Oranges Not the Only Food for Billy Bob

Sept. 29, 2000 -- We still don't know exactly wha’'s up with Billy Bob Thornton's health, but we do know what the man is eating, or not eating, as the case may be.

His publicist, Michelle Bega, issued a statement refuting rumors that the Simple Plan actor was ailing due to a bizarre “orange”diet, in which he could only eat orange-colored foods such as papayas, carrots, pumpkins, and oranges.

“These are unfortunate rumors,”Bega said in the statement. “I’ve personally seen him eat a salad, watermelon, and even chicken.” The formerly plump Thornton, who was apparently as fond of “pertaters” as his Sling Blade character, has admitted to suffering from anorexia but has said that the disease is now behind him.

According to People magazine, Thornton went home Wednesday, after a weekend stay at the hospital-to-the-stars, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, Calif. The actor’s publicist says that Billy Bob was merely down with a viral infection, disputing unconfirmed reports that he had suffered a heart attack.

Whatever struck the star low, it was reportedly enough to warrant a transatlantic flight by wife Angelina Jolie, who is said to have left her London film shoot for Tomb Raider to be by her new hubby’s side.