Bill Paxton suffered stroke after heart surgery

Actor Bill Paxton died of a stroke after undergoing heart surgery, according to his death certificate.

The popular, prolific and charismatic actor known for films such as Aliens, Twister, Titanic,Apollo 13 and A Simple Planas well as the cable series Big Love underwent heart surgery to replace a valve and correct an aortic aneurysm on Feb. 14, according to reports in People and TMZ.

The 61-year-old Texan died nearly two weeks later, on Feb. 25, after suffering a stroke.

A family representative who issued a statement at the time had cited "complications from surgery," but provided no further details.

"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," the statement said.

Paxtonis survivedby his wife of 30 years, LouiseNewbury, and their two children.

At the time of his death, Paxtonhad already completed filming ofthe inauguralseason of the CBS showTraining Day. Starring Paxtonas a morally ambiguous police detective partnered with an idealistic junior officer, the series was a revamp of the earlier Antoine Fuqua film that earned Denzel Washington his second Oscar in 2002.

Thedrama series, which premiered Feb. 2, has so far attracted dwindling ratings and, after Paxton's passing,a second season is unlikely.