Sigourney Weaver
Actress
Born
October 8, 1949
Birthplace
Manhattan, New York City, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$70 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Alien franchise; Ghostbusters; Gorillas in the Mist; Avatar
Sigourney Weaver Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Susan Alexandra Weaver |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1949 |
| Age | 76 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1972-present |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Married to director Jim Simpson (1984-present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Net Worth | ~$70 million |
| Known For | Defining Ellen Ripley in Alien |
Early Life & Background
Weaver is the daughter of NBC executive Sylvester Weaver and actress Elizabeth Inglis. She adopted the name Sigourney at 14 after a character in The Great Gatsby. After Stanford University, she earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama alongside classmates Meryl Streep and Christopher Durang.
Career Journey
Alien Legacy
Ridley Scott cast Weaver as warrant officer Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979). Her portrayal across sequels Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien Resurrection made Ripley a feminist action icon, earning Weaver an Oscar nomination for Aliens.
Versatile Roles
Weaver seamlessly shifted from sci-fi to comedies like Ghostbusters, dramas such as Gorillas in the Mist (Best Actress nomination) and Working Girl (Supporting Actress nomination), and stage performances on Broadway.
Late Career & Avatar
James Cameron recruited her for Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), where she played Dr. Grace Augustine and teenage Na'vi Kiri. She continues to appear in indies like Call Jane and series like The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.
Current Work
Weaver is filming Avatar 3 and Avatar 4, starring in Amazon's limited series The Jeweled Forest, and narrating the PBS documentary Ocean Mothers focusing on whale conservation.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-1997 | Alien Franchise | Ellen Ripley | Sci-fi icon |
| 1984 | Ghostbusters | Dana Barrett | Comedy classic |
| 1988 | Gorillas in the Mist | Dian Fossey | Oscar nomination |
| 1988 | Working Girl | Katharine Parker | Oscar nomination |
| 1997 | The Ice Storm | Janey Carver | BAFTA win |
| 1999 | Galaxy Quest | Gwen DeMarco | Cult favorite |
| 2009-2026 | Avatar Sequels | Dr. Grace Augustine/Kiri | Global blockbusters |
| 2023 | The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart | June Hart | Amazon drama |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Saturn Awards | Best Actress | Aliens | Won |
| 1989 | Academy Awards | Best Actress | Gorillas in the Mist | Nominated |
| 1989 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Working Girl | Nominated |
| 1998 | BAFTA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | The Ice Storm | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$70 million (2026)
Income streams include franchise salaries, backend participation on Avatar sequels, stage royalties, audiobook narration, and Manhattan real estate investments.
Personal Life
Weaver resides in New York City with Jim Simpson, often appearing in his theater productions. She enjoys hiking, sailing in Maine, and volunteering at the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
A long-time supporter of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Weaver also champions environmental causes, ocean conservation, and women's health. She serves on the board of the Trickle Up Program aiding global entrepreneurs.
Social Media Presence
Weaver keeps a low digital footprint; official news appears through studio channels and environmental organizations she supports.
Lesser-Known Facts
- She is bilingual in English and French.
- Weaver stands nearly six feet tall, which initially made casting difficult early in her career.
- She provided voice work for Disney Parks' Avatar Flight of Passage ride.
- She once performed improv comedy with Christopher Durang in New York clubs.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Weaver is completing motion capture for Avatar 3 in Wellington, hosting the 2026 Global Citizen environmental gala, and debuting Ocean Mothers on PBS, blending narration with advocacy for whale sanctuaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Sigourney Weaver?
Sigourney Weaver is an American actress known for playing Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise and for award-nominated roles in Gorillas in the Mist and Working Girl.
What is Sigourney Weaver most famous for?
She is most famous for redefining the female action hero archetype with Ellen Ripley and for appearing in Ghostbusters and Avatar.
Is Sigourney Weaver active on social media?
No. Weaver does not run personal social accounts; updates come via official press releases and environmental organizations.