Globe winner Billy Bob Thornton sees law, acting as 'the same job'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.— Billy Bob Thornton, who won a Golden Globe Sunday for his portrayal of an attorney in Amazon’s 'Goliath,' says he was intrigued by the connection between practicing law and acting.

"It’s the same job: a lawyer trying to convince a jury and an actor trying to convince an audience,” Thornton told reporters in the backstage interview room. “Mainly, I wanted to play a guy trying to fight his way back from nowhere. I’ve had to do that a few times, so I kind of related.”

Thornton, who plays a disgraced lawyer seeking redemption, also explained his tribute to Luke Scott, a production assistant on the series who died at age 23. He said he decided to thank him instead of the usual acceptance-speech suspects.

“Luke made me want to come to work," Thornton said. "His face was such a joyous face."

The actor also explained his admiration for the creative people in the Globes ceremony ballroom.

"They're people who are willing to take a chance," he said. "In this day of social media, when people are slamming each other left and right, what they have to remember is those who talk about those who do things, that's not a very good job."