This is a heartbreaker. Bill Paxton, beloved actor in "Aliens," "Terminator," "Big Love," "Tombstone," "Twister," "Apollo 13," "Titanic," "Hatfields and McCoys," and so many more -- has died from "complications from surgery." He was 61.

A family representative shared a statement on the tragic news (via People):

"It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill's passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family's wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father."

According to TMZ, Paxton had heart surgery and suffered complications after the operation, resulting in a fatal stroke. He leaves behind a wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury, and two children.

Bill Paxton's son James is set to guest star on the eighth episode of CBS's "Training Day," which should air in mid-March. The series just premiered on Feb. 2, 2017, with Paxton as co-lead. On the film front, Paxton plays the father of Emma Watson's character in "The Circle," co-starring Tom Hanks, which will be released on April 28.

Paxton's friends and co-stars reacted to the sad news once it was released on Oscar morning:

James Cameron, who directed Bill Paxton in "The Terminator," "Aliens," "True Lies" and "Titanic," shared a statement with Vanity Fair:

"I've been reeling from this for the past half hour, trying to wrap my mind and heart around it. Bill leaves such a void. He and I were close friends for 36 years, since we met on the set of a Roger Corman ultra-low budget movie. He came in to work on set, and I slapped a paint brush in his hand and pointed to a wall, saying "Paint that!" We quickly recognized the creative spark in each other and became fast friends. What followed was 36 years of making films together, helping develop each others projects, going on scuba diving trips together, watching each others kids growing up, even diving the Titanic wreck together in Russian subs. It was a friendship of laughter, adventure, love of cinema, and mutual respect. Bill wrote beautiful heartfelt and thoughtful letters, an anachronism in this age of digital shorthand. He took good care of his relationships with people, always caring and present for others. He was a good man, a great actor, and a creative dynamo. I hope that amid the gaudy din of Oscar night, people will take a moment to remember this wonderful man, not just for all the hours of joy he brought to us with his vivid screen presence, but for the great human that he was.
The world is a lesser place for his passing, and I will profoundly miss him."

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