Bill Paxton – Bio, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Is He Dead, How Did He Die?

Quick Facts

Bill Paxton is an American actor who has featured in several TV series and he is notable for his appearances in films like Titanic, The Terminator, Alien, Big Love, and a string of others. Additionally, he has directed a couple of movies and during his active career days, he has a number of award nominations to his name, winning at least two.

However, his successful life and career came to an end in 2017 when he died from complications of a failed heart surgery. Bill’s demise was a big blow to the film industry and till date, he is greatly missed for his impressive performances.

Bill Paxton’s Bio

Bill Paxton is remembered as an American director cum actor born with the full name William Bill Paxton. His birth records show that he was born on the 17th of May 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. He was raised by his parents Mary Lou and John Lane Paxton – a business merchant who traded timber woods.

The entertainer had his high school education at the Arlington Heights High School and upon his graduation, he proceeded to Richmond College to study Filmmaking. Bill was also a student at New York University where he studied to earn a degree in Acting but 2 years into his program, he abandoned the course and returned to Los Angeles to fully launch his career in entertainment.

It is known that Bill Paxton was a set dresser for the popular film director, Roger Corman back in 1974 and it was during that period that he landed a small role in the film Crazy Mama, although the role he played as John remains uncredited. He was not seen on screen for a couple of years but made a come back in 1981 in films like Stripes, The Butcher, Barker, and Nightmare Maker. The actor is also notable for his appearance in The Terminator as well as the 1986 film, Aliens, for which he was given a Saturn Award under the category of Best Supporting Actor.

The 90s also proved to be very successful for the actor who won yet another award for his appearance in Apollos 13. Also, he was able to land the role of Brock Lovett in the popular 1997 movie, Titanic. Bill Parson continued to appear in several other productions and as his career progressed, he became a well sought after actor. He played the main role in the sitcom, Big Love, which earned him several Golden Globe Award nominations and for the series Hatfield & McCoy, he was named for an Emmy Award.

It is also interesting to know that Bill Paxton was a passionate singer who collaborated with his friend, Andrew Todd Rosenthal to form the band called Martini Ranch in 1982. They dropped their debut album titled Holy Cow sometime in 1988 but unfortunately, the band did not make it past 1989. Bill was featured in the 2003 music video of Eat You Alive by the rock band Limp Bizkit.

His Wife and Family

Bill’s first marriage was in 1979 and this was to Kelly Rowan, but the union between the duo lasted for only a year. He remained single for about 7 years before he settled for marriage with the adorable Louise Newbury.

Bill Paxton seemed to have gotten it right this time as he had a blissful home with Louise who later gave birth to two kids for him, namely: James Paxton and Lydia Paxton. The pair remained married and had no marital issue that was made public until his demise.

Is He Dead, How Did He Die?

It was a heavy blow to Hollywood when the news of the death of the actor was shared on the 25th of February 2017. Bill Paxton who was aged sixty-one met his death after undergoing an unsuccessful heart surgery that resulted in a stroke. Prior to his surgery, it was confirmed that he was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever as a teenager and it is believed that he never fully recovered from the ailment. Bill’s family sued the medical practitioner who went ahead with the surgery knowing that it would be extremely risky.

Bill was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park located in Hollywood Hills, Southern California. A number of famous personalities like the filmmaker James Cameroon paid tribute to the legendary actor. Moreso, the movie Call Me by Your Name released in 2017 was done in remembrance of him.

Bill Paxton’s Net Worth

As at the time of his death, sources have it that Bill Paxton had accumulated a whopping $40 million to his name. His net worth is mainly from his acting career as well as from his efforts as a musician.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the world with full biography and details.