Actor Bill Paxton, who starred in Aliens, Twister, and more recently, the TV show Training Day, has died, his family confirmed.
The 61-year-old died after suffering “complications from surgery,” his family said in a statement.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. He was also nominated for several Golden Globes for his performance in the HBO series Big Love.
Paxton left behind a wife and two children, one of whom is set to join Paxton on Training Day later this year.
“I was thrilled to have my son guest-star on the eighth episode of Training Day,” Paxton told PEOPLE magazine earlier this month.
“He plays the son in a father-son robbery team, and my character, whose dad was also a criminal, tells him, ‘We’re both our father’s sons, but that doesn’t have to define us.’ It was surreal saying that to him.”
Paxton, a Texas native, got his start in films in the art department on Roger Corman movies in the ’70s before getting a chance to go in front of the camera.
He quickly became a favourite of director James Cameron through the ’80s and ’90s, appearing in films such as The Terminator, Aliens and Titanic.
Co-workers, friends and fans took to social media to mourn the actor.
*with a file from Reuters and the Associated Press
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