Bill Paxton Dead: Hollywood Reacts -

Bill Paxton, an Emmy-nominated actor whose four-decade career included roles in such films as Aliens, Twister and Titanic as well as TV shows Big Love and Hatsfields & McCoys, has died due to complications from surgery. He was 61.

Paxton’s family on Sunday released a statement saying, “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.”

Paxton was nominated for an Emmy for his role on the miniseries Hatsfields & McCoys. He also played a polygamist on HBO’s Big Love, earning him three Golden Globe nominations.

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Paxton,” HBO said in a statement. “Big Love was a seminal series for HBO for many years due to Bill’s extraordinary talent and grace. Off screen, he was as warm, smart and fun as one could be. A true friend to so many at HBO. He will be greatly missed.”

Paxton also starred on CBS’ Training Day, which premiered this month based on Antoine Fuqua’s feature film of the same name. Fuqua said in a statement, “Bill was someone whose goodness and compassion was evident from the moment you met him. He was an immense talent and the type of guy you wanted to spend as much time with both in front of, and behind, the camera. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Said Training Day producer Jerry Bruckheimer in a statement: “We are truly devastated at the passing of our friend Bill Paxton. He was a tremendously talented actor, and a wonderful man beloved by the entire Training Day cast and crew. Bill’s extraordinary body of work ensures that he will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family and friends. He will be missed more than we can possibly express.”

Longtime friend Bud Cort paid tribute in a statement sent to THR: “Bill…I’m not letting go. You mean too much to me. All of the laughs and joyful times and deep conversations we’ve shared for so many years are safe in my heart forever. You really did it Bill.. and with such style, class and soul and intelligence and ,of course, your incomparable humor. It was an honor to be your friend Bill and a privilege to act with you, to make music with you and… most of all, just to hang with you. I love you Bill. All my prayers and deepest sympathy to Louise, James and Lydia and to your Mom and brother and your great dad John- who I know for sure you are with now. God bless you brother. Always…”

Paxton had already completed work on The Circle, the adaptation of Dave Eggers’ book directed by James Ponsoldt. In the film, which is slated for release via STX on April 28, Paxton plays the father of Emma Watson’s character.

In a statement, James Cameron — with whom Paxton worked on multiple films from Aliens to Titanic — called the actor “a great human.”

“He took good care of his relationships with people, always caring and present for others,” Cameron told Vanity Fair. “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.”

Added his Aliens co-star Sigourney Weaver: “Bill brought such authenticity to everything he did — in life and in his work. He was the quintessential Texan — incredibly charming, warm, generous, always with a twinkle in his eye. He loved his family, his friends, his work and gave them his all. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Bill Paxton Dead: Hollywood Reacts

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