Billy Bob Thornton has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks, as he prepares for the release of Landman season two. Thornton, who plays "Tommy Norris" on the show, he been available for a string of interviews, where he's opened up on a range of topics.
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Interestingly, during a sitdown with actor Lee Cowan on CBS Sunday Morning, the "Bas Santa" actor listed Johnny Cash among his most famous and impactful mentors. During the interview, Thornton also named Robert Duvall, Billy Wilder, and Sam Elliot as some of his other mentors.
When Cowan asked what that quarter of mentors taught him throughout the years, Thornton was quick to respond.
"Take advice, listen to suggestions, and never betray yourself based on what you've heard from other people," Thornton said. "... Meaning if it doesn't ring true to you, just don't do it."
Thornton and Cash are well-known to have been close friends. The Landman star has regularly spoken about Cash and some of the discussions they've had over the years. He's also noted on multiple occasions that they once recorded a duet together, although it was never released.
Billy Bob Thornton Was Always Starstruck by Johnny Cash
Thornton recently told The Guardian that he always remained starstruck by Cash.
"I never got over being nervous around Johnny Cash because it was like God walked in the room," Thornton said. "I stayed at his house a couple of times, and I did not want to get caught in my drawers looking in his refrigerator. So I just stayed in my room all night long. But he was very kind to me. We did a duet together of one of his songs, 'I Still Miss Someone,' that I've never put out."
Thornton and Cash remained friends until the latter passed away following complications from diabetes in September 2003. Nevertheless, the impact Cash had on the movie-turned-TV star has clearly never waned, and given the high regard Thornton held him in, likely never will.
Landman season two is set to premiere on Nov. 16, via the Paramount+ streaming service. The show is one of multiple high-budget smash-hit shows to come out of the streaming giant in recent years. However, it has the potential to be arguably the most popular on the platform. Only time will tell.
