Born: May 17, 1955 – Died: February 25, 2017
Bill Paxton was a distinguished actor, remembered for his versatility and everyman charisma. He entered the world in Fort Worth, Texas, as the son of Mary Lou (Gray) and John Lane Paxton, his father juggling roles as both a businessman and an actor. His early move to Los Angeles at eighteen would become the first step towards a celebrated career in film.
Early Life and Career
Growing up, Paxton's life was rooted in an artistic environment, influenced by his father's dual careers. His education took a creative slant, eventually leading him to study acting at New York University. The film industry first embraced Paxton as a set dresser before his on-screen debut in Crazy Mama (1975). It wasn't long before he transitioned to the front of the camera, landing his first role and setting the stage for future success.
His memorable portrayal of Private Hudson in Aliens (1986) marked a turning point, endearing him to audiences and establishing his place in Hollywood. Paxton's role in One False Move (1992) further showcased his depth as an actor, leading to standout performances in films like Tombstone (1993) and Apollo 13 (1995). His work didn't go unrecognized, earning him an Emmy nomination and numerous accolades for various roles.
Off-screen, Paxton was more than his film persona. His life included marriage, children, and a variety of interests outside acting. His engagement with charitable causes marked another facet of his multi-dimensional life. Paxton's death in 2017 left a void in the industry, but his influence remains indelible. His ability to bring authenticity to diverse roles secured his status as a beloved figure in the realm of entertainment, making him a true icon of his time.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Taking Tiger Mountain: Revisited | Billy Hampton |
| 2017 | Training Day (TV Series) | Det. Frank Rourke |
| 2017 | The Circle | Vinnie |
| 2016 | Mean Dreams | Wayne Caraway |
| 2016 | Term Life | Joe Keenan |
| 2015 | Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare - Exo Zombies (Video Game) | Kahn (voice) |
| 2015 | The Gamechangers (TV Movie) | Jack Thompson |
| 2015 | Texas Rising (TV Mini Series) | Sam Houston |
| 2015 | Pixies | Eddie Beck (voice) |
| 2014 | Nightcrawler | Joe Loder |
| 2014 | Edge of Tomorrow | Master Sergeant Farell |
| 2014 | Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (TV Series) | John Garrett |
| 2014 | Million Dollar Arm | Tom House |
| 2013 | Red Wing | Jim Verret |
| 2013 | 2 Guns | Earl |
| 2013 | Head Smash: The Prequel (Short) | Maurice (voice) |
| 2013 | The Colony | Mason |
| 2012 | Titanic: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Brock Lovett |
| 2012 | Hatfields & McCoys (TV Mini Series) | Randall McCoy |
| 2012 | Sky Soldier (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 2012 | Shanghai Calling | Donald |
| 2011 | Haywire | John Kane |
| 2006–2011 | Big Love (TV Series) | Bill Henrickson |
| 2007 | Big Love: In the Beginning (TV Series) | Bill Henrickson |
| 2007 | The Good Life | Robbie |
| 2005 | Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon (Short) | Ed Mitchell (voice) |
| 2004 | Haven | Carl Ridley |
| 2004 | Thunderbirds | Jeff Tracy |
| 2004 | Club Dread | Coconut Pete |
| 2003 | Limp Bizkit: Eat You Alive (Music Video) | Man |
| 2003 | Spy Kids 3: Game Over | Dinky Winks |
| 2003 | Frasier (TV Series) | Ernie (voice) |
| 2003 | Resistance | Maj. Theodore 'Ted' Brice |
| 2002 | Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams | Dinky Winks |
| 2001 | Frailty | Dad Meiks |
| 2000 | Vertical Limit | Elliot Vaughn |
| 2000 | WWE Smackdown! (TV Series) | Bill Paxton |
| 2000 | U-571 | Dahlgren |
| 1998 | Mighty Joe Young | Gregg O'Hara |
| 1998 | A Simple Plan | Hank |
| 1998 | A Bright Shining Lie (TV Movie) | John Paul Vann |
| 1998 | Twister: Ride It Out (Video) | Bill Paxton |
| 1997 | *Titanic* | Brock Lovett |
| 1997 | Traveller | Bokky |
| 1996 | The Evening Star | Jerry Bruckner |
| 1996 | Twister | Bill Harding |
| 1995 | The Last Supper | Zachary Cody |
| 1995 | Apollo 13 | Fred Haise |
| 1994 | Frank & Jesse | Frank James |
| 1994 | *True Lies* | Simon |
| 1994 | Future Shock | Vince |
| 1993 | Tombstone | Morgan Earp |
| 1993 | Tales from the Crypt (TV Series) | Billy DeLuca |
| 1993 | Monolith | Tucker |
| 1993 | Indian Summer | Jack Belston |
| 1993 | Boxing Helena | Ray O'Malley |
| 1992 | Trespass | Vince |
| 1992 | The Vagrant | Graham Krakowski |
| 1991 | One False Move | Dale 'Hurricane' Dixon |
| 1991 | The Dark Backward | Gus |
| 1990 | Predator 2 | Jerry Lambert |
| 1990 | Navy Seals | Dane |
| 1990 | The Last of the Finest | Howard 'Hojo' Jones |
| 1990 | Brain Dead | Jim Reston |
| 1989 | The Roommate (Short) | Vince |
| 1989 | Back to Back | Bo Brand |
| 1989 | Next of Kin | Gerald |
| 1989 | Slipstream | Matt Owens |
| 1988 | Martini Ranch: How Can the Laboring Man Find Time for Self-Culture (Music Video) | Bill Paxton (uncredited) |
| 1988 | Martini Ranch: Reach (Music Video) | The Outlaw |
| 1987 | Pass the Ammo | Jesse Wilkes |
| 1987 | Near Dark | Severen |
| 1987 | The Hitchhiker (TV Series) | Trout |
| 1986 | Fresno (TV Mini Series) | Billy Joe Bobb |
| 1986 | Miami Vice (TV Series) | Vic Romano |
| 1986 | Aliens | Private Hudson |
| 1985 | An Early Frost (TV Movie) | Bob Maracek |
| 1985 | *Commando* | Intercept Officer |
| 1985 | Weird Science | Chet |
| 1985 | The Atlanta Child Murders (TV Mini Series) | Campbell |
| 1984 | The Terminator | Punk Leader |
| 1984 | Impulse | Eddie |
| 1984 | Barnes & Barnes: Ah A (Music Video) | Joan Crawford |
| 1984 | Streets of Fire | Clyde |
| 1983 | Taking Tiger Mountain | Billy Hampton |
| 1983 | Great Day (TV Movie) | Rudy |
| 1983 | Barnes & Barnes: Soak It Up (Music Video) | Bill Paxton |
| 1983 | Deadly Lessons (TV Movie) | Eddie Fox |
| 1983 | The Lords of Discipline | Gilbreath (as 'Wild' Bill Paxton) |
| 1983 | Reckless | Bobo |
| 1982 | Pat Benatar: Shadows of the Night (Music Video) | Radio Operator |
| 1982 | Mortuary | Paul Andrews |
| 1982 | McClain's Law (TV Series) | Michael (as William Paxton) |
| 1981 | Barnes & Barnes: Love Tap (Music Video) | The Man (uncredited) |
| 1981 | Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker | Eddie (as William Paxton) |
| 1981 | Stripes | Soldier |
| 1980 | Barnes & Barnes: Fish Heads (Music Video) | Main Character (uncredited) |
| 1977 | The Egyptian Princess, an Unfolding Fantasy (Short) | The Man |
| 1975 | Crazy Mama | John (uncredited) |
General:
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
