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Bill Paxton: Actor in 'Aliens,' 'Titanic' & 'Apollo 13'
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Bill Paxton was a versatile American actor and filmmaker known for his memorable roles in blockbuster films such as "Aliens," "Titanic," and "Apollo 13," as well as his acclaimed performance in the HBO series "Big Love." Born on May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas, Paxton's career spanned over four decades until his untimely death on February 25, 2017, at the age of 61 due to complications from heart surgery.

 

Paxton's Early Life and Career Beginnings

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Bill Paxton was born on May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Mary Lou Gray and John Lane Paxton.
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Growing up, Paxton developed an early interest in filmmaking, creating Super 8 movies with friends in his hometown.
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At the age of 18, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry.
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Paxton's career began humbly as a set dresser for Roger Corman's New World Pictures.
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He made his film debut in Jonathan Demme's "Crazy Mama" (1975), which sparked his interest in acting.
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To hone his craft, Paxton moved to New York and studied under renowned acting coach Stella Adler at New York University.
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This foundation in both behind-the-scenes work and formal acting training would prove invaluable as Paxton built his diverse and successful career in Hollywood.
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Breakout Roles and Rise to Fame

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Bill Paxton's rise to fame began in the 1980s with scene-stealing performances in cult classics. His role as the bullying older brother Chet in "Weird Science" (1985) showcased his comedic talents, while his portrayal of the panicked Private Hudson in "Aliens" (1986) demonstrated his ability to deliver memorable lines and convey relatable fear in extraordinary circumstances
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Paxton's breakout leading role came in the critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller "One False Move" (1992), where he played a small-town sheriff caught up in a dangerous pursuit
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This performance led to a string of major roles in 1990s blockbusters, including astronaut Fred Haise in "Apollo 13" (1995), storm chaser Bill Harding in "Twister" (1996), and treasure hunter Brock Lovett in "Titanic" (1997)
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These films not only showcased Paxton's versatility as an actor but also cemented his status as a reliable leading man in Hollywood, capable of holding his own alongside major stars and in high-profile productions.
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Bill Paxton (Photos)

 

Bill Paxton's Filmography

Bill Paxton's career was marked by several notable performances in major films during the 1990s. Here's a brief overview of some of his most memorable roles:
FilmYearRoleNotable Aspects
Tombstone1993Morgan EarpPortrayed Wyatt Earp's younger brother in this Western classic
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Apollo 131995Fred HaisePlayed a real-life astronaut in this critically acclaimed space drama
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Twister1996Bill HardingLed the cast as a storm chaser in this blockbuster disaster film
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Titanic1997Brock LovettAppeared as a treasure hunter in James Cameron's epic romance
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Paxton's versatility shone through in these diverse roles, from a historical figure in "Tombstone" to a modern-day adventurer in "Twister." His performance in "Apollo 13" was part of an ensemble cast that won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
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These roles solidified Paxton's status as a reliable and talented actor capable of carrying major Hollywood productions.
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Iconic Roles in Sci-Fi Classics

Bill Paxton left an indelible mark on science fiction cinema with his iconic performances in several genre-defining films. His portrayal of Private Hudson in James Cameron's "Aliens" (1986) is particularly memorable, with his character's panicked outbursts and quotable lines like "Game over, man! Game over!" becoming part of pop culture
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Paxton's ability to convey relatable human emotions in extraordinary circumstances made him a fan favorite. Paxton also holds the unique distinction of being the only actor to have been killed on-screen by an Alien, a Predator, and a Terminator
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This trifecta of sci-fi deaths occurred in:
  • "Aliens" (1986) as Private Hudson
  • "Predator 2" (1990) as Detective Jerry Lambert
  • "The Terminator" (1984) as a punk leader
His collaborations with director James Cameron extended to other sci-fi blockbusters, including "Titanic" (1997) and "True Lies" (1994), further cementing his status as a staple of the genre
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Bill Paxton's Interviews (Videos)

 

Bill Paxton's Directorial Debut 'Frailty'

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Bill Paxton's directorial career, though brief, showcased his versatility as a filmmaker. His debut feature, "Frailty" (2001), was a psychological thriller that earned critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension and complex themes
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The film, which Paxton also starred in, explored the blurred lines between faith and madness through the story of a father who believes he's been commanded by God to kill demons disguised as humans. Paxton's second directorial effort, "The Greatest Game Ever Played" (2005), was a marked departure from the dark tones of "Frailty." This Disney-produced sports drama told the true story of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet's unexpected victory at the 1913 U.S. Open
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While not as critically lauded as his debut, the film demonstrated Paxton's ability to handle different genres and work within the studio system. These two films, though limited in number, highlighted Paxton's potential as a director and his willingness to tackle diverse subject matter behind the camera.
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Paxton's Personal Life and Passions

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Bill Paxton's personal life was marked by a long-lasting marriage and diverse interests beyond acting. He married Louise Newbury in 1987, and their union lasted until his death in 2017
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The couple had two children together: James, born in 1994, and Lydia, born in 1997
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Outside of his acting career, Paxton had a passion for music. In the 1980s, he formed a new wave band called Martini Ranch
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The group released one album, "Holy Cow," in 1988, and produced music videos featuring cameos from Paxton's Hollywood friends
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Paxton's musical interests also extended to producing music videos, including the cult hit "Fish Heads" by Barnes & Barnes in 1980
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  • Married to Louise Newbury for 30 years (1987-2017)
  • Father to James (b. 1994) and Lydia (b. 1997)
  • Co-founded new wave band Martini Ranch
  • Produced music videos, including "Fish Heads" by Barnes & Barnes
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Closing Thoughts on Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton's versatility in the movie business was evident throughout his career, spanning feature films, studio productions, and even industrial films. His ability to seamlessly transition between blockbuster movies and smaller independent projects showcased his range as an actor
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Paxton's experience working with movie equipment as a set dresser early in his career gave him a unique perspective on filmmaking that informed his later work both in front of and behind the camera
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While best known for his roles in major studio films like "Aliens" and "Titanic," Paxton also appeared in numerous independent features that demonstrated his commitment to the craft beyond commercial success
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His diverse filmography and memorable performances have secured him a place on many favorite actor lists among film enthusiasts. Paxton's legacy in Hollywood extends beyond his on-screen presence, as he also ventured into directing, further contributing to the art of cinema
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