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50 Facts About Sigourney Weaver

Hilary Gomes

Written by Hilary Gomes

Modified & Updated: 11 Oct 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Britannica.com

Who is Sigourney Weaver? Sigourney Weaver, born Susan Alexandra Weaver on October 8, 1949, in New York City, is a legendary actress known for her groundbreaking roles in science fiction and horror films. With a career spanning over four decades, she has become a household name, especially for her iconic portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the "Alien" franchise. Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch, Weaver's presence is as commanding off-screen as it is on. She holds degrees from Stanford University and Yale Drama School, showcasing her dedication to her craft. Beyond acting, Weaver is an environmental activist and advocate for gender equality in Hollywood.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sigourney Weaver, born Susan Alexandra Weaver, is an iconic actress known for her towering height, diverse roles, and impactful humanitarian efforts. She has left a lasting mark on Hollywood and the world.
  • From her breakout role in "Alien" to her environmental activism, Sigourney Weaver's legacy as an actress and advocate continues to inspire new generations, earning her numerous awards and accolades.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Background
02Education and Early Career
03Breakthrough and Iconic Roles
04Awards and Recognitions
05Versatility and Impact
06Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
07Humanitarian Efforts and Activism
08Fun Facts and Trivia
09Legacy and Influence
10Sigourney Weaver's Lasting Legacy

Early Life and Background

Sigourney Weaver, born Susan Alexandra Weaver, has an intriguing background that shaped her into the iconic actress we know today.

  1. Birth Name and Early Life: Weaver was born Susan Alexandra Weaver on October 8, 1949, in New York City. She adopted the name "Sigourney" at 14 after discovering it in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby."

  2. Family Background: Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was an English actress, and her father, Sylvester L. Weaver Jr., was the president of NBC.

  3. Height and Physical Appearance: Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Weaver is one of Hollywood's tallest leading ladies.

Education and Early Career

Weaver's academic journey and initial steps into acting laid the foundation for her illustrious career.

  1. Education: She attended Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature in 1971. Later, she graduated from Yale Drama School with a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1974.

  2. Early Career: Before her big break, Weaver acted in off-Broadway shows and had a small part as Woody Allen's movie date in "Annie Hall" (1977).

  3. First Job: Her first job was as an understudy in Sir John Gielgud's production of "The Constant Wife," starring Ingrid Bergman.

Breakthrough and Iconic Roles

Weaver's career took off with roles that have become legendary in film history.

  1. Breakthrough Role: Her breakthrough came in 1979 with "Alien," where she played Ellen Ripley, a role that catapulted her to stardom.

  2. Alien Franchise: Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley is ranked #8 on Premiere magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. She reprised this role in "Aliens" (1986), earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

  3. Ghostbusters: Her role as Dana Barrett in "Ghostbusters" (1984) and its sequel "Ghostbusters II" (1988) showcased her comedic skills.

  4. Working Girl: In 1988, Weaver starred in "Working Girl," earning two Golden Globe Awards for her roles in "Gorillas in the Mist" and "Working Girl."

Awards and Recognitions

Weaver's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations.

  1. Golden Globe Awards: She won two Golden Globe Awards in the same year for "Gorillas in the Mist" and "Working Girl" (1988).

  2. Saturn Award: Weaver won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her role in "Aliens" (1986).

  3. British Academy Film Award: She won the British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Ice Storm" (1997).

  4. Tony Award Nomination: Weaver was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in David Rabe's play "Hurlyburly" (1984).

Versatility and Impact

Weaver's versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on a wide range of roles, making a significant impact in Hollywood.

  1. Versatility in Roles: She has played diverse characters, from action heroes to resilient women, showcasing her range as an actress.

  2. Impact on Hollywood: Weaver has made a significant impact in Hollywood with her timeless elegance and talent, earning three Academy Award nominations and winning two Golden Globe Awards.

  3. Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

  4. National Film Registry: Weaver has appeared in four films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress: "Annie Hall," "Alien," "Ghostbusters," and "WALL·E."

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

Weaver's career is filled with interesting behind-the-scenes stories that highlight her dedication and talent.

  1. Alien Resurrection: In "Alien Resurrection" (1997), Weaver made a memorable basketball shot backwards on the first take, impressing her co-star Ron Perlman.

  2. Salary for Alien Resurrection: Her salary for "Alien Resurrection" was more than the entire cost of "Alien" (1979).

  3. The Village: Weaver suffered nightmares for two weeks after reading the screenplay for "The Village" (2004).

  4. Injury During Snow Cake: She injured her knee during the shooting of "Snow Cake" (2006) and had to stop exercising for a year.

Humanitarian Efforts and Activism

Beyond her acting career, Weaver is known for her humanitarian efforts and activism.

  1. Environmental Activism: Weaver is a passionate environmental activist involved in various campaigns and organizations dedicated to protecting the planet.

  2. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: She supports the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and is now its honorary chairperson.

  3. Gender Equality Advocate: Weaver has been an advocate for gender equality in the film industry, speaking out about the need for more opportunities for women.

  4. Friendship with Jane Fonda: She has a close friendship with fellow actress and environmental activist Jane Fonda, collaborating on projects to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Weaver's life and career are filled with fun facts and trivia that fans will love.

  1. Language Skills: Weaver speaks French and German fluently.

  2. Metroid Inspiration: Her character Ellen Ripley inspired the Metroid video game heroine, Samus Aran.

  3. Empire Magazine Rankings: Weaver was ranked #71 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list and #81 in Empire magazine's "The 100 Sexiest Stars in film history."

