Is Bill Paxton A-List?
No — Bill Paxton is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1996
Starring role in 'Twister'
Lost A-list status in 2001
Dropped to B tier — Directorial Debut: 'Frailty'
Ranking Timeline
Breakthrough with 'Aliens'
Gained recognition for his role in 'Aliens', opening doors to bigger roles.
'True Lies' Success
Starred in 'True Lies', solidifying his status as a leading actor.
'Apollo 13' Role
Appeared in 'Apollo 13', further enhancing his reputation.
Starring role in 'Twister'
Starred in the box office hit 'Twister', pushing him further into the A-list.
Role in 'Titanic'
Appeared in 'Titanic', another huge box office success.
Directorial Debut: 'Frailty'
Directed and starred in 'Frailty', showcasing his versatility.
Starred in 'Big Love'
Starred in HBO's 'Big Love', earning Golden Globe nominations.
Sudden Passing
Passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a solid legacy of work.
Remembered for Versatile Roles
Remembered as a talented actor with a strong body of work in film and television.
Last updated: February 25, 2026