Bill Paxton, a legendary actor seen in Twister, Aliens and Titanic, has sadly passed away at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife Louise Newbury and their two children.
A representative of his family released the following 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 Paxton was one of the actors that lit up the screen no matter what movie he was in. He starred in The Terminator, Predator 2, Titanic, Twister, True Lies and the downright awesome Private Hudson from Aliens – Paxton always drew your eye and was entertaining to watch.
Paxton had also found success on television having starred in HBO’s Big Love, a recurring role on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and most recently as the lead in the TV follow up to the 2001 film Training Day.
Tributes to Paxton followed shortly after the shock news of his passing on Twitter.
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man… Hanx.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) 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
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
Groups of storm chasers in the famous “tornado alley” realigned their GPS coordinates to spell out Paxton’s initials, paying tribute to the actor and his role in the 1996 film Twister.
It just keeps getting better! Hundreds of storm chasers honoring Bill Paxton in KS and OK. Each dot is one person’s GPS. #RIPBillPaxton pic.twitter.com/z14XQ9msPR
— Aaron Brackett (@Aaron_Brackett) February 26, 2017
Director James Cameron gave a fitting tribute to his longtime friend in an email to Vanity Fair.
“I’ve been reeling from this for the past half hour, trying to wrap my mind and heart around it. Bill leaves such a void. He and I were close friends for 36 years, since we met on the set of a Roger Corman ultra-low budget movie…
I hope that amid the gaudy din of Oscar night, people will take a moment to remember this wonderful man, not just for all the hours of joy he brought to us with his vivid screen presence, but for the great human that he was.
The world is a lesser place for his passing, and I will profoundly miss him.”
Bill Paxton was a great actor who brought so many memorable characters to life. His passing is a huge blow not just to the movie industry but to fans worldwide, especially us here at So, Is It Any Good?
So be sure to throw on Aliens (or any of his movies) tonight and watch Paxton in all his glory.
Game over, man! Game over!