William Archibald Paxton is an American actor, screenwriter, artist, producer and director. On his account, dozens of wonderful roles in film and television. He was repeatedly nominated for prizes: Golden Globe, Emmy, Saturn, Sputnik, Screen Actors Guild of the United States.
Paxton's creative biography began in the 70s of the last century with small roles in films and filming in commercials. The start of his serious career in cinema can be called a role in the cult film "Terminator". She did not bring him success. However, it was then that the young actor was noticed by the famous director James Cameron, who played not the last role in his fate.
Many critics called Paxton "the king of the second plan." Viewers remember him from the films: Titanic, Aliens, True Lies, Tornado, Apollo 13, Colony, Sphere, Big Love.
Paxton passed away in 2017. This happened after complications arising from heart surgery. Friends and colleagues at the farewell ceremony with the actor said that Paxton was an amazingly sincere person, that with his departure the world became much smaller.
early years
Paxton was born in Texas in the spring of 1955. His father was engaged in a business in the field of woodworking, but, carried away by cinema, left his job and began acting in extras. Bill's mother ran a household and brought up children.
The boy was no different from his peers. He was fond of football, did not stand out among students at school, did not dream of an actor's career.
One of the brightest childhood memories for Bill was the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Going with his parents to Dallas to greet the president, Bill saw with his own eyes how the attempt on the leader of the country took place. The father put the little son on his shoulders so that he could better see the passing motorcade. It was then that a tragic event happened that claimed the lives of Kennedy. The photograph where Bill sits on his father’s shoulders and greets the president is still in the Paxtons family album.
Film career
After graduating from school, Bill left for Los Angeles, where he began to look for work. After working for several months in the parking lot, Paxton got a job as a dresser in the studio. And it was there that he first began to think about the acting profession, watching the work on the set.
In the mid-70s, Paxton got the opportunity to play in the movie "Crazy Mother." He got a cameo role, but the director was pleasantly surprised by Bill's work. And after that he advised him to continue acting in films. The young man went to New York, where he began to study acting with a teacher Stella Adler.
In the early 80s, Paxton got a small role in the comedy "Voluntarily Volunteer." This was followed by work in the films: “Night Warning”, “Lords of Discipline”, “Hitchhiker”, “Streets on Fire”, “Miami Police: Morale Department”, “Commando”, “Terminator”.
In the mid-80s, his career began to rise. Soon Paxton played one of his successful roles, playing Private Hudson in the sci-fi movie Aliens. Paxton was awarded the Saturn Prize for Best Supporting Actor for this work.
In the future career of the actor, many wonderful roles in the films: "Predator 2", "Seals", "True Lies", "Elena in the Box", "Apollon 13", "Tornado", "Titanic", "Mighty Joe Young", "Big Love", "Colony", "Knockout", "Edge of the Future".
Paxton's latest projects include the films Sphere and Training Day. The premiere of the latter took place in early February 2017, a few days before the death of the famous actor.
