Hours before the Oscars begin tonight in Los Angeles, there is word that Hollywood has lost one of its own.
TMZ is reporting that prolific actor Bill Paxton has died after complications from surgery. Paxton passed away yesterday (February 25).
He was 61.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” reads a statement from his family, which also noted his “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.”
Over the course of a varied and acclaimed career, Paxton appeared in films like Twister, Titanic, Nightcrawler, Weird Science, and Aliens. He was currently filming a CBS series, Training Day, and starred on HBO’s Big Love. He had two children and was married to Louise Newbury.
In a news post on Paxton’s death, io9 has a great line: “He’s also one of only two actors to have been killed onscreen by an Alien, a Predator, and a Terminator, an honor he shares with Lance Henriksen.”
#RIP, Chet.