Originally born in Fort Worth, Texas, actor Bill Paxton has passed away at 61. Affectionately known as "Wild Bill" and "Knuckles", Paxton was well-known for his work on a range of television shows and films.

An official family statement was released earlier today, "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."

USA Today notes that one of his first working gigs was a set dresser for Roger Corman, and he later studied acting at New York University. Paxton was a good friend to director James Cameron, and starred as the infamous punk leader in The Terminator (1984). With memorable lines like, "We're on an express elevator to hell, going down!", many will recall his sarcastic role as Marine Private Hudson in Aliens (1986). A year after his role in Aliens, Paxton starred as Severen in the chilling vampire tale, Near Dark. Bill Paxton also starred in True Lies (1994) and as Brock Lovett in Titanic (1997). He lent his voice as a narrator for the IMAX documentary film, Ghosts of the Abyss in 2003, and even accompanied James Cameron when he was filming the project.

Some of Paxton's other notable roles were for playing Morgan Earp in Tombstone (1993) and astronaut Fred Haise in Apollo 13 (1995). Paxton starred in Twister (1996) alongside Helen Hunt. The actress tweeted her own condolences, posting a photo of herself and Paxton from Twister. "He made this movie great--he acted his heart out. What a talented man. My thoughts are with his family." Hunt said.

In 2014, Paxton acted alongside Tom Cruise as Master Sergeant Farrell in Edge of Tomorrow and had a brief stint on Marvel's hit television series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as John Garrett. Most recently, Paxton starred as Detective Frank Rourke in the television series Training Day. Based off of the 2001 film directed by Antoine Fuqua, the Training Day reboot recently premiered earlier this month, on February 2, 2017 on CBS. His 22-year-old son, James Paxton, also appeared as a guest in the show. "This show will go to people. It will play on Skid Row. It will play in places we will never know of, but that kind of means something to me. I’ve always felt like a populist. I want to make something that goes out to everybody," Paxton said about the show.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paxton had already completed filming for the show. Four out of a total of thirteen episodes have aired so far, and there is no news of a second season planned at this time. Paxton will star as Emma Watson’s father in the upcoming film, The Circle, which will be released in theaters on April 28. Paxton is survived by his wife, Louise Newberry, and his children, James and Lydia.

Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style