Appearing on the CBC radio program “Q” earlier this week, Thornton avoided some questions while giving nonsensical answers to others.

For example, when asked when his band, the Boxmasters, got together, Thornton replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

When the program’s host, Jian Ghomeshi, inquired as to what kind of music Thornton listened to while growing up, the actor answered by talking about Famous Monsters Of Movieland magazine.

However, what might have really irked Canadians is what Thornton said about audiences in the Great White North.

“Canadian audiences seem to be very reserved. We tend to play places where people throw things at each other. Here, they just sort of sit there. And it doesn’t matter what you say to ‘em… It’s mashed potatoes but no gravy.”

Aside from the radio audience that actually listened to the broadcast, a clip of the interview appeared on YouTube, virally sending Thornton’s charm and poise around the world.

Now the actor has apologized for the surly manner in which he conducted himself on radio.

“I love Canada, absolutely,” said Thornton, according to Canwest News Service, providing what is probably the nicest answer he’s given anyone all week.

For the Canwest News item appearing in the Vancouver Sun, please click here.

For yesterday’s coverage of Billy Bob Thornton’s appearance on the CBC program Q (including YouTube clip), please click here.