Bill Paxton Dead At 61

Actor Bill Paxton has died due to complications from surgery. He was 61 years old.

A family representative provided this statement:

It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. 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.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, his father, John Paxton, was also an actor who worked on several Spider-Man films. At the age of 18, the younger Paxton moved to Los Angeles and became a set dresser for Roger Corman’s New World Pictures. His made his film acting debut in Corman’s Crazy Mama (1975).

Paxton went on to do minor roles. His relationship with filmmaker James Cameron began with a minor role in The Terminator (1984), which led to future roles in other Cameron hits such as Aliens (1986), True Lies (1994), and Titanic (1997). Other hits also include Weird Science (1985), Tombstone (1993), Apollo 13 (1995), and Twister (1996).

He returned to television in the HBO series Big Love as Bill Henrickson, about a polygamist and his three wives. Paxton was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Randolph McCoy in the 2012 Hatsfields and McCoys. He also friend/foe on season one of Marvel’s Agents of Shield.

Recently, he has been cast in the new CBS drama Training Day with Justin Cornwell, which picks up 15 years after the 2001 Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke film. He recently was excited to have his son, Jason, as a guest star in the eighth episode. Paxton will appear with Tom Hanks and Emma Watson in The Circle later this year.

Hollywood has taken to social media paying their respects to the actor

https://twitter.com/zachbraff/status/835886445621460992

https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/835887051220238336

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

He is survived by his two children and his second wife, Louise Newbury, of 30 years.