Bill Paxton was an actor best known for his roles in such features films as Twister, Apollo 13 and Titanic, as well as the television series Big Love and the limited series Hatfields & McCoys and Texas Rising.

At age 18, the native Texan moved to California, where he broke into the entertainment industry as a set dresser for Roger Corman's New World Pictures. He made his acting debut in the Corman production Crazy Mama, directed by Jonathan Demme.

After studying at under renowned acting teacher Stella Adler at New York University, he continued to work in films and television for more than four decades.

In addition to Twister, Apollo 13 and Titanic, his numerous movie credits included Stripes, The Terminator, Weird Science, Aliens, Near Dark, One False Move, Tombstone, Predator 2 and True Lies.

On television, in addition to Big Love, Hatfields & McCoys and Texas Rising, he was seen in such productions as The Atlanta Child Murders, Fresno, Miami Vice, Tales from the Crypt, A Bright Shining Lie, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Training Day.

Paxton also directed, wrote and produced award-winning short films, including Fish Heads, which aired on Saturday Night Live.

His other directing credits included the films Frailty and The Greatest Game Ever Played.

Paxton died on February 25, 2017, in Los Angeles, from complications following heart surgery. He was 61.

Shortly after his passing, Paxton's longtime friend, writer Jim Longworth, published a tribute here.