Paxton starred in a variety of films, from Tombstone to Alien to Titanic, among others. One of his most well known films was Twister, in which he starred as a scientist/tornado chaser, alongside Helen Hunt. Other roles included in his filmographyare, True Lies, Mighty Joe Young, and A Simple Plan. But Paxton wasn't only successful on the big screen. In 2006, Big Love premiered on HBO, in which Paxton played a polygamist in an extreme sect of the Mormon religion. He earned three Golden Globe nominations for that role, as well as earning an Emmy nomination for his role in the 2012 mini-series Hatfields & McCoys.
The actor was born in Fort Worth, Texas and made his way to Hollywood at the age of 18. He worked as a set dresser before getting his first role in Jonathan Demme's Crazy Mama.
Paxton leaves behind his two children, James and Lydia Paxton, and his wife, Louise Newbury.
A representative for his family released a statement, saying, "Bill's passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable." They ask for privacy at this time.
