Billy Bob Thornton, the star of Landman, recently shared insights into his life and health during an appearance on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast. The actor, best known for his diverse career in film, revealed that he faces significant dietary restrictions due to health conditions, which have notably shaped his lifestyle.

The 70-year-old actor began by explaining that he suffers from several allergies, which severely limit the foods he can consume. His allergies specifically target wheat and dairy, meaning he has to avoid foods that contain these ingredients. However, these are not his only dietary restrictions. Thornton also mentioned having an extremely rare blood type, AB-negative, which is a significant factor in his dietary limitations. He pointed out that this blood type, found in less than 1% of the world’s population, plays a role in his body’s ability to digest certain foods.

The actor elaborated on how the AB-negative blood type impacts his health. According to Thornton, individuals with this blood type typically have fewer digestive enzymes, which affects their ability to process some foods. As a result, this contributes to his limited diet. For many years, Thornton struggled with undiagnosed food sensitivities. He recalled growing up with various allergies but never realized that his experiences were unusual. He thought that everyone felt unwell after eating, and it wasn’t until later in life that he understood the connection between his blood type, his allergies, and his discomfort after meals.

In addition to wheat and dairy, Thornton revealed that he also avoids red meats, such as beef and pork. This has led him to become particularly cautious about what he eats, often adhering to a strict, specialized diet that helps him manage his health conditions. He emphasized that his diet, though restrictive, is essential for his well-being, and he has learned to adjust accordingly.

Thornton first discovered his AB-negative blood type in the 1980s, which helped him better understand the link between his health issues and his blood type. Since then, he has made significant changes to his diet, eliminating certain food groups that exacerbate his symptoms. While some may find such restrictions challenging, Thornton has adapted to this lifestyle and continues to prioritize his health above all else.

Despite these challenges, Thornton has led a successful and illustrious career. His most notable achievements include winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sling Blade and earning multiple nominations for his acting, including for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. In addition to Landman, Thornton has starred in iconic films such as One False Move, Tombstone, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Friday Night Lights, and Bad Santa, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Thornton’s candid discussion about his health on the podcast not only shed light on his personal struggles but also highlighted the importance of understanding the ways in which blood type and allergies can influence overall health. His experience serves as a reminder of the challenges that many people face with food sensitivities and the necessity of finding solutions that allow them to lead a fulfilling life despite these limitations.