'Disappointment': Bill Paxton's biggest career regret before his untimely death

Late star Bill Paxton made a name for himself as a leading action man in Hollywood back in the '90s.

Before his shock death in February 2017, Paxton was known for appearing in some of the biggest films of the '80s and '90s, including Aliens, Apollo 13, Twister and Titanic.

His son James Paxton, 30, has followed in his father's acting footsteps and even makes a cameo in the new sequel, Twisters.

READ MORE: What happened to Helen Hunt?

9honey Celebrity takes a look at Bill Paxton's incredible career and time in Hollywood before his tragic death.

What movie made Bill Paxton famous?

Born William Paxton in Texas, the budding star moved to Los Angeles to start his acting career. He also pursued directing.

He first worked as a set dresser in the '70s and was rejected from studying at film school.

"I was so hurt by that, really hurt," he said in an interview with The Guardian.

In the '80s, he found success with minor roles in films including The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Commando and the film, Aliens.

In 1995, he scored a role in Apollo 13, and a year later, in the hit film Twister. Titanic was released in 1997.

He also previously told The Guardian in 2002 that he wished he did more rom-coms during his career.

"My biggest disappointment is not getting to do the romantic roles I always dreamed of," said.

READ MORE: What happened to Heather Graham?

"But I've had a pretty good career... We're grist for the mill out here, and if I quit doing this, there's 10 guys ready to take my place."

He reportedly had a networth of $US25million ($AU29million) at his time of death.

Did he visit the Titanic?

In short, yes. The actor and director visited the shipwreck with James Cameron, who directed the film Titanic, which is located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cameron released Ghosts of the Abyss in 2003, which followed the group's journey and deep dive.

READ MORE: What happened to the Culkin brothers?

Bill previously told ET the experience was a "opportunity of a lifetime," but he did fear the risks of such an adventure.

"Each dive, I had to kind of look myself in the mirror and go 'OK, are you ready for this?'" he explained.

"To go down two and a half miles to a place where the sun has never penetrated. And you're starting to think 'OK, I've got young kids. I need to get them to an age where they can support themselves before I do something this crazy.'"

Bill Paxton's cause of death

The actor died at the age of 61 in February 2017 in Los Angeles, leaving behind his wife and two children.

Paxton died from complications during surgery. It's been widely reported he suffered a stroke days after having heart surgery.

It was recently reported his family settled a wrongful death suit with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Did Helen Hunt say anything after Bill Paxton's death?

Following his shock death, Hunt tweeted her condolences for her former co-star and his family.

"He made this movie great — he acted his heart out," she wrote.

"What a talented man. My thoughts are with his family."

Bill Paxton's son's special cameo

Bill's son James Paxton has just made a cameo in the new film Twisters, which stars Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones.

"It's really a cameo, so it's an Easter egg for the fans of Dad and the original," James told Entertainment Weekly.

"I did this one for Dad. I wanted to be a conduit for his spirit there and cheer everyone in this production on to success because I know he would be.

"I wanted to do something that really honors his presence in this new chapter and really do something for him."

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