Bill Paxton, Esteemed TV and Film Actor, Dead at 61

Beloved TV and film star, Bill Paxton, passed away today after complications from surgery.

He was 61 years old.

According to reports, he suffered a stroke after successful heart surgery. Family, friends, colleagues and fans from around the world mourn him today.

"It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery," his family said in a statement on Sunday.

"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 started acting in the late '70s in shorts, but by the mid-'80s he had graduated to features, starring in films such as The Terminator, Weird Science and Aliens.

It was in the mid-'90s, though, when Paxton really got rolling.

Tombstone, Apollo 13, Twister and Titanic took his stardom to new heights. To this day his lines from Twister are still quoted and enjoyed.

In 2006, Paxton joined the highly successful television series Big Love on HBO, a fictional look at polygamy co-starring Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloë Sevigny, and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Yes, we have Bill Paxton to thank for the Sister Wives. If he hadn't been such a successful fictional husband, the eyes on that type of love would unlikely still exist.

"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 earned an Emmy nomination for his role as the McCoy patriarch in Hatfields and McCoys in 2012, co-starred on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2014 and starred as Sam Houston on the miniseries Texas Rising in 2015/

At the time of his death, Paxton was starring as Det. Frank Rourke on CBS' Training Day, a reimagining from Antoine Fuqua of the film taking place 15 years after the events that occurred in the movie.

"We are truly devastated at the passing of our friend Bill Paxton," Training Day producer Jerry Bruckheimer said in a statement.

"He was a tremendously talented actor, and a wonderful man beloved by the entire cast and crew. Bill’s extraordinary body of work ensures that he will never be forgotten."

While there is no official word on what will happen with Training Day, which premiered on February 2, production for the first season was completed in December, so the entire first season is available if CBS and Warner Bros. should decide to let it play out.

The two did issue a joint statement about the passing of Paxton.

CBS and Warner Bros. Television issued the following statement, "We are shocked and deeply saddened this morning by the news of Bill Paxton's passing. Bill was, of course, a gifted and popular actor with so many memorable roles on film and television."

"His colleagues at CBS and Warner Bros. Television will also remember a guy who lit up every room with infectious charm, energy and warmth, and as a great storyteller who loved to share entertaining anecdotes and stories about his work."

"All of us here offer our deepest sympathy to his wife, Louise, and his two children."

Our hearts, too, go out to all who knew and worked with Bill Paxton, and most especially his family. May Bill Rest in Peace.

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.