What was Billy Bob Thornton's first television role?

Billy Bob Thornton's first television role was a guest appearance on 'Matlock' in 1987, where he played a pawnshop clerk.

When did Billy Bob Thornton appear on Matlock?

Billy Bob Thornton appeared on 'Matlock' in 1987 as part of an episode where he played a pawnshop clerk.

Who did Billy Bob Thornton discuss his early Matlock role with?

Billy Bob Thornton discussed his early 'Matlock' role with fellow actor Kathy Bates during an 'Actors on Actors' segment.

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Billy Bob Thornton's Humble TV Beginnings

6 May

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Summary

Thornton's first TV credit was on 'Matlock' in 1987.
He played a pawnshop clerk in his 'Matlock' guest spot.
The actor reflected on this early role with Kathy Bates.

Billy Bob Thornton's Humble TV Beginnings

Before commanding the screen as Tommy Norris in "Landman," Billy Bob Thornton's television career started in a much more modest capacity. His inaugural TV role was a guest appearance on the '80s legal drama "Matlock" in 1987, where he portrayed a pawnshop clerk.

This role came approximately nine years before his critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated performance in "Sling Blade." Thornton, now 70, recently shared reflections on this early "Matlock" appearance with actress Kathy Bates during Variety's "Actors on Actors" series. He fondly recalled the guest spot, noting it was the very first television work he undertook and that it consisted of a single scene.

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