Titanic star Bill Paxton dies aged 61 after 'complications from surgery'
American actor Bill Paxton, who starred in Hollywood blockbusters including Titanic and Apollo 13, has died aged 61.
The actor and producer died suddenly on Saturday due to complications from surgery, his family said in a statement.
"It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery," a family representative said in a statement.
"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."
Paxton, who also appeared in films such as Twister, True Lies and Aliens, had two children and was married for 30 years.
Paxton’s final film appearance will be in thriller The Circle alongside Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. It is currently in post-production and is set to be released in April.
Tributes to the actor have flooded social media
Actor Peter Mayhew, who plays Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, was among the first to pay his respects on social media.
He wrote: "He was a kind man and a true gentlemen. His light will be missed in this world."
Actor Rob Lowe tweeted: "Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton.
"Renaissance man, raconteur and uniquely American national treasure. His filmography speaks for itself. His friendship was a blessing.
"My love to Bunny, James and Lydia."
RIP Bill Paxton. He was a kind man and a true gentlemen. His light will be missed in this world. pic.twitter.com/V6RePyhtI9
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) February 26, 2017
Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton. Renaissance man, raconteur and
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
In his memory, on this Oscar Sunday, watch "One False Move" or "A Simple Plan" to see this lovely leading man, at his finest.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
He added: "In his memory, on this Oscar Sunday, watch 'One False Move' or 'A Simple Plan' to see this lovely leading man, at his finest."
Canadian actor William Shatner tweeted: “Condolences to the family of Bill Paxton. I just heard the news.”
English director Edgar Wright posted: “I am so saddened by Bill Paxton's passing. Had the pleasure of meeting him a few times in recent years and he was truly the loveliest guy.”
Jordan Peele wrote: "Bill Paxton was notoriously one of the nicest people in the industry. He also gave us some of the all-time most iconic movie moments."
Michael Chiklis added: "Unbelievable. Bill Paxton is gone. Shocking. RIP."
Ugh RIP Bill Paxton. Hudson in "Aliens" and Simon in "True Lies" are awesome characters
— Ike Barinholtz (@ikebarinholtz) February 26, 2017
Condolences to the family of Bill Paxton. I just heard the news. ��
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 26, 2017
I wake up to find out Bill Paxton died. Loved him as an actor. Sorely missed.
— Rob Dyke (@TheRobDyke) February 26, 2017
RIP Chet [ Paxton's character in Weird Science] also began trending
RIP #Chet. One of the funniest characters ever on screen. pic.twitter.com/bq5WdpaeUf
— Sean K (@sbmachonda) February 26, 2017
#WeirdScience "Did you spit in this?" RIP Chet (Bill Paxton) pic.twitter.com/fTVRbrKi4d
— misterrh (@misterrh_) February 26, 2017
I know he did a lot more, but when I think of Bill Paxton I will always think of Weird Science. RIP Chet. #didyouspitinthis? pic.twitter.com/9muY3dFLNQ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 26, 2017
RIP Chet... #lovethatfilmpic.twitter.com/gSvejir2Dx
— P (@Paul_M__H) February 26, 2017
I am so saddened by Bill Paxton's passing. Had the pleasure of meeting him a few times in recent years and he was truly the loveliest guy.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) February 26, 2017
No!!! Bill Paxton passed away at 61. RIP a fine actor. ��
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) February 26, 2017
RIP Bill...You'll never be forgotten https://t.co/jaqwkIn4Mp
— Jonathan Frakes (@jonathansfrakes) February 26, 2017
Others remembered his other famous roles
Sad to hear of the death of Bill Paxton, excellent actor in so many films like Aliens, Titanic, and of course as Fred Haise in Apollo 13. pic.twitter.com/I9lUNtBvDj
— Jason Major (@JPMajor) February 26, 2017
We're so sad to hear actor Bill Paxton has passed away at 61. We loved him in Aliens, Terminator, Twister, Titanic, Apollo 13, & more. RIP. pic.twitter.com/0fzugFBxr9
— Nerdist (@nerdist) February 26, 2017
#RIP Bill Paxton. Loved him as Pvt. Hudson in #Aliens. pic.twitter.com/s5HJoOsHBW
— Glen Canning (@GlenfordCanning) February 26, 2017
RIP Bill Paxton aliens is one of my all time fave movies pic.twitter.com/45f1pDM6fd
— Nemesis3561uk (@Nemesis3561uk) February 26, 2017