Bill Paxton was a unique presence. His career began roughly 40 years ago, starting as a set dresser for New World Pictures before getting a small role in their low-budget film *Crazy Mama*. From that point on, he steadily progressed. That crooked smile of his was a welcome sight throughout the 80s—appearing in films like *Stripes*, *Weird Science*, *The Terminator*, *Commando*, *Near Dark*, and *Aliens*. There was a …