Though blessed with leading-man looks, Paxton spent much of his career relegated to playing gung-ho bullies or sleazebags (
Aliens,
Last Action Hero and his classic turn as a sadistic big brother in
Weird Science). Initially, Paxton pursued a career behind the camera as a set dresser and aspiring director before switching to acting. A succession of small bits in the early '80s (including a part in Pat Benatar's "Shadows of the Night" video) finally led to supporting parts, mainly in action flicks that showcased his imposing presence (
Next of Kin,
Predator 2). He finally snagged a lead role in the lauded 1992 indie
One False Move as a small-town police chief on a crash course with violence. While his nuanced performance upped his profile, he promptly returned to playing second fiddle, albeit in A-list pictures (
Apollo 13,
Titanic,
Twister). He also realized his directing dreams with the 2001 feature
Frailty, in which he also starred. As the '00s wore on, his career slowed down. But it got a nice boost when he signed on as a bigamist businessman on the edgy series
Big Love, which showcased his heretofore untapped sex appeal.
Bill Paxton Fast Facts:- Caddied for legendary golfer Ben Hogan as a teenager.
- Worked as a set dresser when he first arrived in Hollywood.
- Made and starred in the short film Fish Heads, which reached cult status after it aired on Saturday Night Live.
- Performed in the short-lived New Wave duo Martini Ranch; James Cameron directed the video for their song "Reach."
- Bill Paxton Relationships:
- James Paxton - Son
- John Lane Paxton - Father
- Louise Paxton - Wife
- Lydia Paxton - Daughter
- Mary Lou Paxton - Mother
- Bill Paxton Awards:
- 2008 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama - Nominee
- 1999 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2007 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama - Nominee
- College:
- Attended Richmond College, London, England; attended New York University, New York City, NY
