Bill Paxton, the affable actor who co-starred in a string of 1990s blockbusters including Twister, Titanic and Apollo 13 and later starred in the critically acclaimed television drama Big Love, has died. He was 61.
His death, from complications of surgery, was announced on Sunday in a statement from a representative for his family. It did not elaborate on when and where Paxton died, but Rolling Stone reported that he died on Saturday.
More Entertainment News Videos
Actor Bill Paxton dead at 61
American actor Bill Paxton, known for his roles in 'Aliens' and 'Titanic' has died at age 61 after complications from surgery.
Early in his career, Paxton had small parts in The Terminator in 1984 and Aliens in 1986. Both films were directed by James Cameron, who later featured the actor in more high-profile roles: as a used-car salesman who ripped off Jamie Lee Curtis' character in True Lies in 1994, and as the treasure-hunting scientist who discovered the wreck of the ocean liner in Titanic in 1997.
In the 1990s, he also starred in Ron Howard's Oscar-nominated film Apollo 13, portraying Fred Haise, one of three men trapped orbiting above Earth, and in Twister, as a storm-chaser.
Perhaps cinema's ultimate "That guy!", the versatile actor had over 93 credits to his name, including other memorable bit roles in popular favourites like Weird Science (1985) and Tombstone (1993) and cult classics like Kathryn Bigelow's Near Dark (1987) and Brain Dead (1990).
He was also a musician in the short-lived '80s new-wave band, Martini Ranch. The band's spaghetti western-tinged video, Reach, was directed by Cameron and featured cameos from the duo's extensive filmmaking crew, including director Bigelow and actors Lance Henriksen and Paul Reiser.
Over the last decade, Paxton appeared regularly on TV.
From 2006 to 2011, he played Bill Henrickson, the patriarch of a polygamist family in Utah, on the HBO series Big Love. He received three Golden Globe nominations for his acting on the show.
In 2012, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for playing Randolph McCoy in the three-part miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, on the History channel. And in 2014, he appeared in six episodes of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., on ABC.
Paxton returned to TV as the star of CBS' new police drama, Training Day.
A spinoff of the 2001 movie starring Denzel Washington, the series premiered earlier this month in the US and only four episodes have been broadcast. In total, 13 episodes of Training Day have been filmed, and Paxton appears in all of them.
In the near term, the show will continue to air, but its future is not certain: Reviews have been mixed - though Paxton's performance as a rogue cop has been praised - and it averages little more than 4 million viewers.
Tributes to Paxton poured in on social media, including from actor Tom Hanks, a co-star in Apollo 13, and Helen Hunt, who appeared with him in Twister.
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man... Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017
He made this movie great--he acted his heart out. What a talented man. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/rUcmmYME3h
— Helen Hunt (@HelenHunt) February 26, 2017
Nooooo. Bill Paxton is gone. Such a funny, talented, loving human. Louise & the children & family my ❤& support 2 u. #truelies pic.twitter.com/d4zleWdOrR
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) February 26, 2017
Crushing. #RIPBillPaxton A gr8 talent & spirit. His passion contributed so much 2 #Apollo13 & all his wrk. We'll miss the hell out of U Bill https://t.co/j2Khv6fmCP
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) 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
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
You were a great friend to me, Bill. AND one of the finest actors to share a set with. Sending so much love to Bill Paxton's family.
— Charlize Theron (@CharlizeAfrica) February 26, 2017
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
I'm devastated about the passing of Bill Paxton. He was always so kind & supportive. Funny & wise. A talented actor whom I will miss. RIP
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) February 26, 2017
So profoundly sorry to hear that #BillPaxton has died. My family & I were such fans; we send our condolences and deepest sympathy to his.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 26, 2017
Paxton was born on May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas. Survivors include his wife of more than 30 years, Louise Newbury; and two children, James and Lydia.
The New York Times, with Fairfax Media