Hollywood actor Bill Paxton has died at the age of 61.

Paxton, known for films including Twister, True Lies and Aliens, died on Saturday after complications from surgery.

A family representative said in a statement: "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."

The Texas native appeared in dozens of movies and television shows throughout his career.

READ MORE: Tributes pour in from stars after Paxton's death

He got his start on the big screen in Crazy Mama in 1975, and went on to star in some of the most popular films of the 1980s, from a brief appearance as a blue-haired punk opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator to memorable roles in True Lies, Titanic and Apollo 13.

He won a Saturn Award for his performance in Aliens.

Science fiction fans have noted that he was the only actor to be killed by a Predator, a Terminator and an Alien.

But despite starring in several big-budget movies, Paxton was also known as a character actor, playing everyday people in films such as One False Move, A Simple Plan and Nightcrawler.

Major film roles waned in the 2000s but a television career blossomed.

He received three Golden Globe nominations for his role as a polygamist in the HBO series Big Love.

"Big Love was a seminal series for HBO for many years due to Bill's extraordinary talent and grace," an HBO statement said.

"Off screen, he was as warm, smart and fun as one could be."

In 2012 he was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the civil war drama Hatfields & McCoys, alongside Kevin Costner.

The actor also worked behind the camera, directing feature films The Greatest Game Ever Played and Frailty.

Paxton had two children and was married for 30 years.