Bill Paxton, Star of 'Big Love', 'Twister,' Dies at 61
February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton, the actor who played polygamist Bill Henrickson on HBO's Big Love and starred in films including Twister and Titanic, has died. According to PEOPLE, a representative for Paxton's family confirmed that the 61-year-old died due to complications from surgery.
"It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery," a family representative said in a statement. "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 arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family's wishes for privacy as their mourn the loss of adored husband and father."
Paxton who began acting in the 1970's appeared in films like 1984's Terminator, 1985's Weird Science and 1986's Aliens in his early career. By the 1990's his career was on the rise and he starred in films including Tombstone (1993), Apollo 13 (1995), Twister (1996), and Titanic (1997). The actor has also had a successful career on television, earning two Golden Globe nominations for his role in the HBO drama Big Love (2006 - 2011) and an Emmy nomination for his role in History miniseries Hatfield & McCoys (2012).
More recently Paxton had roles in ABC Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., History's Texas Rising, and appeared in the films Nightcrawler and Edge of Tomorrow. He has been starring as Detective Frank Rourke in CBS's 2017 cop drama Training Day. While season one of the series was completed prior to Paxton's death, according to Deadline, it is unclear how the network will handle production for the season's end or for a second season.
Paxton's final film project, the sci-fi thriller The Circle, is currently in post-production and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 28, 2017. In the film, Paxton appears along with Emma Watson and his Apollo 13 co-star Tom Hanks.
The actor is survived by his wife Louise Newbury and two children, James and Lydia Paxton.
Following news of Bill Paxton's death, Hollywood used social media to pay their respects and share their love for the beloved actor.
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
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man... Hanx.— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) 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
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