Actor Bill Paxton is dead at the age of 61. His death was reported by his family following surgery on Sunday with a statement requesting privacy: “Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable.”
Paxton is best known for his roles in the films “Aliens,” “Titanic,” “Twister,” “The Terminator,” “A Simple Plan,” “Apollo 13,” and “True Lies.” He also starred in the HBO drama series “Big Love,” which brought him three Golden Globe nominations for Best TV Drama Actor in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Photos: 2017 Celebrity Deaths Memoriam Gallery
His television work in “Hatfields and McCoys” (2012) reaped a Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actor nomination at the Emmys and SAG Awards but a loss to co-star Kevin Costner. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the Best Film Ensemble of “Apollo 13” and another nomination with the cast of “Titanic.” He was currently the lead character of the CBS program “Training Day,” an adaptation of the Oscar-winning film starring Denzel Washington.
Gold Derby interviewed Paxton almost two years ago (watch the 25-minute video here) about his dream role in the limited series “Texas Rising.” He said during the chat, “Once in a blue moon, you get to play somebody you really wish you could be. Sam Houston was a man for all seasons, and a real man’s man. Great ethics, great integrity, great sense of humor, a great character.”
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