LOS ANGELES (AP) – Bill Paxton, the prolific and charismatic actor whose many memorable roles included an astronaut in “Apollo 13” and a treasure hunter in “Titanic,” has died from complications due to surgery. He was 61.
A family representative issued a statement Sunday on the death but provided no further details.
Paxton, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, appeared in dozens of movies and television shows and seemed to be around when history was made both on and off screen.
As a boy, he was in the crowd that welcomed President John F. Kennedy in Texas on the morning of Nov. 22, 1963, hours before Kennedy was killed in Dallas.
As a young man, he worked in the art department for “B” movie king Roger Corman, who helped launch the careers of numerous actors and filmmakers.
Paxton’s movie credits included some of the signature works of the past 40 years, from “Titanic” and “Apollo 13” to “The Terminator and “Aliens.”
“Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him,” the family statement reads, “and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable.”
Here’s how some fans are responding on Twitter:
Thank you for the memories Bill Paxton #RIPBillPaxton
— Cory Michael Hummel (@CoryMichaelHumm) February 26, 2017
My fave Bill Paxton character was Chet in Weird Science.
— CassieP (@CassiePerrone) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton. Legend of an actor. Actually gutted to hear he’s gone.
— Joe Julians (@JoeJulians) February 26, 2017
Wow, so bummed to hear about Bill Paxton. Big part of my childhood movie experiences.
— Jean Sweatpants (@Ryan_EXOE) February 26, 2017
I’m saddened by the news of Bill Paxton’s death. He was one of the most charismatic actors I’ve ever seen, and by all accounts, a great man.
— M. Hunter Thomas (@huntandhunter) February 26, 2017
Twister is one of my most favorite movies of all time. Can’t believe Bill Paxton is gone.
— Jessie Frederick (@Jessie_AF) February 26, 2017