Actor Bill Paxton dead at 61

Actor Bill Paxton dead at 61



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Bill Paxton, the versatile actor who appeared in “Apollo 13,” “Twister” and “Titanic” has died from surgery complications, his family said in a statement.



He was 61.



In a statement, a family representative called Paxton 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,” the statement reads. “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 was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955. He accidentally entered the national spotlight at age 8, when he went to see President John F. Kennedy visit Dallas on November 22, 1963.



A photo of Paxton hoisted above the crowd became a famous photo from the day of Kennedy’s assassination.

Texas Supreme Court Judge Don Willett shared the photo and called Paxton a “good guy, great actor and proud Texan.”



Paxton to Los Angeles at 18, according to IMDB.



He appeared in his first film in 1975 and moved to New York where he studied acting.



Paxton landed a small role in James Cameron’s “The Terminator” in 1984 and followed that up with the memorable role as Private Hudson in “Aliens” two years later, according to IMDB.



He went on to appear in such movies as “Tombstone,” and “True Lies” before starring in “Apollo 13” in 1995 alongside Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks.



Paxton played the head of a polygamous family in HBO’s “Big Love” for five seasons and was currently starring in the TV adaptation of the movie “Training Day” on CBS.



He was also in the upcoming movie “The Circle,” which is in post-production, according to IMDB.



Paxton was nominated for several Golden Globes, an Emmy and won a Screen Actor’s Guild Award as part of the cast of “Apollo 13,” according to IMDB.



Paxton is survived by his wife and two children.



Moments after news of Paxton’s death broke, social media lit up with tributes to the versatile actor.



Actor William Shatner was among those to offer condolences.



Jamie Lee Curtis, who co-starred in “True Lies” with Paxton shared that he was “such a funny, talented, loving human.”



Actor Rob Lowe called Paxton a dear friend and “Renaissance man.” “Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton,” Lowe tweeted.



Actor Aaron Paul, who appeared with Paxton in “Big Love,” tweeted that his fellow actor was “one of the greatest guys that I have ever met.”