As Hollywood prepares to honor the best in film at the Academy Awards, they were met this morning with sad news: Bill Paxton, who starred in Oscar-winning films like “Aliens,” “Apollo 13,” and “Titanic,” passed away at age 61.
Fans and fellow actors alike took to social media to express their condolences to Paxton’s family and to reminisce on their memories of him. “The Walking Dead” star Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who co-starred with Paxton on the History Channel mini-series “Texas Rising,” spoke fondly of him. Other celebrities who honored Paxton included Aaron Paul and Helen Hunt, who starred opposite Paxton in “Twister.”
https://twitter.com/HelenHunt/status/835914377790304256
Bill Paxton was simply one of the greatest people ever. To know him was to love him. I loved him. Huge love to Louise, Lydia and James. Xo
– Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was hands down one of the greatest guys that I have ever met. I feel lucky to have called him my friend. Bill, I love you. RIP.
– Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) February 26, 2017
Nooooo. Bill Paxton is gone. Such a funny, talented, loving human. Louise & the children & family my ❤& support 2 u. #truelies pic.twitter.com/d4zleWdOrR
– Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) February 26, 2017
Really bummed to hear about Bill Paxton this morning. Great guy, energy and always smilin’. Strength to the Paxton family. #restinlove
– Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 26, 2017
My first day on Spy Kids 2 was with Bill Paxton. He came to my trailer & said hello and I told him I loved Titanic. Nicest guy in the world.
– Emily Osment (@EmilyOsment) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton could play any role, but he was best at being Bill – a great human being with a huge heart. My thoughts are with his family.
– Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 26, 2017
You were a great friend to me, Bill. AND one of the finest actors to share a set with. Sending so much love to Bill Paxton‘s family.
– Charlize Theron (@CharlizeAfrica) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man… Hanx.
– Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017
If you’ve never seen One False Move, one of the best modern film noir movies ever! #BillPaxton at his very best. Terrible, terrible loss,
– James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton. A wonderful actor, a talented filmmaker, a sweet and genuine person. We’ve lost someone very special today.
– Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) February 26, 2017
Movie buffs recalled Paxton’s appearances in sci-fi movies like “Terminator,” “Aliens,” and “Predator 2,” all of which featured Paxton’s characters meeting a gruesome end.
Rest In Peace Bill Paxton. You had the honor of being killed by Aliens, The Terminator and The Predator. Now, rest well. pic.twitter.com/GBmfQ1CZg7
– Dillyn C. #DCBrosPod (@dcbrospod) February 26, 2017
TIL: Only Lance Henriksen and Bill Paxton have both been killed by an Alien, the Terminator and a Predator.
– Michael Letterle (@mletterle) February 26, 2017
Others honored Paxton by saluting his performance in the comedy “Weird Science.” In John Hughes’ film, he played Chet, the bullying older brother of one of the two nerdy protagonists who bring the virtual girl of their dreams to life.
I am totally bummed that Bill Paxton died. But seeing “RIP Chet” as a trending topic helps ease my pain. pic.twitter.com/cnkCqnFCMY
– Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 26, 2017
RIP: Chet pic.twitter.com/RPOtxBpyHh
– TK421 Michael LeVere (@mlevere1992) February 26, 2017
Now make yourself one, Dickweed!
RIP, Chet.
Thnak you, Bill Paxton#BillPaxton pic.twitter.com/s2YRBmTvte– Jason Dugger (@jdugger2) February 26, 2017
Condolences to the family of Bill Paxton. I just heard the news. ????
– William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 26, 2017
What a lovely, warm and kind human. So sad to hear of Bill Paxton’s passing.
– Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) February 26, 2017
RIP Bill Paxton. So very good every time. In addition to his iconic roles, he was amazing in Near Dark, A Simple Plan & Edge of Tomorrow.
– Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) February 26, 2017
Very sad to hear about Bill Paxton. His talent, enthusiasm and energy were unique. Our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/W4IVuILHxv
– Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) February 26, 2017