Thornton views acting as 'great release'

Billy Bob Thornton views acting as a "great release" after film roles enable him to carry out actions which would see him arrested in real life.

The Hollywood actor, 49, reveled in playing a safe-cracking Father Christmas in Bad Santa and views his other roles as helping him "psychologically".

He explains: "I have had the chance to play the president (in Love Actually) and heroes like Davy Crockett (The Alamo), but there's also been a whole of lot of bad guys, like in Bad Santa.

"In real life, I'd be arrested for my behaviour more times than not. I've also done films for the money, like Armageddon. I knew it sucked, but I've got so many ex-wives and kids to support. It has all been a great release, psychologically. It has been a help for someone like me."