Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Lane Paxton |
| Born | July 14, 1920 (Missouri, USA) |
| Died | November 17, 2011 (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) |
| Occupations | Businessman, Lumber Wholesaler, Museum Executive, Actor |
| Spouse | Mary Lou Gray |
| Children | Bill Paxton, [other children] |
| SAG Membership | Member of the Screen Actors Guild |
| Faith | Roman Catholic |
Early Life
Born into a Missouri family with significant roots, John Lane Paxton followed Confederate General Elisha Franklin Paxton. His parents, Frank Paxton and Marjorie R. Paxton (née Lane), raised him Roman Catholic. He married Mary Lou Gray, starting a family that would make significant contributions to American cinema.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1920 |
| Place of Birth | Missouri, USA |
| Parents | Frank Paxton; Marjorie R. Paxton (née Lane) |
| Ancestry | Descendant of Gen. Elisha Franklin Paxton |
| Marriage | Mary Lou Gray (m. date unspecified) |
| Religious Upbringing | Roman Catholic |
Business Career
Paxton founded and ran a prosperous Texas lumber wholesale business. As a museum CEO, he led beyond business. His strategic skills and community commitment helped local economic and educational efforts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Industry | Lumber Wholesale |
| Company Location | Texas, USA |
| Role | Founder & CEO |
| Years Active | Mid-20th century–late 20th century |
| Museum Position | Executive Roles in Regional Museum |
| Community Impact | Sponsored local educational programs |
Acting Career
Paxton joined the Screen Actors Guild at 70 and smoothly transitioned from boardroom to soundstage. He played ensemble and supporting parts with his son, Bill Paxton. He played Bernard Houseman in the Spider-Man trilogy, which is notable.
| Film | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barb Wire | 1996 | Smooth | Minor supporting character |
| A Simple Plan | 1998 | Unspecified | Appeared with son Bill |
| Spider-Man | 2002 | Bernard Houseman | Family cameo |
| Spider-Man 2 | 2004 | Bernard Houseman | Reprised role |
| Spider-Man 3 | 2007 | Bernard Houseman | Final trilogy appearance |
| Guild Membership | n/a | SAG Member | Screen Actors Guild |
Family Legacy
From Civil War heroes to present performers, the Paxton family has influenced culture. John’s son Bill Paxton was a famous actor and filmmaker, and his grandson James continues the tradition. Their accomplishments demonstrate ingenuity and public participation.
| Name | Relation | Profession | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Paxton | Son | Actor/Filmmaker | Aliens, Titanic, Big Love |
| James Paxton | Grandson | Actor | Eyewitness, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |
| Elisha Franklin Paxton | Great-Great-Grandfather | Confederate General | Battle of Chancellorsville† |
| Mary Paxton Keeley | Great-Aunt | Journalist | Close associate of Bess Truman |
| Sara Paxton | Distant Relative | Actress | Aquamarine, The Innkeepers |
Net Worth
John Lane Paxton’s personal fortune was never acknowledged, but his successful businesses suggest it. In the absence of formal records, estimations rely on the Paxton family’s financial profile, which benefitted from John’s businesses and Bill’s entertainment career. Speculation surrounds his fortune.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Documented Figures | None |
| Estimated Range | Speculative; likely multi-million dollar |
| Basis of Estimate | Business revenue; family inheritance |
| Public Records | No tax or estate filings available |
| Comparative Context | Son Bill’s net worth ≈ $40 million |
| Currency | USD |
Additional Notes
Paxton was involved in genealogical and local heritage projects since his life intersected with important cultural and historical tales. A televised ancestry program emphasized his family’s history. He died in 2011, leaving a business, cultural, and film legacy.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Genealogy Program | Featured in Who Do You Think You Are? |
| Cultural Stewardship | Leadership in regional museum initiatives |
| Death Date | November 17, 2011 |
| Place of Death | Rancho Santa Fe, California |
| Burial Details | Not publicly documented |
FAQ
Who was John Lane Paxton?
Famous as Bill Paxton’s father, John Lane Paxton was an American businessman, lumber merchant, museum executive, and late-life actor.
When did he begin his acting career?
After joining the Screen Actors Guild at 70, he debuted in films in the mid-1990s.
What is known about his net worth?
Business success and family riches suggest a large estate, but his net worth was unknown.
Who are his most renowned relatives?
His son Bill Paxton was a famous actor and filmmaker, and his grandson James Paxton continues the family heritage.
Where and when was he born?
He was born July 14, 1920, in Missouri.
When and where did he die?
In Rancho Santa Fe, California, he died on November 17, 2011.
