Some very sad news this afternoon, with American actor Bill Paxton passing away after reportedly suffering complications following surgery. He was 61 years old.
Born in Texas, Paxton began his career in the 1980s, appearing in minor roles in the likes of Stripes, The Terminator and Commando. These were followed by memorable turns in films such as Weird Science (1985), Aliens (1986) and Near Dark (1987). He would also reunite with The Terminator and Aliens director James Cameron for 1994’s True Lies and 1997’s Titanic, as well as the 2003 documentary Ghosts of the Abyss.
Paxton’s other notable big screen credits included Predator 2 (making him one of only two actors alongside Lance Henriksen to go up against a Terminator, a Xenomorph and a Predator), Tombstone, Apollo 13, Twister, A Simple Plan, 2 Guns, Edge of Tomorrow and Nightcrawler. He also directed 2001’s Frailty and 2005’s The Greatest Game Ever Played.
He also enjoyed success on the small screen, receiving three Golden Globe nominations for HBO’s Big Love, and an Emmy nomination for Hatfields & McCoys. Recently, he had a recurring role in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and his latest project, the TV series Training Day, premiered earlier this month.
Originally published February 26, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
