In Memoriam: Bill Paxton's Career In Pictures

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Bill Paxton

Born May 17, 1955 in Fort Worth, Texas, actor and director Bill Paxton knew he wanted to be an actor when he grew up. Inspired by his father, a businessman who enjoyed occasional acting, Bill would become a prominent figure in Hollywood by the 1990s with hit films including Twister and Titanic.

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'Weird Science'

After starring in smaller roles including in hit 1984 film The Terminator and musical film Streets of Fire, at just 20 years old Bill Paxton would land his first big role in John Hughes's Weird Science. Taking on a supporting role as the lead character's brother, the film would give Bill the push he needed to begin his Hollywood rise to fame.

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'Aliens'

Bill Paxton continued to flourish in Hollywood with his next big role in 1986 sci-fi film Aliens. With Bill in the role of "Private Hudson", and some impressive visual effects, the film would sweep 1987's award season, taking home two Academy Awards and a British Academy Film Award.

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'Twister'

One of our all time favorite Bill Paxton films was 1996 thriller Twister. In addition to film, Bill Paxton was also in high demand in the music industry in the 1980s and 90s. Appearing in Pat Benatar's 1982 music video "Shadows of the Night" and also producing his own music with his band Martini Ranch, Paxton was proving himself to be multi-talented.

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'Titanic'

Arguably one of Paxton's best roles over the years came in the form of treasurer hunter "Brock Lovett" in 1997 romantic classic Titanic. Titanic became the highest-grossing film of all time when it was released and would win 11 Academy Awards and three Golden Globes!

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'A Simple Plan'

Proving how versatile he really was, Paxton would shine in the lead role in 1998's neo-noir crime thriller A Simple Plan. Also starring Billy Bob Thornton and Bridget Fonda, its a film not to be missed!

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'Frailty'

In addition to be an outstanding actor, Bill Paxton is also a talented director! One of the first films he directed and starred in was hit 2001 horror film Frailty.

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'The Greatest Game Ever Played'

Bill Paxton would prove himself to have an extraordinary eye for directing, and 2005 golf film The Greatest Game Ever Played was no exception! Starring Shia LaBeouf, the film was positively received, and critics have applauded it for bringing excitement to the sport of golf.

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'Big Love'

If singing, acting in films, and directing weren't enough for Bill Paxton, he was also a successful TV star in his later years. One of his most prominent TV roles was the lead on HBO's hit drama Big Love, which aired from 2006 to 2011. For his performance, Paxton was nominated for three Golden Globes!

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'Hatfields & McCoys'

Another television favorite of ours is Bill Paxton as "Randall McCoy" on History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. Starring alongside Kevin Costner, the pair were nominated for an Emmy Award for their peformances.