Remember Bill Paxton’s Role in the Limp Bizkit Music Video Released 6 Years After Titanic?

The late Bill Paxton remains one of the most memorable actors of his time, having left an indelible mark on cinema through a diverse array of roles. Known for his performances in numerous films and television series—including the illustrious Titanic directed by James Cameron—most fans might be surprised to learn of his unique appearance in a Limp Bizkit music video, which came six years after his Titanic role. Rising to fame in the late 1970s, Paxton became particularly renowned for his iconic parts in science fiction and action flicks, with his portrayal of Private William Hudson in Aliens making waves, immortalized by his memorable line, “It’s game over, man!”

Though he sadly passed away in 2017, Bill Paxton’s legacy endures through his roles in countless beloved movies, including Tombstone, Spy Kids, and Edge of Tomorrow. His performance in the classic disaster film Twister from 1996, which saw a 2024 sequel featuring a cameo by his son, is a testament to his extraordinary versatility. Yet, amidst his impressive filmography, one thing stands out: the unexpected collaboration with Limp Bizkit.

Bill Paxton’s Cameo in Limp Bizkit’s “Eat You Alive”

Fred Durst Remembers Bill Paxton as “A Close Friend”

In 2003, the band Limp Bizkit unveiled a music video for their single “Eat You Alive,” which topped at number 16 on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song narrates the story of a blue-collar worker fixating on a woman of a higher social status. In a striking twist, Bill Paxton features in the video, joining a mob in pursuit of the band amidst a backdrop of Thora Birch, highlighted by Fred Durst’s impassioned performance in the woods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb24kLd459Yhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb24kLd459Y

Paxton makes his debut around the 1 minute and 45 seconds mark, leading a mob with a sniffer dog. This unexpected role raises questions as to why such a seasoned actor would be cast in a part that could easily have gone to someone else. However, upon examining connections with the director of the music video, Fred Durst, a clearer picture emerges.

Durst directed the film The Fanatic in 2019, which stars John Travolta as an obsessed stalker. Intriguingly, the movie’s theme complements that of “Eat You Alive.” During a premiere Q&A, Durst shared that Travolta’s character was originally intended for Paxton, resulting in the film being dedicated to him as Durst remarked, “he was a close friend of mine.” While it’s unclear whether this bond predated Paxton’s appearance in the music video, it certainly provides insight into Durst’s choice of casting.

“Eat You Alive”Was Just One of Bill Paxton’s Music Video Appearances

Paxton’s Extensive Music Industry Career

Surprisingly, “Eat You Alive” was not the only music video to feature Bill Paxton. The actor’s involvement in the music industry extended further, with a noteworthy history of cameo appearances. Throughout the 1980s, he appeared in eight music videos, marking the nascent stages of his acting career. During this period, he notably collaborated with the musical duo Barnes & Barnes, appearing in four of their videos over five years and even directing their novelty hit, “Fish Heads.”

In addition to his music video appearances, Paxton was also involved in the band Martini Ranch during the 1980s. Although the band did not achieve significant commercial success, it is noteworthy that the music video for their track “Reach” was directed by the esteemed James Cameron, with whom Paxton collaborated on classics like The Terminator and Aliens. Paxton’s eclectic filmography and his connections within the music industry indeed grant him a unique standing, illustrating an impressive blend of collaborative work with legends such as James Cameron, Pat Benatar, and Limp Bizkit.

Sources: YouTube, The Fanatic Q&A

Source & Images