t have dairy, wheat … can’t eat meat, like, you know, pork or beef or any of that stuff.”
When asked what he typically eats, Thornton listed his meals for the day. He mentioned having a bowl of blueberries and decaf coffee earlier in the day, adding that once he gets home, he enjoys gluten-free chips with dairy-free cream cheese.
A Vegan Lifestyle with Occasional Exceptions
In 2020, Thornton also spoke about his dietary habits, revealing that he follows a vegan diet. He described himself as “a vegan who cheats” but noted that his indulgences are rare. “Once in a blue moon, I’ll have salmon or halibut, or something like that. Simply because every now and then, I kinda feel like I need it for some reason.”
Embracing Age and Gratitude
Thornton’s conversation about his health and diet came shortly after he celebrated his 70th birthday in August. He shared his mixed feelings about aging, acknowledging both the fear and gratitude that come with each milestone.
“You know what, it’s so funny you’re scared of every milestone, but this one actually did affect me in a way that I had to, you know, have a few meetings with myself late at night,” he said on CBS News’ Sunday Morning in November 2025.
The actor, married to his sixth wife Connie Angland, 61, and a father to four adult children, expressed how age has brought him more respect. “We’ve all seen each other get older, and when I see that wisdom and see the respect that people have for them, it just kind of makes everything melt away somehow.”
He added, “I mean, I’m in a successful band and I’m in a successful show. Every day when I wake up I just say I’m blessed. That’s really it.”
Thornton continues to navigate life with a mix of humor, resilience, and gratitude, proving that age doesn’t define his energy or passion.
