Actor Bill Paxton is a talented and beloved actor, director, and producer. Paxton made his name in blockbuster films like Twister, Titanic, Aliens, and Apollo 13. His multi-decade career included action-packed leads to character-driven dramas – which contributed to his substantial wealth. He was reportedly worth $40 million at the time of his death in 2017.
Career Beginnings
Born on May 17, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas, Bill Paxton made his breakthrough in the 1970s. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in filmmaking – initially working as a set dresser for Roger Corman’s films. Paxton had a deep passion for film, though he started with small, uncredited roles, his persistence eventually paid off. He had his first notable role in Stripes (1981), where he acted alongside Bill Murray.
However, Paxton had his breakthrough in 1984 when he played the role of a punk confronting Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator. This small, memorable role opened up more substantial roles for him in action films.
Career Success and Earnings
Paxton’s career soared when he acted in some of the highest-grossing films in the late 1980s and 1990s. One of his most notable performances was in Aliens (1986), where he acted the role of Private Hudson and delivered one of the film’s most quotable lines: “Game over, man!” The depth he brought to his characters in supporting and lead roles quickly made him a fan favorite.
This helped Paxton’s net worth grow significantly. He secured roles in other high-profile films such as True Lies (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), and Titanic (1997). His involvement in Titanic, one of history’s highest grossing films, solidified his financial position. Although he played a minor role as treasure hunter Brock Lovett, the film’s massive success and continued revenue from worldwide distribution and re-releases helped boost his earnings.
Another box office hit was Twister (1996). Paxton became a household name as the lead in the disaster film, which grossed nearly $500 million worldwide.
Television Success and Directing
Paxton was more than a film star: He also became a television success. One of his most notable roles was as Bill Henrickson on HBO’s Big Love (2006-2011), where he played a polygamist trying to balance his family life. The series earned Paxton several award nominations and provided consistent income for five seasons.
Paxton also explored directing. He worked as a director on several projects, including the 2001 thriller Frailty, which was a critically acclaimed but modest box office success. He made additional income from directing and producing.
Legacy and Final Years
In his later years, Paxton was still active, appearing in films like Nightcrawler (2014) and the TV series Training Day (2017). Fans and colleagues both were shocked to hear of his death in February 2017 due to complications from heart surgery. He left an indelible mark on Hollywood with an estimated $40 million net worth at the time of his death.