Emmy award-winning actor Bill Paxton has sadly died due to complications from surgery. He was 61. A family representative confirmed the news in a statement, which read: "It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. 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."
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Bill passed away aged 61
They continued: "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." Fans of the star, who was best known for his roles in Titanic and Aliens, took to Twitter to speak about the loss, with one writing: "This is another tough one to take. @jamescdyer and I worship ALIENS. We quote Hudson on a near-daily basis. He was just 61 too. #BillPaxton." Meanwhile, Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew wrote: "RIP Bill Paxton. He was a kind man and a true gentlemen. His light will be missed in this world."
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The actor's other film credits include the 1996 thriller Twister, Apollo 13 and Terminator, and he won an Emmy for the TV mini-series Hatfields and McCoys. He was most recently starring as Detective Frank Roarke in the crime thriller TV show Training Day, and worked alongside his son, 22-year-old James, who had a guest-role. He told People magazine: "I was thrilled to have my son [James, 22,] guest-star on the eighth episode of Training Day."