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Actor Bill Paxton, whose everyman appeal saw him in a diverse range of roles from a treasure hunter in Titanic to a bigamist in Big Love, a fatalistic tech in Aliens to a veteran LAPD detective in the TV adaptation of Training Day, passed away yesterday at age 61. According to TMZ, he "underwent heart surgery and had complications post-op and suffered a fatal stroke."
His family issued 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."
ABC confirms actor Bill Paxton has died at 61. Representatives for the family: pic.twitter.com/cjgKtDufDj
— Michael Del Moro (@MikeDelMoro) February 26, 2017
Paxton was currently starring in Training Day on CBS. He had appeared at the NAACP Awards earlier this month with co-star Justin Cornwell. He was also on the Late Late Show with James Corden, revealing his celebrity crush:
From Rolling Stone's obituary:
Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955, Paxton's start in Hollywood came behind the camera as a filmmaker before appearing in small roles in films like Stripes, Commando and The Terminator in the first half of the Eighties. Before achieving marquee status in blockbusters like Apollo 13 and Twister, Paxton managed to transform his secondary roles into memorable turns, like his obnoxious older brother in Weird Science, his gabby police officer in Predator 2, the marine Hudson in Aliens and a sinister vampire in Near Dark.
After appearing in a bit part as a punk in The Terminator, Paxton became a favorite of director James Cameron, appearing in small-but-memorable roles in that filmmaker's Aliens, True Lies, Titanic and the documentary Ghosts in the Abyss.
Following roles in Tombstone, Trespass and Frank and Jesse, Paxton was cast to star in the 1995 blockbuster Twister, cementing his status from unforgettable character actor to leading man. Over the past two decades, the actor also starred in A Simple Plan, the Spy Kids series, Nightcrawler and Frailty, which he also directed.
Paxton will likely most be remembered for his starring role of Bill Henrickson, a modern-day polygamist living quietly in the suburbs, in the HBO drama Big Love, a role which earned Paxton three Best Actor Golden Globe nominations. The series ran for five seasons. In 2012, Paxton was nominated for an Emmy for his leading role in the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys.
Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton. Renaissance man, raconteur and
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
uniquely American national treasure. His filmography speaks for itself. His friendship was a blessing. My love to Bunny, James and Lydia.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
In his memory, on this Oscar Sunday, watch "One False Move" or "A Simple Plan" to see this lovely leading man, at his finest.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
Others chimed in:
Bill Paxton is 1of my favorite actors.I was able 2tell him so when we met yrs ago.Paxton was wonderful in everything he did. He inspired us. pic.twitter.com/hAXR9unvb6
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was notoriously one of the nicest people in the industry. He also gave us some of the all-time most iconic movie moments.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) February 26, 2017
What a lovely, warm and kind human. So sad to hear of Bill Paxton's passing.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) February 26, 2017
Very sad to hear about Bill Paxton. His talent, enthusiasm and energy were unique. Our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/W4IVuILHxv
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) February 26, 2017
Paxton leaves behind a wife and two children, as well as legacy of memorable roles.