Bill Paxton passed away at the age 61. Photo / AP

Hollywood actor Bill Paxton has died aged 61 due to "complications" following heart surgery, his family has confirmed.

The Twister actor reportedly suffered complications after undergoing heart surgery and passed away after a massive stroke aged 61 on Saturday.

Bill is survived by his wife Louise Newbury and their two children, James and Lydia.

• Read more: Celebrities, fans, family pay tribute to Bill Paxton

His family confirmed the sad news, which was originally reported by TMZ, in a statement describing him as an "adored husband and father".

The statement read: "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."

A number of stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor, including his True Lies co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.

She wrote: "Nooooo. Bill Paxton is gone. Such a funny, talented, loving human. Louise & the children & family my [love] & support 2 u. #truelies (sic)"

Nooooo. Bill Paxton is gone. Such a funny, talented, loving human. Louise & the children & family my ❤& support 2 u. #truelies

— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) February 26, 2017

Meanwhile, Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul remembered one of the "greatest guys" he'd ever met.

He wrote: "Bill Paxton was hands down one of the greatest guys that I have ever met. I feel lucky to have called him my friend. Bill, I love you. RIP. (sic)"

Lou Diamond Phillips posted: "I am stunned & saddened at the passing of Bill Paxton. I just worked with him recently. A warm and beautiful soul and a talented actor. RIP (sic)"

I am stunned & saddened at the passing of Bill Paxton. I just worked with him recently. A warm and beautiful soul and a talented actor. RIP

— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) February 26, 2017

And Zach Braff wrote: "Bill Paxton. A very talented man. As skilled with comedy as he was with drama. Carpe Diem. #Rip (sic)"

Bill Paxton. A very talented man. As skilled with comedy as he was with drama. Carpe Diem. #rip

— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 26, 2017

Tom Hanks posted that Bill Paxton was a was wonderful man.

Bill Paxton was, simply, a wonderful man. A wonderful man... Hanx.

— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) February 26, 2017

William Shatner shared his condolences with Paxton's family.

Condolences to the family of Bill Paxton. I just heard the news. 😢

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 26, 2017

Rob Lowe left Paxton a heartfelt message on his twitter.

Devastated by the sudden loss of my close friend and one of the finest actors in the business, Bill Paxton. Renaissance man, raconteur and

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017

uniquely American national treasure. His filmography speaks for itself. His friendship was a blessing. My love to Bunny, James and Lydia.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017

In his memory, on this Oscar Sunday, watch "One False Move" or "A Simple Plan" to see this lovely leading man, at his finest.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 26, 2017

The actor was best known for his work on movies including Titanic, Apollo 13, Aliens, Predator 2, and The Terminator.

Bill also starred in TV drama Big Love and the small screen adaptation of Training Day, and he won an Emmy award for his performance in historical TV miniseries Hatfields & McCoys.

- Bang! Showbiz