Billy Bob Thornton Bemoans Stigma of Actors Who Sing

Billy Bob Thornton remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguing personalities. He’s also a famously prickly interview subject, which often yields a far better read than what many of his peers give to reporters.

The star of FX’s Fargo didn’t disappoint during this Q&A with TheWrap.com.

Thornton sounded off on why he loves working on television (now) and how maddening it can be to direct movies today.

He also railed against the cliche that actors shouldn’t be allowed to sing.

Because people know me as an actor, it’s hard for me to get a fair shake as a musician. Whereas any sonofabitch in the world who’s ever made a record can be in a movie, and people don’t care. You know what I mean?  But I grew up playing music. I wasn’t an actor. So if I hadn’t ever become an actor, there would be a different perception. And that doesn’t make any sense. The whole spirit of that is wrong, you know?

Thornton’s band, the Boxmasters, is a country rock group which has toured the U.S. and played at the South by Southwest festival in Austin.