Celebrated Hollywood actor Bill Paxton, whose varied career included films such as Twister, Aliens and Titanic, has passed away at the age of 61.
A representative for his family confirmed the sad news in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery.
“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. … We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”
Director James Cameron poses with BIll and other cast members from Aliens at a Comic-Con event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Aliens. Photo: Getty
Director James Cameron, who Bill worked with on True Lies, Titanic and Ghosts of the Abyss (a film following the duo’s expedition to the actual Titanic wreck), has released a statement remembering his dear friend.
“I’ve been reeling from this for the past half hour, trying to wrap my mind and heart around it. Bill leaves such a void,” James wrote in a statement provided to Vanity Fair.
“He and I were close friends for 36 years, since we met on the set of a Roger Corman ultra-low budget movie. He came in to work on set, and I slapped a paint brush in his hand and pointed to a wall, saying ‘Paint that!’
“We quickly recognized the creative spark in each other and became fast friends. What followed was 36 years of making films together, helping develop each others projects, going on scuba diving trips together, watching each others kids growing up, even diving the Titanic wreck together in Russian subs.
“It was a friendship of laughter, adventure, love of cinema, and mutual respect. Bill wrote beautiful heartfelt and thoughtful letters, an anachronism in this age of digital shorthand. He took good care of his relationships with people, always caring and present for others. He was a good man, a great actor, and a creative dynamo. I hope that amid the gaudy din of Oscar night, people will take a moment to remember this wonderful man, not just for all the hours of joy he brought to us with his vivid screen presence, but for the great human that he was.
“The world is a lesser place for his passing, and I will profoundly miss him.”
Bill, Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks on the set of Apollo 13. Photo: Getty
Social media has also been flooded with tributes to the iconic actor, many coming from his peers and co-stars.
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