Fun
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Sad news today as a statement from Bill Paxton’s family confirmed an earlier TMZ report that the actor “has passed away due to complications from surgery” at age 61. Per the statement, as published by People.com:
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’s earliest acting mark was made in the 1985 John Hughes movie Weird Science, where he played Chet, the bullying older brother to one of the nerdy protagonists. But for a long time, Paxton’s calling card was his participation in the films of James Cameron. Starting with a bit part in 1984’s The Terminator, Paxton’s face was a reliable presence in Aliens (1986), where his “Game over, man!” line reading became a cult classic unto itself; True Lies (1995) as the creepo looking to sleep with Jamie Lee Curtis; and Titanic (1997) as the leader of the expedition searching for treasure on the sunken ocean liner. Paxton was also a featured player in Near Dark, the cult vampire western directed by Kathryn Bigelow, who would later marry Cameron.
After featured roles in hits like Tombstone and Apollo 13, Paxton began to get leading roles in films like Mighty Joe Young, A Simple Plan, and most prominently the disaster blockbuster Twister. In 2001, Paxton made his directorial debut with Frailty, a massively underrated psychological horror movie in which he also plays the lead role, a single father who begins to feel like he’s being called by God to murder demons on Earth.
On TV, Paxton spent five seasons as the lead on the HBO drama Big Love, playing the patriarch of a polygamous Mormon family in modern-day Utah, a role that earned him three Golden Globe nominations. Paxton is currently the lead on CBS’ adaptation of the film Training Day, which aired its fourth episode last Thursday.
Paxton will next be seen in director James Ponsoldt’s sci-fi film The Circle, playing Emma Watson’s father, alongside Tom Hanks and John Boyega. The film is set to be released on April 28.
Here’s where you can stream Paxton’s most notable film and television work.
Films
TV:
