Billy Bob Thornton Says “Holly­wood Wasn’t Nice” to Taylor Sheridan, But That “Texas Accepted” Him

by | Aug 21, 2026 | Entertainment

Billy Bob Thornton Says “Holly­wood Wasn’t Nice” to Taylor Sheridan, But That “Texas Accepted” Him

Billy Bob Thornton has commented on television creator Taylor Sheridan’s relationship with the entertainment industry and his subsequent move to Texas, noting a marked difference in how each location treated the prolific producer.

Tornton told Town & Country that Sheridan did not experience a welcoming reception in Los Angeles during his early career. Prior to establishing himself as a television creator, Sheridan worked as an actor in the entertainment industry for approximately two decades, appearing in series including Sons of Anarchy and Veronica Mars. During this period, he faced significant hardship, including homelessness and living in his vehicle for an extended period while attempting to advance his acting career.

Sheridan’s transition to screenwriting proved transformative for his career trajectory. After penning the pilot for Mayor of Kingstown in 2011, he attracted interest from major networks and agencies. His subsequent television projects, including Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Landman, and Special Ops: Lioness, established him as a significant creative force in the industry. The financial success of these ventures enabled him to relocate to Texas, where he spent most of his childhood.

Tornton highlighted the difference in Sheridan’s reception in Texas compared to his Hollywood experience, stating that the ranching community accepted him because of his genuine commitment to the lifestyle rather than a superficial approach. Sheridan has since acquired over 250,000 acres of ranchland in Texas, including his Four Sixes Ranch and Bosque Ranch. According to Thornton, Sheridan’s authenticity in this environment contrasts with a more performative approach to the cowboy lifestyle.

Sheridan has attributed his creative development partly to his Texas location, noting that the environment provides him with authentic material and dialogue that influences his storytelling. He has also begun conducting business meetings with castmembers at his ranch rather than in Los Angeles, further establishing his base of operations in Texas.

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