For decades, movie heroes were overwhelmingly male. But in 1979, Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ellen Ripley in Alienshattered that mold. Ripley proved that women could be just as heroic, resourceful, and compelling as their male counterparts. Her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable terror inspired generations of young women. Weaver reprised the iconic role in three sequels, including Aliens (1986), widely considered one of the greatest sci-fi action films ever made.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with Weaver, and she has often acknowledged the impact Ripley has had on audiences. She credits the writers and directors she collaborated with – including Ridley Scott, James Cameron, and David Fincher – for shaping the character’s enduring legacy.(Click on the media bar below to hear Sigourney Weaver)
