By Actor Bill Paxton has passed away after suffering complications from surgery. He was 61 years old. According to Variety, Paxton’s family has requested privacy and respect as they mourn.
A consummate professional and reliable supporting player, Paxton is best known for his roles in Aliens, True Lies, Titanic, Apollo 13, and Big Love. My personal favorite Paxton performances can be see in the western-tinged vampire film Near Dark and his underrated directorial debut Frailty. Paxton also directed the short film/music video for the 1980 novelty song “Fish Heads” by Barnes & Barnes.
Last night on a film group I’m part of on Facebook, someone shared a tweet from actor Xander Berkley stating that Paxton had died. The tweet was soon deleted–a message of shock and immediate grief from a friend soon taken down likely out of respect for Paxton’s family. Until official word broke today, many in the group assumed it was an unfortunate hoax.
Flixist sends its condolences to Paxton’s family and loved ones.
[via Variety]