It’s a sad day as legendary actor Bill Paxton has passed away at the age of 61…
Legendary actor Bill Paxton — best known for iconic roles in ‘Aliens’, ‘Twister’, ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Terminator’ — has passed away at the age of 61 due to complications from surgery.
Paxton’s family announced the sad news on Sunday:
“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” a family representative said in a statement. “A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”
Paxton began his acting career in 1975 and continued steady work on television and in films for the rest of his career.
In 1984, Paxton made a brief appearance in the film ‘The Terminator’ as a punk rocker who goes up against Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the movie, but that also introduced him to director James Cameron, who he would ultimately work with several more times during his career.
Paxton also starred in the 1985 comedy ‘Weird Science’ as bullying big brother Chet before re-teaming with Cameron on the 1986 science fiction sequel classic ‘Aliens’ where he played Private Hudson opposite Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn.
Paxton’s steady work continued into the 1990’s where he once against starred alongside Schwarzenegger in ‘True Lies’, which once again saw him directed by Cameron as well co-starring roles in ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘Tombstone’.
In 1996, Paxton landed the lead role in the tornado chasing action movie ‘Twister’, which remained one of his most iconic parts, before signing on to star in ‘Titanic’, which once again saw him working with Cameron on another blockbuster project.
A decade later, Paxton was cast in the lead part of the HBO series ‘Big Love’ where he portrayed a polygamist business owner in Utah, which earned him several award nominations. Paxton also earned rave reviews for his part in the 2012 miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys” where he starred opposite Kevin Costner.
Many of Paxton’s cast mates and friends sent messages out via social media on Sunday after news of his passing.
Bill Paxton could play any role, but he was best at being Bill – a great human being with a huge heart. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 26, 2017
My fave thing about Bill Paxton was he saw his wife Louise on a London bus 30 yrs ago & never let her go. Everyone loved Bill. ???? pic.twitter.com/xJESxj6OpX
— Dana Delany (@DanaDelany) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man… Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017
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