By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Feb 26, 2017 at 12:06 PM

As first reported this morning by TMZ, actor Bill Paxton – the star of "Twister," "Apollo 13," "Aliens, the TV show "Big Love" and much more – died of complications from heart surgery at the age of 61. According to TMZ, the beloved actor – currently starring in CBS' new cop show "Training Day" – suffered a fatal stroke after post-op complications. 

A representative for Paxton's family released the following statement Sunday morning:

"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."

Paxton started his on-screen Hollywood career popping up in mostly small roles in genre favorites like "The Terminator," "Weird Science," and, later on, "Aliens" and "Near Dark." Paxton was never particularly the stars of these movies, but decades later, he's often the most memorable and quoted parts of them ("Game over, man!"), injecting his supporting characters with so much unique personality and energy that you couldn't imagine the films without him, the roles played by anyone else. 

During the '90s, Paxton grew into a larger marquee name, taking on major roles of in massive hits. True, he was still often second-billed, either to another star (Tom Hanks in "Apollo 13," Arnold Schwarzenegger in "True Lies") or to the spectacle around him ("Twister," "Titanic"), but even so, Paxton was never lost in these films. He still always made an indelible impact on the audience. Amongst the hits were also several under-appreciated but sterling dramas, like "A Simple Plan" and "One False Move," that showed off his magnetic skills as a leading man. 

After the turn of the millennium, Paxton moved back toward more character actor roles and genre pictures – including the underrated horror film "Frailty," a pre-McConaissance acting showcase for the future "Dallas Buyers Club" Oscar winner that Paxton directed. But whether it was a minor role in an aggressively silly comedy ("Club Dredd"), a pulpy thriller ("Nightcrawler") or an explosive actioner ("Edge of Tomorrow," "2 Guns"), Paxton still always seemed to steal scenes by adding fascinating texture, surprising humor and fun spark to characters that might've otherwise just sat on screen. He perpetually made his movies more interesting to watch. 

Paxton still has one more big screen performance to come, in April's internet thriller "The Circle."

He was just as big of a presence on the small screen, starring in the mini-series "Hatfields & McCoys," the ABC superhero show "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and, most notably, HBO's "Big Love," where, like all his performances, he brought surprising and thoughtful humanity to his role – in this case, a polygamist. He would receive three Golden Globe nomination for his turn on the HBO drama.  

The sad and tragic news about Paxton falls mere hours before Hollywood's biggest celebration, the Oscars, and it's hard not to feel his death puts the event – intensely ballyhooed and given mammoth gravitas and meaning – in perspective. 

One of the best aspects of the awards show is seeing typically unheralded character actors get a chance to take a bow and be recognized as more than "Oh Hey, It's That Guy." It's what happened to J.K. Simmons two years ago; it'll hopefully happen tonight with Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight." One wishes Paxton – who was never nominated – got a chance to take that much-deserved second in the spotlight. At the same time, however, his livewire yet lived-in performances stay in viewers' minds infinitely more than most that are handed gold trophies. We remember the work, not the awards – and in Paxton's case, there's plenty of great work to appreciate. And it's a sad, shocking shame he won't be able to add to it.

Here are some other kind words and memories from Paxton's co-stars and colleagues:

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.