Sigourney Weaver is a legendary American actress celebrated for her powerful performances in iconic roles across science fiction, drama, and comedy.
She is best known for portraying Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise and for memorable parts in Ghostbusters, the Avatar series, and numerous acclaimed films.
Her versatile talent and strong screen presence have made her one of Hollywood’s most respected figures over the past five decades.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Sigourney Weaver
- Stage Name: Sigourney Weaver
- Born: October 8, 1949
- Age: 76 years old
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Occupation: Actress
- Height: 180 cm
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Sylvester Laflin Weaver Jr. and Elizabeth Inglis
- Siblings: Trajan Weaver
- Spouse: Jim Simpson
- Children: Charlotte Simpson
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $60 million USD
Early Life and Education
Sigourney Weaver was born on October 8, 1949, in New York City, New York, United States. She was raised by her parents, Sylvester Laflin Weaver Jr. and Elizabeth Inglis, in a prominent media family where her father served as president of NBC and her mother was an English actress.
Her ethnicity is Caucasian. She grew up having one sibling, Trajan Weaver. She changed her name from Susan Alexandra Weaver to Sigourney at age 14, inspired by a character in The Great Gatsby.
She attended The Chapin School and The Brearley School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Stanford University in 1972. She later received a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University School of Drama. Her religion is Christianity.
Career
Sigourney Weaver began her acting career with off-Broadway productions and small television roles in the 1970s. She achieved breakthrough stardom in 1979 with her portrayal of Ellen Ripley in Ridley Scott’s Alien, establishing herself as a pioneering female action hero.
She reprised the role in Aliens, earning an Academy Award nomination, along with sequels that cemented her legacy in science fiction.
Her diverse filmography includes starring roles in Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl, Avatar and its sequels, and Kiri, as well as recent projects such as The Gorge and Dust Bunny, and upcoming appearances in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.
She has received three Academy Award nominations, multiple Golden Globe nominations, and various honours for her work in theatre and film.
Weaver has also lent her voice to animated projects and produced content while advocating for environmental causes and women’s rights in the industry. She continues to deliver compelling performances that challenge norms and inspire new generations of actors.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award nominations for Aliens, Gorillas in the Mist, and Working Girl
- Golden Globe Awards and nominations
- Saturn Award for Best Actress
- Grammy Award nomination
- Primetime Emmy Award nominations
- Tony Award nomination
Social Media
- Instagram: @sigourneyweaver
Personal Life
Sigourney Weaver, 76, has been married to director and producer Jim Simpson since 1984. No other past relationships are widely publicized.
The couple has one daughter, Charlotte Simpson, born in 1990. She maintains a private family life focused on creative pursuits and environmental activism while balancing her long-standing Hollywood career. Her height is 180 cm.
Net Worth
Sigourney Weaver’s net worth is estimated at $60 million USD. Her income primarily comes from decades of acclaimed acting roles in major film franchises along with residuals from blockbuster hits, voice work, producing credits, theatre performances, and brand endorsements.
Filmography
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
- Working Girl (1988)
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)
- The Gorge (2025)
- Dust Bunny (2025)
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)