Ridley Scott’s iconic “Alien” is arguably the greatest (and possibly scariest) sci-fi horror movie ever made. Its ominous tagline “In space no one can hear you scream” didn’t stop millions of viewers around the world from doing precisely that.
It proved a massive success, both commercially and critically. From a budget of around $10.7 million, it grossed over $188 million worldwide (per The Numbers) and its Rotten Tomatoes score is an impressive 93%. “Alien” was also nominated for two Academy Awards. They were Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects — and it won the latter.
The movie follows the crew of the commercial space tug “Nostromo” investigating a derelict space vessel, only to find themselves being hunted by a highly deadly extra-terrestrial creature that has come to be known as a Xenomorph.
“Alien’s” cast is fabulous and includes Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt. It was released in the United States on May 25, 1979, meaning — rather incredibly — it turns 47 this year. Wouldn’t it be interesting to compare its cast as they were then to how they are now? Let’s do exactly that…
Sigourney Weaver (Ellen Ripley)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Sigourney Weaver in “Alien.”
Prolific Academy Award-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver played Ellen Ripley in “Alien.” Ripley is the intelligent and resourceful warrant officer of the Nostromo who is the sole survivor of the eponymous creature’s deadly rampage. She has subsequently become an iconic final girl of the horror genre.
Age when “Alien” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: Annie Hall (1977), Madman (1978).
GettyAge now: 76.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: Ghostbusters (1984), Gorillas in the Mist (1988), Avatar (2009).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Tom Skerritt (Dallas)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Tom Skerritt in “Alien.”
Actor and director Tom Skerritt played Dallas in “Alien.” Dallas is the calm and experienced captain of the Nostromo who makes the ultimately deadly decision to investigate the distress signal that results in the eponymous alien coming aboard.
Age when “Alien” released: 45.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: M*A*S*H (1970), The Turning Point (1977), Up in Smoke (1978).
GettyAge now: 92.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: Top Gun (1986), Steel Magnolias (1989), Contact (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Veronica Cartwright (Lambert)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Veronica Cartwright in “Alien.”
Sci-fi and horror veteran Veronica Cartwright played Lambert in “Alien.” Lambert is the anxious and emotional navigator of the Nostromo whose presence in the movie provides much of its vulnerability and raw terror.
Age when “Alien” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: The Birds (1963), One Man’s Way (1964), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).
GettyAge now: 76.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: Flight of the Navigator (1986), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Harry Dean Stanton (Brett)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Harry Dean Stanton in “Alien.”
Harry Dean Stanton played Brett in “Alien.” Brett is a man of few words and the Nostromo’s engineering technician.
Age when “Alien” released: 52.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), The Godfather Part II (1974).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 91.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: Escape from New York (1981), Pretty in Pink (1986), The Avengers (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
John Hurt (Kane)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated actor John Hurt played Kane in “Alien.” Kane the executive officer of the Nostromo who becomes the first victim of the eponymous creature. When it violently burst out of his chest, it became one of the most shocking and iconic moments in cinema history.
Age when “Alien” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: A Man for All Seasons (1966), In Search of Gregory (1969), Midnight Express (1978).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 77.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: The Elephant Man (1980), Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984), King Ralph (1991).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Ian Holm (Ash)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Ian Holm in “Alien.”
Academy Award-nominated British character actor Ian Holm played Ash in “Alien.” Ash is the Nostromo’s science officer who is ultimately revealed to be an android with the hidden agenda of delivering the eponymous alien specimen to Earth.
Age when “Alien” released: 47.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1968), Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), Robin and Marian (1976).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2020 aged 88.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: Chariots of Fire (1981), Brazil (1985), The Fifth Element (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Yaphet Kotto (Parker)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Yaphet Kotto in “Alien.”
Film and television actor Yaphet Kotto played Parker in “Alien.” Parker is the Nostromo’s outspoken and no-nonsense chief engineer who clashes with his superiors and fights for fair treatment.
Age when “Alien” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Alien”: Across 110th Street (1972), Live and Let Die (1973), Blue Collar (1978).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2021 aged 81.
Selected movie credits after “Alien”: The Running Man (1987), Midnight Run (1988), Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).
Filmography info per IMDb.
“Alien” is one of those movies that is genuinely timeless. It undoubtedly still holds up well in every way to this day. It’s atmospheric, suspenseful, utterly terrifying, and acted superbly by its brilliant cast. It spawned a franchise that includes three sequels, three prequels, and two crossovers with the “Predator” franchise. Simply put, it’s a seminal movie that there’s never a bad time to watch.
May Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto rest in eternal peace.