  4. Batman Returns Consideration: She was considered for the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in "Batman Returns" (1992), which went to Michelle Pfeiffer.

  5. Current Residences: Weaver currently resides in New York City and Santa Barbara, California.

  6. Friendships with Selina Cadell and Jamie Lee Curtis: She is friends with Selina Cadell and Jamie Lee Curtis.

  7. Song Tribute: Singer/songwriter Mike Garrigan wrote a song entitled "Sigourney Weaver" that pays tribute to the actress.

  8. Cannes Film Festival Jury Member: Weaver was a member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998.

  9. Empire Magazine Sexiest Stars: She was chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#74) in 2007.

Legacy and Influence

Weaver's legacy extends beyond her film roles, influencing new generations of filmmakers and actors.

  1. Collaborations with Renowned Directors: Weaver has worked with renowned directors such as James Cameron, Ridley Scott, and Peter Weir, resulting in some of her most memorable performances.

  2. Impact on Hollywood: Weaver's influence in Hollywood is undeniable, with her performances inspiring countless actors and filmmakers.

  3. Environmental Campaigns: Weaver's involvement in environmental campaigns has raised awareness about crucial issues, making a lasting impact.

  4. Humanitarian Efforts: Her advocacy for gender equality and environmental conservation has inspired many to take action.

  5. Legacy and Influence: Weaver's legacy as an actress continues to inspire new generations, with her performances and activism leaving a lasting mark on the world.

  6. Friendship with Jane Fonda: Weaver's close friendship with Jane Fonda has led to collaborations on various projects aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues.

  7. Broadway Performances: Weaver has earned critical acclaim for her performances in Broadway productions, including her role in David Rabe's play "Hurlyburly."

  8. Versatility in Roles: Weaver's ability to play a diverse range of characters has showcased her immense talent and versatility as an actress.

  9. Impact on Hollywood: Weaver's contributions to Hollywood have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her status as an iconic actress.

  10. Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Weaver's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

  11. National Film Registry: Weaver's appearances in films selected for the National Film Registry highlight her significant contributions to cinema.

  12. Collaborations with Renowned Directors: Weaver's work with directors like James Cameron and Ridley Scott has resulted in some of her most memorable performances.

  13. Environmental Campaigns: Weaver's dedication to environmental activism has made a lasting impact on the world.

  14. Humanitarian Efforts: Weaver's advocacy for gender equality and environmental conservation continues to inspire others to take action.

  15. Legacy and Influence: Sigourney Weaver's legacy as an actress and activist will continue to inspire future generations, leaving a lasting mark on the world.

Sigourney Weaver's Lasting Legacy

Sigourney Weaver has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. From her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the "Alien" franchise to her comedic turn in "Ghostbusters," she's shown incredible range. Her work in "Gorillas in the Mist" and "The Ice Storm" earned her critical acclaim and awards. Beyond acting, Weaver is a passionate environmental activist, supporting causes like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Her influence extends to inspiring video game characters and earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a career spanning over four decades, Weaver's contributions to film and her advocacy for women's rights and environmental conservation make her a true icon. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, proving that talent, versatility, and dedication can create a lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What movies made Sigourney Weaver famous?
Sigourney Weaver skyrocketed to fame with her role as Ellen Ripley in the "Alien" series. Her performance in these sci-fi classics not only made her a household name but also earned her a reputation as a pioneering female action star. Beyond the "Alien" franchise, her roles in "Ghostbusters," "Avatar," and "Gorillas in the Mist" further cemented her status as a versatile and acclaimed actress.
How many awards has Sigourney Weaver won?
Over her illustrious career, Sigourney Weaver has bagged several prestigious awards. While specifics might vary, she's been honored with a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "The Ice Storm" and has received multiple Academy Award nominations. Her talent has also been recognized with Golden Globe wins, showcasing her exceptional skills across various genres.
Did Sigourney Weaver perform her own stunts in the "Alien" movies?
Yes, Sigourney Weaver performed many of her own stunts in the "Alien" movies, showcasing her dedication to the role of Ellen Ripley. Her willingness to tackle physical challenges head-on added authenticity to her character and helped create some of the most memorable moments in the franchise.
What is Sigourney Weaver's real name?
Sigourney Weaver was born Susan Alexandra Weaver. She chose "Sigourney" from a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" as her stage name, a unique moniker that has since become iconic in the world of cinema.
Has Sigourney Weaver worked with any famous directors?
Absolutely, Sigourney Weaver has collaborated with some of the most renowned directors in Hollywood. She's worked under the direction of James Cameron in "Aliens" and "Avatar," Ridley Scott in the original "Alien," and David Fincher in "Alien 3." These collaborations have produced critically acclaimed films that highlight Weaver's dynamic range as an actress.
What kind of roles does Sigourney Weaver typically play?
Sigourney Weaver is known for her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres. She's most celebrated for her strong, resilient characters in science fiction and action films, like Ellen Ripley in "Alien." However, she's also shown her range in dramas, comedies, and voice roles in animated films, proving there's hardly a genre she can't conquer.
Is Sigourney Weaver involved in any environmental causes?
Yes, Sigourney Weaver is a passionate advocate for environmental causes. She's been involved in various initiatives aimed at protecting the planet's biodiversity, including efforts to conserve ocean habitats and combat climate change. Her dedication to these causes reflects her commitment to making a positive impact off-screen as well.

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