Well, this is just horrible news to wake up to. Bill Paxton, considered a legend for his countless memorable roles in such films as ALIENS, TOMBSTONE, TWISTER, WEIRD SCIENCE, APOLLO 13, THE TERMINATOR, FRAILTY, EDGE OF TOMORROW (and tons of others), as well as his TV work on Hatfields & McCoys, Big Love, and most recently of Training Day, has died at the age of 61 due to surgery complications. A statement from the family reads:
“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. 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.”
Like many of you, I have grown up quoting Bill Paxton continuously and grown fond of his very presence in any project ("Hey, it's Bill Paxton!"). From the punk that confronts Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator to the hilariously quotable Hudson in Aliens ("Why don't you put her in charge??") to the pants-pissing faux spy in TRUE LIES to the belching frog creature in WEIRD SCIENCE to the tornado-chasing cowboy in TWISTER to the sad characters in both A SIMPLE PLAN and HBO's Big Love to his role as an Earp brother in TOMBSTONE and to his Emmy winning role in Hatfields & McCoys, Paxton has been a staple character and lead actor from the beginning. His crazy cool charisma coupled with a vulnerable sensitivity will be deeply missed and highly celebrated, as he's left a legacy of tremendous performances in his wake, no matter how big or small.
"That's it, man. Game over, man. Game over! What the fuck are we gonna do now? What are we gonna do?"
We're gonna miss you, Bill.