You know what’s more confusing than actors who bear a physical resemblance? Actors who have that going for them AND extremely similar names. Today, I’m sorting Bill Paxton and Bill Pullman at Selena’s request, but as I started skimming IMDB, I’m not entirely sure I knew they were two separate people.
Bill Pullman
Born 1953
Notable Roles: He played the president in Independence Day, he played opposite Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping, and he was in my childhood favorite, Spaceballs. He was also in Titan A.E. (see below as to why this might be important)
Bill Paxton
Born 1955
Notable Roles: He’s been in Titanic (same first five letters as Titan A.E., but so not), Apollo 13, and Twister. He’s the only actor to have appeared in the Aliens trilogy AND the Predator trilogy.
So after looking at what these two men have accomplished, I understand Selena’s dilemma. They are close in age and have similar features. At first, I was going to say, “If it’s an action flick, it’s Paxton.” But there’s Independence Day on Pullman’s list. Then I discovered that Paxton starred in Big Love. So.
If you are watching Big Love, it’s Bill Paxton.
If you are watching Spaceballs, it’s Bill Pullman.
If you are watching an action flick that isn’t Independence Day, it’s probably Bill Paxton.
Selena, did this help you out at all? If nothing else, know that my research validates your confusion!
16 replies on “Sorting the Stars: Bill Paxton and Bill Pullman”
Can we have one with Dennis Hopper and Anthony Hopkins please???? For the longest time I’ve been telling people Anthony Hopkins died, when in fact it was Dennis Hopper. I can never tell these two apart… they’re always the evil old guy!!
Oh funny- I did include Anthony Hopkins when I sorted Liam Neeson, Bob Hoskins and Sir Hopkins– but I could do another with Dennis Hopper. So many stars, so little time!
Oh bollocks. Neither of them are who I thought they were.
This just in: Bill Paxton pinball.
You’re welcome.
(PS – Love the post, I always guiltily mix up their names)
I had a major crush on Bill Pullman as a young woman, cuz’ he’s kinda adorbs.
I so totally unabashedly have enjoyed “While You Were Sleeping” at least 3-4 (or more…) times.
If you are watching an awesome movie, it’s probably Bill Pullman. If not, then it’s Bill Paxton.
That’s a parameter that might actually work. Hmmm….
That’s a really good test!
I have to argue with you there because Aliens is a GREAT movie, and Paxton, not Pullman, is in it. Apollo 13 is good too. (But Titanic really drags Paxton down, no pun intended.)
I don’t like Aliens, and Lt. Dan is one of the few good things about Apollo 13, so I’m going to stand by my categorization. :)
I get those two confused all the time too! Not sure the line between them is good enough though–funny how they both take an interest in space/alien themed movies! But the Big Love distinction is good…
I have the same problem with Dylan McDermott and Dermot Mulroney  I’ve just combined their names into one: Dylan-McDermot-Mulroney which I use to tell people whose in what movie they can figure out for themselves which ones it actually is.
I think I know who Dylan McDermott is. I shall sort him out next week!
I laughed out loud in my room alone at this dylan mccdermott mulroney contraction.
Great Point!
True! I think it’s the name connection and the smoky voices that throws me.