Bill Paxton, a character actor known for his energetic and often scene-stealing performances, enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood. He appeared in numerous box office hits, solidifying his status as a versatile and beloved actor prior to his death in 2017.
His early roles in hits such as Stripes (1981) starring Bill Murray, Walter Hill’s Streets of Fire starring Michael Pare and Diane Lane and The Terminator (1984) and Commando (1985) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger got him on track for a slew of hits following his breakout performance in the John Hughes teen classic Weird Science in the summer of 1985.
Bill Paxton Blockbusters
Titanic (1997) This James Cameron epic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, became the highest-grossing film of all time at its release. Paxton played Brock Lovett, a treasure hunter obsessed with finding the Heart of the Ocean necklace from the Titanic.
Twister (1996): This disaster film, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Jan DeBont, saw Paxton star as Dr. Bill “The Extreme” Harding, a storm chaser obsessed with capturing a tornado on film. Helen Hunt co-starred.
True Lies (1994): This action-comedy, also directed by James Cameron, featured Paxton as Simon, a used car salesman pretending to be an international spy who finds his dull existence turned upside down after his involvement with Harry (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Helen Tasker (Jamie Lee Curtis).
Bill Paxton in True Lies (Photo/FOX)
Apollo 13 (1995): This critically acclaimed drama, directed by Ron Howard, depicted the true story of the aborted Apollo 13 lunar mission. Paxton played Fred Haise, one of the astronauts aboard the spacecraft alongside Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon.
Aliens (1986): This sci-fi action classic, also directed by James Cameron, headlined by Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn saw Paxton play Private William Hudson, a Colonial Marine with a penchant for panic and memorable one-liners.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014): In this sci-fi action film from director Doug Liman, Paxton played Master Sergeant Farell, a seasoned soldier alongside Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.
Box Office Hits
Tombstone (1993): This Western, starring Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday featured Paxton as Morgan Earp, Wyatt’s younger brother. Sam Elliott also starred as Virgil Earp, while Powers Boothe and Micheal Biehn shined as Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo.
Bill Paxton in Tombstone (Photo/Hollywood Pictures)
Vertical Limit (2000) This action-adventure film, directed by Martin Campbell, followed a group of climbers attempting to rescue their stranded brother on Mount Everest. Paxton played Elliot Vaughn, a seasoned mountaineer. Chris O’Donnell and Scott Glenn co-starred.
U-571 (2000): This World War II submarine thriller, directed by Jonathan Mostow, saw Paxton play Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren, the leader of a U.S. submarine crew tasked with capturing an Enigma machine from a German U-boat. Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Kovi also starred.
2 Guns (2013): This action-comedy, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, featured Paxton as a CIA agent involved in a covert operation.
Navy SEALs (1990): This action film, followed a team of Navy SEALs led by Michael Biehn and Charlie Sheen on a dangerous mission. Paxton played Floyd “God” Dane. Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, Rick Rossovich and Dennis Haysbert also starred.
Indian Summer (1993) While not a huge box office hit at the time of its release, this heartwarming film from writer-director Mike Binder about adults returning to the summer camp of their childhood on the eve of the camp closing gained a huge cult following. Paxton joined an all-star ensemble cast that included Diane Lane, Kevin Pollak, Elizabeth Perkins, Alan Arkin, Julie Warner, Vincent Spano, Sam Raimi and Kimberly Williams.
Lasting Legacy
These films, among others, demonstrate Paxton’s versatility as an actor and his ability to deliver memorable performances in a variety of genres. His contributions to the film industry are undeniable, and his box office successes cemented his status as a beloved and respected actor.
