Hollywood actor Bill Paxton, best known for his roles in such blockbusters as "Apollo 13" and "Titanic," has died at the age of 61, a family representative said Sunday. 

The versatile Texas-born actor was a familiar face on US movie screens, with a string of memorable credits. 

"It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery," a statement from a family representative said. 

Paxton started his career in the 1970s playing minor roles, but won over audiences in the following two decades.

He played notable characters in "The Terminator," "Weird Science" and "Aliens" in the 1980s, and grew to have a larger profile in the 1990s in movies such as "Tombstone," "Apollo 13," "Twister" and "Titanic."

The family requested privacy while they mourn Paxton's death. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury, and their two children. His first marriage, to Kelly Rowan, ended in divorce.