Movies News

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

According to reports, veteran character actor Bill Paxton has passed away at the age of 61 due to complications from a surgery.

In a statement from his family to TMZ, they say: “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery.” The family accurately describes his “illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and flimmaker.” The family adds, “Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable.”

The Texas-born Paxton always brought a sort of Americana ruggedness to the roles he played. From memborable turns as Hudson in Aliens, to Dane in Navy Seals, to Morgan Earp in Tombstone, to Fred Haise in Apollo 13, and Bill Harding in Twister, Paxton paired his all-American looks with a real knack for discovering a character in a way that always made his performances feel so real. And yes, we even count his incredibly awesome take on the moronic, bro-tastic older brother in Weird Science.

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Paxton was also just as successful on TV as he was in movies, churning out memorable roles in shows like HBO’s Big Love, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and Hatfields and McCoys, for which he was nominated for an Emmy.

At the time of his death, Paxton was currently starring on the TV series in the lead role of Detective Frank Rourke, and he’ll have a role in Aprile’s The Circle, playing Mae’s (Emma Watson) father. Paxton is survived by his two children and wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury.

Here are some of our favorite Paxton movies.

Aliens (1986)

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Near Dark (1987)

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Twister (1996)

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A Simple Plan (1998)

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Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

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Nightcrawler (2014) — Warning: The following clip contains foul language