RIP Bill Paxton, Popular Actor Dead at 61

RIP Bill Paxton, popular actor dead at 61

It’s been confirmed this morning by TMZ that actor Bill Paxton has passed away at the age of 61 due to complications from surgery. Yesterday, there had been rumors of Paxton’s passing, although they were questioned as a possible internet hoax, as has been common these days. Paxton’s 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’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.”

Born in Fort Worth, Texas on May 17, 1955, Paxton established his acting career through a close early association with director James Cameron, who cast him in his 1984 breakthrough film The Terminator, then called him back for roles in Aliens (1986), True Lies (1994) and his Oscar-winning Best Picture Titanic (1997). Paxton also joined Cameron on his historic expedition to explore the remains of the Titanic, documented in 2003’s Ghosts of the Abyss.

Other memorable roles include the starring role in the disaster flick Twister (1996), and roles in the popular Western Tombstone in 1993 and in Ron Howard’s Apollo 13 two years later.

Paxton also established himself as a director with the 2001 thriller Frailty, co-starring Matthew McConaughey, and 2005’s The Greatest Game Ever Played, starring Shia LaBeouf.

More recently, Paxton was cast as the starring role of Detective Frank Roarke in the brand new CBS television show Training Day. set 15 years after the film of the same name. The first season just began airing earlier this month.

Bill Paxton is survived by his wife of thirty years, Louise Newbury, with whom he had two children.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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