Yahoo News Tom Hanks leads the star tributes to Bill Paxton
Tributes for Hollywood star and Titanic actor Bill Paxton have been flooding in since the news of his death came earlier today (February 26), with friends and fans turning to social media to pay their respects.
Bill's family confirmed in a statement that he passed away following complications from surgery at the age of 61, adding: "Bill's passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable."
Now, his Apollo 13 co-star Tom Hanks and his CBS crime-thriller series Training Day co-star Justin Cornwell are leading the tributes to the star, calling him "a wonderful man" and a "friend".
Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man... Hanx.
- Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017
We were just two guys on top of the world. Rest easy my friend pic.twitter.com/R0ZwB0zv5q
- Justin Cornwell (@justin_cornwell) February 26, 2017
Paxton's The Terminator co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger also honoured the actor, calling him a "great human being with a huge heart".
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
Among the other star names paying tribute to the actor are Peter Mayhew, Aaron Paul and Bill's True Lies (1994) co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, and you can read their lovely words below:
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
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
I met w/Bill Paxton about a film he was directing & it was 1 of the most enlightening convos. A man who's seen it all. So sad #RIPBillPaxton
- Harry Shum Jr (@HarryShumJr) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton. A very talented man. As skilled with comedy as he was with drama. Carpe Diem. #rip pic.twitter.com/2ULKQJUzI4
- Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 26, 2017
RIP Bill Paxton. He was a kind man and a true gentlemen. His light will be missed in this world. pic.twitter.com/V6RePyhtI9
- Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) February 26, 2017
Sad news about Bill Paxton - too young. Always humanity, decency and touches of humor shining through his work. RIP.
- Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) February 26, 2017
I bumped into #BillPaxton just a few weeks ago. He was his usual warm and super friendly self. One of the nicest men ever. #RIP #TragicLoss
- James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 26, 2017
Goodbye Bill Paxton. Thank you for decades of entertainment & for giving us some of the most quotable characters that still endure. #RIPchet
- Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) February 26, 2017
The loss of #BillPaxton is beyond crushing. Once again, an icon, far too young, gone far too soon. 😢 Goodbye Private Hudson.
- Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 26, 2017
RIP Bill Paxton who's on an express elevator to heaven, going up
- Chris Miller (@chrizmillr) February 26, 2017
This picture was taken 2 months ago. As you can see, Bill was alive as alive can be. Losing him is a gut punch. Unprocessable. Rest easy b.. pic.twitter.com/wDXt15jJr9
- Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) February 26, 2017
I am stunned & saddened at the passing of Bill Paxton. I just worked with him recently. A warm and beautiful soul and a talented actor. RIP
- Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was amazing at playing characters who would react the way YOU would in that movie. He made freaking space marines seem human.
- Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) February 26, 2017
So sad Bill Paxton passed away. A memorable talent and an all around kind man. We played air guitar at a concert once😔#twisterfanforever
- Keegan Allen (@KeeganAllen) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was notoriously one of the nicest people in the industry. He also gave us some of the all-time most iconic movie moments.
- Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) February 26, 2017
Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton. Renaissance man, raconteur and
- Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
uniquely American national treasure. His filmography speaks for itself. His friendship was a blessing. My love to Bunny, James and Lydia.
- Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) 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
So tragic the passing of Bill Paxton. Heartbreaking. What a talent, with so many more years of art to share with us. My love to his family🙏🏻
- Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) February 26, 2017
Just heard the so so sad news about my pal #BillPaxton. So talented, special and the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet. RIP my friend.
- Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) February 26, 2017
Bill Paxton was such a fine actor, a hilarious man, always filled with love and curiosity. You will be missed. Never forget you.
- Jaime King (@Jaime_King) February 26, 2017
Paxton starred in a number of films over his long career in the film industry but was perhaps best known for his roles in Titanic, Aliens and Twister.
Alongside his co-stars Hanks and Kevin Bacon, Paxton won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his work on Apollo 13 and he also won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in Aliens.
His TV career has also won Paxton several award nominations, including four Golden Globe nominations - three of which were for his role as Bill Henricksen on HBO's Big Love - as well as an Emmy nomination for his role in Hatfields & McCoys.
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