THORNTON TAKES SLING BLADE TO AGENCY
Copyright 2001 www.reuters.com

[ December 11th 2001 ]

For the William Morris Agency, Billy Bob Thornton has become the man who isn't there. The Oscar-winning screenwriter, director, actor and musician has discharged the firm after almost a decade there. He has signed with Creative Artists Agency.

Thornton is currently in theaters with the Coen brothers' black comedy The Man Who Wasn't There, which has grossed almost $6 million after 40 days of limited release. His next picture, the acclaimed Monster's Ball, opens Dec. 26. His last major release was the box office flop Bandits. He won an Academy Award in 1997 for writing Sling Blade.

Thornton's album Private Radio, which received decidedly mixed reviews, was released on Mercury Records in September. A short tour to support it was announced and then postponed until next year. Thornton is also adding Geyer Kosinski of Industry Entertainment to his management team, joining current manager and former William Morris agent Todd Harris. Kosinski already represents Thornton's wife, actress Angelina Jolie.

Calls placed to CAA and Industry Entertainment were not returned late Monday. Both Harris and William Morris declined comment.