Hollywood Actor Bill Paxton known for 'Aliens' and 'Twister' Dies at 61

Bill Paxton, 'Aliens' and 'Twister' Actor, Dies at 61

Courtesy of http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-mourns-bill-paxtons-death-980171?utm_source=twitter

The actor also was known for roles in 'Titanic,' 'The Terminator' and 'Big Love.'

Bill Paxton, known for roles in movies from Aliens, Titanic and Twister and TV shows like Big Love and CBS' new Training Day, has died at 61, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The actor passed away due to complications from surgery.

A representative for the family released a statement saying, "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'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."

Throughout his four-decade career, he appeared in films including The Terminator (1984), Weird Science (1985), Aliens (1986), Predator 2 (1990), Tombstone (1993), True Lies (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Twister (1996), Titanic (1997), A Simple Plan (1998), U-571 (2000) and Edge of Tomorrow (2014). Several of those were directed by James Cameron, including Aliens, Terminator, True Lies and Titanic. Along with the cast of Apollo 13, he won a SAG Award for best ensemble in 1996.

His TV credits include the HBO series Big Love, from 2006–2011, and he received three Golden Globes nominations for his performance. He also received an Emmy nom for his role in History's miniseries Hatfields & McCoys.

Most recently, Paxton starred in CBS' Training Day series from Antoine Fuqua, which is set 15 years after the events of the feature film. Training Day premiered Feb. 2 on CBS and wrapped production in December. CBS has not said whether it will continue to air.

On the film side, the actor had already completed work on The Circle, the adaptation of Dave Eggers’ book that is directed by James Ponsoldt. He played the father of Emma Watson’s character. The film is slated for release via STX on April 28.

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Paxton," HBO said in a statement. "Big Love was a seminal series for HBO for many years due to Bill's extraordinary talent and grace.  Off screen, he was as warm, smart and fun as one could be. A true friend to so many at HBO. He will be greatly missed."

Paxton was born William Paxton on May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas to Mary Lou (Gray) and John Lane Paxton, a businessman and actor. At age 8, he was in the crowd when President John F. Kennedy spoke at the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth on Nov 22, 1963 — the day Kennedy was assassinated.

At age 18, he moved to Los Angeles, where he got his start as a set dresser for Roger Corman's New World Pictures. He went on to make his big-screen debut in the Corman-produced 1975 film Crazy Mama, directed by Jonathan Demme.

The actor died at 61 due to complications from surgery.

Courtesy of http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-mourns-bill-paxtons-death-980171?utm_source=twitter

Bill Paxton, an Emmy-nominated actor whose four-decade career included roles in films Aliens, Twister and Titanic as well as TV shows Big Loveand Hatsfields & McCoys has died due to complications from surgery. He was 61.

Paxton's family released a statement saying, "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."

Paxtons was nominated for an Emmy for his role on the miniseries Hatsfields & McCoys. He played a polygamist on HBO's Big Love, earning him three Golden Globe nominations.

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Paxton," HBO said in a statement. Big Love was a seminal series for HBO for many years due to Bill's extraordinary talent and grace. Off screen, he was as warm, smart and fun as one could be. A true friend to so many at HBO. He will be greatly missed."

Paxton also starred in CBS' Training Day series from Antoine Fuqua, which premiered this month. He had already completed work on The Circle, the adaptation of Dave Egers’ book that is directed by James Ponsoldt. He played the father of Emma Watson’s character. The film is slated for release via STX on April 28.