Actor Bill Paxton, known for iconic roles in Aliens, Tombstone, Twister, The Terminator, Predator, Weird Science, Apollo 13, and many, many more, has died, a representative for his family said in a statement. He was 61.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” the statement said.
“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.”
Paxton had acting credits in over 90 films and a career that spanned 4 decades. He garnered critical acclaim for his performance as the lead role in the HBO series Big Love, receiving three Golden Globe nominations, as well as his performance in the History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
The man had a huge impact on so many of my favorite movies. I can honestly say that of my top ten favorites, he was in at least five of them. And his scenes were the best! Paxton always managed to land the role that placed his character staring down certain death — whether it be the fearsome maw of a Xenomorph alien or the eerie outline of a Predator — before screaming “FUCK IT!” and charging wild-eyed, guns blazing at his foe. There was something so glorious, so inspirational about those scenes, and no one could pull them off like Paxton, with his desperate confidence and Texas drawl. I know he got most of his critical acclaim when he took front and center in more recent years, but it’s these moments from his more minor roles in ’80s thrillers that rocked me to the core as a wide-eyed kid. And that’s how I’ll remember him.
RIP Bill Paxton. You will be sorely missed.
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