The loss of Bill Paxton would be a time of reflection at any point, but it stings a little more given the sudden nature of his passing. The Aliens star died due to complications from surgery on Sunday at the age of 61 and it shocked many across the internet. Paxton was not only a staple of classic films like Twister, Aliens, and Weird Science — with many using the hashtag #RIPChet to remember him and quoting his many lines as Hudson — but he was also an actor that could fill a multitude of varying roles with quality and strength. He could play an astronaut in Apollo 13 and then turn around to play a skeevy used car salesman in True Lies, with both turning out to be memorable performances.
My favourite #BillPaxton performance was in TRUE LIES. A wannabe spy who was really just a wimp trying his best to get laid. pic.twitter.com/P0hWMwIEXL
— Martin Buddery 🎥🎬🍿 (@TheMovieNerdSB) February 26, 2017
To see his impact, look no further than the people he worked with and was admired by in Hollywood. There’s no shortage of praise from folks like Jamie Lee Curtis, Aaron Paul, and Rob Lowe:
https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/835887639408467968
https://twitter.com/vincentdonofrio/status/835882440350650368
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
In his memory, on this Oscar Sunday, watch "One False Move" or "A Simple Plan" to see this lovely leading man, at his finest.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/835887051220238336
What a lovely, warm and kind human. So sad to hear of Bill Paxton's passing.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/zachbraff/status/835886445621460992
Condolences to the family of Bill Paxton. I just heard the news. 😢
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 26, 2017
Very sad to hear about Bill Paxton. His talent, enthusiasm and energy were unique. Our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/W4IVuILHxv
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) 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
Sad to hear about the passing of Bill Paxton. With NIGHTCRAWLER and EDGE OF TOMORROW, he's been doing some great character acting. #RIP
— Doug Benson (@DougBenson) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/835879887571304451
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
Bill Paxton was the fuckin man. So glad I was drunk enough to tell him exactly that one time at comic con. Legend.
— Anders Holm (@ders808) 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
https://twitter.com/HadleyFreeman/status/835875036603035649
https://twitter.com/MegenKay/status/835875158581719041
Others are also choosing their own ways to honor Paxton and the entertainment he provided over the years.
We'll miss ya, Bill Paxton. https://t.co/nExBEptVAV pic.twitter.com/mmY6RBTfks
— U.S. Tornadoes (@USTornadoes) February 26, 2017
I know he did a lot more, but when I think of Bill Paxton I will always think of Weird Science. RIP Chet. #didyouspitinthis? pic.twitter.com/9muY3dFLNQ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 26, 2017
So sad to hear the news of Bill Paxton. On our show only 3 weeks ago. Real sense of fun and a favourite guest https://t.co/IgofF94ROW
— Ben Winston (@benwinston) February 26, 2017
To hear that Bill Paxton, one of our favorite screen presences, passed away today at 61, is very sad. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nKyrdX7XTO
— One Perfect Shot (@OnePerfectShot) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/FreddyInSpace/status/835887036724887552
And really, this is the perfect way to sum up the loss of Bill Paxton. Loss always sucks, but it’s worse when it’s so shocking and takes a guy that’s so entertaining.
GODDAMN. POUR ONE OUT FOR AN ALLTIME GREAT THE ONE AND ONLY WILD BILL PAXTON
— ZODIAC MOTHERFUCKER (@ZODIAC_MF) February 26, 2017