Bill Paxton, 'Aliens' and 'Apollo 13' Actor, Passes Away at 61

Actor Bill Paxton, known for his roles in Aliens, Twister and The Terminator has passed away at 61 due to complications from surgery, according to a representative of his family. “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.”

Paxton was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955 and made his way to Hollywood in the 1970s. After receiving a breakthrough part in Aliens, he went on to star in Apollo 13, where he received a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with an Emmy nomination for lead actor in the TV series Hatfields and McCoys. Shortly after the news of his death broke, fellow actors including Tom Hanks, Rob Lowe and Aaron Paul took to social media to pay tribute to Paxton.

Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man… Hanx.

— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017

Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton. Renaissance man, raconteur and

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017

Bill Paxton was hands down one of the greatest guys that I have ever met. I feel lucky to have called him my friend. Bill, I love you. RIP.

— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) February 26, 2017