Sigourney Weaver
Early Life
Sigourney Weaver was born as Susan Alexandra Weaver on October 8, 1949, in Manhattan, New York City. Her father, Sylvester L. Weaver Jr., was a notable television producer, known for his work in the early days of American television broadcasting. Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was a British actress who had a successful career in Hollywood. Weaver’s interest in acting was sparked at a young age, influenced by her mother's career and the artistic environment in which she was raised.
Education
Weaver attended the Ethel Walker School, a girls' preparatory school in Simsbury, Connecticut. She later transferred to the Chapin School and the Brearley School in New York City. After graduating from high school, Weaver went on to study English at Stanford University. During her time at Stanford, she was involved in the university's theater productions, which further fueled her passion for acting. Weaver then attended the Yale School of Drama, where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1974.
Career
Early Career
Weaver began her acting career in off-Broadway plays before making her Broadway debut in 1975 with the play "A Flea in Her Ear". She made her film debut in the 1977 film "Annie Hall", directed by Woody Allen. However, it was her role in the 1979 film "Alien" that catapulted her to stardom.
Breakthrough with "Alien"
In the science fiction horror film "Alien", Weaver played the role of Ellen Ripley, a warrant officer aboard the commercial spaceship Nostromo. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Weaver's performance was widely praised. Her portrayal of Ripley, a strong and independent woman, was groundbreaking at the time and has since been considered a significant milestone in the representation of women in cinema.
Continued Success
Weaver continued to enjoy success in the 1980s with films like "Ghostbusters" and its sequel "Ghostbusters II", where she played the character Dana Barrett. She reprised her role as Ellen Ripley in the sequels to "Alien", earning her first Academy Award nomination for "Aliens" in 1986. In 1988, Weaver starred in the film "Gorillas in the Mist", a biographical film about the life of primatologist Dian Fossey. Her performance in the film earned her a second Academy Award nomination. That same year, she also received a third Academy Award nomination for her role in the film "Working Girl".
Personal Life
Weaver married stage director Jim Simpson in 1984. The couple has one daughter, Charlotte Simpson, born in 1990. Weaver is known for her environmental activism and is a board member of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Legacy
Weaver's career has spanned over four decades, and she has established herself as one of the leading actresses in Hollywood. Her portrayal of strong, independent women has been influential in changing the portrayal of women in film. Weaver has received several awards and nominations for her performances, including three Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award.