Hollywood pays tribute to star Bill Paxton after surgery death
TRIBUTES FROM leading Hollywood stars were paid last night to actor Bill Paxton following his death due to complications after he underwent surgery.
The 61-year-old, who starred in Twister, True Lies and Aliens, died on Saturday.
Tom Hanks led tributes to his Apollo 13 co-star, and said: “Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man... Hanx.”
Their co-star Bryce Dallas Howard tweeted: “One of the kindest souls that ever was.
“We shared some very happy moments on Apollo 13. This is truly devastating. Love to his family.”
Her father, Ron Howard, who directed the space adventure, said: “Crushing. #RIPBillPaxton A gr8 talent & spirit.
“His passion contributed so much 2 #Apollo13 & all his wrk. We’ll miss the hell out of U Bill.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, Paxton’s costars in 1994 action film True Lies, also expressed their sadness at his death.
Schwarzenegger tweeted: “Bill Paxton could play any role, but he was best at being Bill – a great human being with a huge heart. My thoughts are with his family.”
Paxton had two children and was married for 30 years.
He appeared in some of the most popular films of the 1980s, from a brief appearance as a bluehaired punk opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator to memorable roles in True Lies, Titanic and Apollo 13.
Major film roles waned in the 2000s but a television career blossomed.
He was nominated for four Golden Globes, including three for his portrayal of polygamist Bill Henrickson opposite Jeanne Tripplehorn and Chloe Sevigny in Big Love.
In 2012, he was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the civil war drama Hatfields & McCoys, starring alongside Kevin Costner.
A family statement released yesterday said: “Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable.”