James Paxton doesn’t recall going to visit his father, the late Bill Paxton, while he was on the set of the 1996 blockbuster film “Twister.” He was just a year old at the time. However, when given the opportunity to appear in “Twisters” – scheduled for release on July 19 – he immediately accepted. Paxton stated, “I did this cameo for Dad. It was important for me to honor his memory and to do something enjoyable as a little Easter egg for fans of his and the original film. Although, I wish it was him making the appearance instead, you know?” Paxton shared that he has an action-packed scene with Glen Powell in the sequel, making his cameo even more meaningful. He expressed, “I know my dad would be enthusiastically supporting everyone in this sequel, especially Glen, whom he collaborated with on ‘Red Wing’ early in Glen’s career.”
In addition, Paxton is promoting his song “Count On Me” under the name Love, Pax. The music video includes never-before-seen Super 8 footage that his father had shot as a teenager. Paxton keeps in touch with fans on Instagram (@thisisjamespaxton), as well as Facebook and X (@yojamespaxton).
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Q: You played a younger version of your father’s role in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Did you learn anything about yourself and your dad tackling that and “Twisters”?
A: This is a really good question – one that is a bit complicated for different reasons. It’s important to me that I establish myself as my own man and actor, but by the same token, it means the world to me to get to talk about my father and celebrate him in projects like “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Twisters.” I know the projects he was most proud of for me are the ones he had nothing to do with. He was my best friend and always pushed me to be my own person. He would be so excited, especially for my upcoming Western “Last Train to Fortune” with Malcolm McDowell, directed by Adam Rifkin.
Q: Where did you film “Twisters”?
A: Right outside of Oklahoma City. There were challenges dealing with the literal wind machines and effects that they use to simulate a tornado. [But] it honestly just helped the performance, because it added such realism to play off of. I did get to explore the area a bit.
Q: In general, do you enjoy filming on location?
A: I enjoy shooting on location and getting to travel for roles for the simple pleasure that it’s fun to go places. I’ve been filming on location for extended periods, like when I shot “Eyewitness” in a small rural town in Ontario, Canada, that was meant to resemble a town in the Hudson River Valley.
Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?
A: This year has been quite hectic with my work schedule changing up a lot on such short notice, so I currently do not have any vacation trips planned on the calendar as of yet. However, I do intend to prioritize visiting both Italy and Japan. I am open to visiting almost anywhere. My travel plans are largely influenced by the cuisine and work opportunities.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Martha’s Vineyard. There’s nothing like New England in the summertime. I spent several summers in my teenage years renting a room on the island and working there in various jobs at an ice cream shop and a fine-dining Italian restaurant. It’s my absolute favorite place on the planet aside from my hometown of Ojai, California. And they filmed “Jaws” there!
Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?
A: Spending part of the year in Amsterdam when I was seven years old was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to visit the Van Gogh Museum, which truly inspired me. We stayed at a cool old hotel called the De L’Europe, where I used to sit in the bay window and watch the trams pass by below, drawing them. I am still an active painter and drawer today, and I believe that trip had a significant influence on me.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Visiting Cornwall to see my English family. My mom is from London, so we have a lot of family there, and we started a new tradition after Dad passed away to visit my cousins, grandmother, and aunts and uncles for Christmas and New Year’s. When my sister and I were young, we used to spend every Thanksgiving in Mexico on a fishing boat with some close family friends. Those are some of my fondest memories. I enjoy breaking away from traditional holiday customs – making Italian food and pasta on Thanksgiving instead of the usual turkey and fixings.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: Yes, I am fluent in Spanish.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: London and New York City are the top cities in my opinion. Toronto is also right up there with them. Toronto offers amazing food and is the most multicultural city in the world!
Q: When you travel, what are some essential items you must have?
A: I always need some nice shirts, a couple of watches, and some good books.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: My worst vacation memory was a hectic experience leaving Madrid. The airport there is quite chaotic, and it was unfortunately due to a weather-related issue. Long story short, I ended up getting strip searched. My best vacation memory is a tie between visiting Cape Cod with my family, London, and staying at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. These trips were all about being with my core family unit of my mother, dad, and sister, Lydia.
(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)
