When it comes to celebrity relationships, some couples manage to capture the public’s attention not just for their careers, but for the outlandish, unforgettable gestures they make for each other. One of the most iconic, albeit unusual, romantic gestures came from Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie during their marriage in the early 2000s. The couple, known for their offbeat love story, became the subject of worldwide fascination when Jolie wore a vial of Thornton’s blood around her neck.
The Blood Vial: A Symbol of Their Unique Love
Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie’s marriage was filled with memorable moments, but none stood out more than the vial of blood Jolie wore as a symbol of their connection. The unconventional gesture became one of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship, with fans and media alike trying to decipher its meaning.
Thornton, who tied the knot with Jolie in 2000, gave a candid explanation about the vial of blood during a 2014 lecture at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & Television. According to the actor, it wasn’t as dramatic as it appeared in the press. “A vial of blood is very simple,” Thornton explained. “Angie came home one day with a kit she bought. You know those lockets you buy, clear ones, where you put a picture of your grandmother or something? That’s what it was. She bought two of those.”
Thornton’s explanation painted the gesture as less macabre and more sentimental, likening it to the way people sometimes wear locks of hair from loved ones. He continued, explaining how, during their frequent time apart due to work commitments, they wanted a tangible way to stay connected. “We were apart a lot because she’s off making Tomb Raider and I’m making Monster’s Ball,” Thornton said. “She thought it would be interesting and romantic if we took a little razor blade and sliced our fingers, smeared a little blood on these lockets and you wear it around your neck, just like you wear your son or daughter’s baby hair in one. Same thing.”
For Thornton, it was a gesture rooted in intimacy, a way of staying emotionally close despite being physically distant. They even joked that they “were wearing quart jars of blood around our necks,” showing the lightheartedness with which they approached the idea.
Angelina Jolie’s Take: A Sweet and Romantic Gesture
Angelina Jolie, in true Jolie fashion, also offered her perspective on the infamous blood vial. In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she explained that it was not a traditional “vial” as it had been reported in the media, but more like a “flower press.” According to Jolie, the gesture was more about personal sentiment than it was about making a public statement.
“It was never a vial… It was like a flower press,” Jolie clarified. “It was like from a slight cut on your finger and you press your fingerprint in. It was kind of a sweet gesture. I thought it was kind of romantic!”
The pair were married for three years (SGranitz/WireImage)
Jolie’s description emphasized the tenderness behind the gesture, downplaying any sinister connotations. In her eyes, it was a small, intimate act of love—similar to the way one might keep a keepsake from a loved one. She further explained that despite the unconventional nature of the gesture, it came from a place of deep affection and personal connection.
Romance Amidst a Chaotic Life
Thornton and Jolie’s relationship was far from traditional. With their busy careers and public personas, the couple often found themselves separated by long stretches of time. Jolie was off filming Tomb Raider, while Thornton worked on Monster’s Ball. Their unconventional love story was marked by moments like the blood vial, which highlighted their desire to maintain an emotional bond despite the physical distance.
Thornton’s account sheds light on how the couple found ways to make their relationship work, despite the pressures of Hollywood. The blood vial wasn’t an attempt to shock the public, but rather a way for them to stay connected on a deeply personal level.
A Love That Ended, But Left Lasting Impressions
Though Thornton and Jolie’s marriage only lasted for three years, their bond was one of mutual respect and understanding. In fact, when they parted ways, their separation seemed remarkably amicable. Jolie later expressed that she still “loved him dearly” and was “proud” to have been married to him. The end of their relationship in 2003 did not mark the end of their affection for each other.
Thornton has often spoken fondly of his time with Jolie, and in interviews, he has repeatedly stated that their time together was an important chapter in his life. This sentiment was echoed by Jolie, who, despite moving on to relationships with other men—most notably Brad Pitt—has never spoken ill of her former husbands. Instead, she reflects on their time together with a sense of fondness and respect.
The pair have since explained why Jolie wore the vial (Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Jolie’s Relationships: From Thornton to Pitt
After her marriage to Thornton, Jolie went on to meet Brad Pitt in 2004 while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Their chemistry on-screen quickly translated into an off-screen romance that captivated the media and fans alike. The couple, known as “Brangelina,” went on to adopt several children together, forming one of Hollywood’s most beloved families.
Jolie and Pitt’s relationship also had its ups and downs, but they remained together for over a decade before officially divorcing in 2016. Despite the end of both her marriages, Jolie has always maintained a sense of grace and maturity, continuing to focus on her humanitarian work and her role as a mother to her six children.
The Legacy of the Blood Vial: A Symbol of a Different Kind of Love
In retrospect, the blood vial between Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie remains one of Hollywood’s most talked-about symbols of love. While some may view it as a strange or even disturbing gesture, for Jolie and Thornton, it was simply an intimate act that represented their unique bond. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t always have to follow conventional paths, and sometimes, the most personal gestures are the most meaningful.
Conclusion: A Love That Defied Norms
Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie’s relationship was anything but ordinary, and their blood vial is a perfect representation of that. It wasn’t just about the blood itself but the gesture behind it—a personal, quirky way to stay connected despite the physical distance in their busy lives. The blood vial became a symbol of their deep connection, and though their marriage ended, the memory of this unusual act of love remains a part of their story. In a world full of conventional romantic gestures, Jolie and Thornton’s unconventional love remains a testament to their shared creativity, passion, and the unique ways in which people express their feelings.
