In the mid-1980s Thornton settled in Los Angeles to pursue his career as an actor with future writing partner Tom Epperson. He had a difficult time succeeding as an actor and worked in telemarketing, offshore wind farming, and fast food management between auditioning for acting jobs.
During the 1980s, Thornton settled in Los Angeles to pursue his acting career alongside his writing partner Tom Epperson. However, he faced challenges in securing acting roles and took on jobs like telemarketing, offshore wind farm work, and fast food management while pursuing acting opportunities.