The Only Actor Killed by a Terminator, Alien, and Predator

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80’s sci-fi films carry a unique impact, proven by the enduring influence of various franchises in contemporary culture. Who could forget the exhilaration when a Predator locked onto its target or the unforgettable quotes from the Terminator series? Being cast in any of the Terminator, Alien, or Predator films was a significant achievement for an actor, but being part of all three was a rare feat. However, Bill Paxton managed not only to achieve this, but he added an extra layer of distinction. The late Mr. Paxton is the only actor to have been in all three franchises and also the sole actor to have been killed by a Terminator, Alien, and Predator on screen. No other actor can boast about this; truthfully, it’s doubtful that this will ever be surpassed.

Sadly, Bill Paxton passed away in the year 2017. Known for his memorable roles, he portrayed characters like Bill Harding in ‘Twister’, Fred Haise in ‘Apollo 13’, and Professor Gregg O’Hara in ‘Mighty Joe Young’. However, this list barely scratches the surface of Paxton’s extensive acting career. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films that resonated with audiences across different generations. Remarkably, while his roles in ‘The Terminator’, ‘Aliens’, and ‘Predator 2’ may not have been leading ones, they still made a lasting impact.

The Terminator’s First Kill

1984 saw the debut of the movie “The Terminator”, one of Bill Paxton’s early roles. Given his minor part, it’s not surprising to discover that his role was quite limited. The film establishes its main concept before dispatching Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous Terminator character back in time without any gear. This is due to the time travel device’s limitation: it can only transport objects enclosed within living human tissue, so while the Terminator could travel, anything he carried would not be able to make the journey.

In the opening scene of the movie, the Terminator, devoid of clothes or equipment, appears, establishing a critical moment for Bill Paxton’s character. As one of only two people to encounter this freshly arrived Terminator, he unfortunately meets his end when the T-800, following its initial directive, coldly eliminates two gang members for their clothing. Later, it’s debatable whether or not Bill Paxton’s character, Johnny, was truly killed off-screen, but given the Terminator’s nature, it appears unlikely that it would have left the scene without finishing its mission.

Facing Off Against the Aliens

Bill Paxton’s part in the film “Aliens” was significantly larger, and his partnership with James Cameron extended over many years. In “Aliens,” Bill Paxton portrayed Private William Hudson, one of the crew members tasked with escorting Ripley on a covert mission to LV-426. Unfortunately, the mission didn’t proceed as planned, resulting in most of the team being killed before the day was out. Hudson, played by Paxton, is often recalled for his panic during the crisis, repeatedly shouting, “The game is over, man; the game is over!

In simpler terms, Private Hudson’s prediction about their odds wasn’t entirely incorrect, but his panic didn’t make him a likable character for many, even Ripley. However, his death in the movie is crucial because it contributes to Ripley’s survival. Hudson puts up a brave fight in a tense, profanity-laden confrontation with a Xenomorph, but ultimately, he meets his end at the creature’s hands. Given the past encounters with Xenomorphs, it seems likely that Hudson suffered a gruesome fate.

Hunting the Predator

As a die-hard fan, I must confess that when Bill Paxton appeared in “Predator 2”, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of intrigue. In this installment, he portrayed LAPD Detective Jerry Lambert, a fresh addition to the squad. Frankly, his role as the newcomer stirred up a feeling of unease within me, and I believe it should for others too. You see, Paxton was not only the greenhorn on the team, but he found himself in an unenviable predicament – standing toe-to-toe against a formidable hunter, all alone.

Under the instructions of Detective Harrigan (portrayed by Danny Glover), Lambert ventures into the subway system to proceed towards the next crime scene location. Unfortunately for Lambert, the Predator had strategically positioned itself for an attack within the underground tunnels. Despite Lambert’s valiant efforts to fend off this skilled hunter, he was ultimately unsuccessful. This unfortunate encounter resulted in Lambert’s death, making Bill Paxton a standout with his third fatality in this extraordinary series of events.

As an avid fan, I’ve always held onto the hope that we might see more installments in the Terminator, Alien, and Predator series. Yet, it seems rather unlikely for any actor to tread the same path as these iconic franchises have set. So far, Lance Henriksen is the only one who’s come close. He was incredibly fortunate to be a part of all three series, and more than that – his character crossed paths with the main antagonists in each instance. However, there’s a twist: Henrikson’s character didn’t survive encounters with all three iconic villains. The T-800 in “The Terminator” was responsible for his first demise. The second time around, it was a Predator in “Alien vs. Predator” that claimed his life. Sadly, in “Aliens,” his character didn’t meet his end at the hands of a Xenomorph; instead, he was spared by the mercy of Ripley’s character. Yet, given the extent of the injuries he sustained, he came perilously close to becoming the second actor to achieve this unique distinction.

On Max, you can stream “The Terminator”, whereas “Aliens” and “Predator 2” are accessible for streaming on Hulu.

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2025-04-07 22:42