All 14 ‘Alien’ Franchise Actors Who Died
The ‘Alien’ franchise, kicking off with Ridley Scott’s chilling ‘Alien’ (1979), redefined sci-fi horror with its tale of the Xenomorph, a deadly extraterrestrial creature. Over four decades, the series has grown to include sequels, prequels, and crossovers, each brought to life by talented actors who faced the terror of the Xenomorphs and the shady Weyland-Yutani corporation.
Sadly, many of these performers are no longer with us, leaving behind unforgettable roles that shaped the franchise’s legacy. From the Nostromo’s doomed crew to the gritty marines of LV-426, we honor the actors who passed away and the characters they brought to life.
1. Pete Postlethwaite
Pete Postlethwaite played David in ‘Alien Resurrection’ (1997), a scientist whose voice added depth to the film’s eerie tone. His rawboned look and commanding presence made him a standout in the franchise’s fourth installment. A versatile actor, he was known for roles in ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995) and ‘In the Name of the Father’ (1993), earning an Oscar nomination for the latter.
Postlethwaite passed away in January 2011 at 64 from pancreatic cancer. His work across stage and screen, including stints with the Royal Shakespeare Company, left a lasting mark, and his brief but memorable role in the ‘Alien’ series remains a fan favorite.
2. Brian Glover
Brian Glover portrayed Harold Andrews in ‘Alien³’ (1992), the stern superintendent of the prison planet Fiorina 161. A former wrestler turned actor, Glover brought grit to the role, with his distinctive voice also heard in ‘Tetley Tea’ ads and films like ‘Kes’ (1969).
He passed away in July 1997 at 63 due to a brain tumor. Glover’s rugged charm and stage experience with the Royal National Theatre made his performance in the bleak ‘Alien³’ unforgettable, adding humanity to the grim setting.
3. Tip Tipping
Tip Tipping played Private Crowe in ‘Aliens’ (1986), a Colonial Marine who met a grim fate on LV-426. Known for his stunt work in films like ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989), Tipping’s athleticism brought intensity to his brief role in James Cameron’s action-packed sequel.
Tragically, Tipping died in February 1993 at 34 in a parachuting accident. His contribution to ‘Aliens’ added to the film’s high-energy chaos, and his loss was felt deeply in the stunt community.
4. Bolaji Badejo
Bolaji Badejo was the towering figure inside the Xenomorph suit in ‘Alien’ (1979). At 6 feet 10 inches, the Nigerian design student gave the creature its haunting, otherworldly movement, making it a horror icon. He returned to Nigeria after filming to focus on his art, declining sequel roles.
Badejo passed away in December 1992 at 39 from sickle cell anemia. His singular performance remains a cornerstone of the franchise, with the Xenomorph’s eerie presence still terrifying audiences.
5. Paul Maxwell
Paul Maxwell appeared as Van Leuwin in ‘Aliens’ (1986), a corporate figure grilling Ripley during her inquiry. The Canadian actor, known for roles in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989), brought a sharp authority to his brief but pivotal scene.
Maxwell died in December 1991 at 70 from cancer. His performance added to the franchise’s theme of corporate greed, and his extensive career in film and TV left a quiet but steady legacy.
6. Yaphet Kotto
Yaphet Kotto played Parker, the Nostromo’s chief engineer in ‘Alien’ (1979), whose humor and bravery shone in his final stand against the Xenomorph. Kotto, a standout in ‘Live and Let Die’ (1973) and ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ (1993-1999), turned down roles in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Star Trek’ to avoid typecasting.
He passed away in March 2021 at 81. Kotto’s powerful presence and chemistry with co-star Harry Dean Stanton gave ‘Alien’ its grounded, human heart, making his loss deeply felt.
7. Bill Paxton
Bill Paxton played Private Hudson in ‘Aliens’ (1986), the wise-cracking Marine whose iconic line ‘Game over, man!’ became a franchise hallmark. Paxton’s roles in ‘Titanic’ (1997) and ‘Apollo 13’ (1995) showcased his versatility, and his work with James Cameron made him a sci-fi staple.
Paxton died in February 2017 at 61 from a stroke following heart surgery. His infectious energy and memorable performance in ‘Aliens’ continue to resonate with fans.
8. Harry Dean Stanton
Harry Dean Stanton played Brett, the Nostromo’s engineering technician in ‘Alien’ (1979), whose quiet demeanor led to one of the film’s most chilling deaths. With a career spanning ‘Paris, Texas’ (1984) and ‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974), Stanton’s understated style was unforgettable.
He passed away in September 2017 at 91 from heart failure. Stanton’s haunting scene in ‘Alien’ and his decades-long career made him a beloved figure in cinema.
9. John Hurt
John Hurt portrayed Kane in ‘Alien’ (1979), delivering the franchise’s most iconic death with the chestburster scene. A celebrated actor, Hurt starred in ‘The Elephant Man’ (1980) and ‘1984’ (1984), earning Oscar nominations and a knighthood in 2015.
Hurt died in January 2017 at 77 from pancreatic cancer. His gripping performance in ‘Alien’ set the tone for the franchise’s horror, cementing his legacy as a master of the craft.
10. Ian Holm
Ian Holm played Ash, the android science officer in ‘Alien’ (1979), whose betrayal shocked audiences. A stage veteran with roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (2001-2003) as Bilbo Baggins, Holm was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to drama.
Holm passed away in June 2020 at 88 from Parkinson’s-related illness. His chilling performance as Ash added a layer of menace to ‘Alien,’ and his likeness returned in ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024) via CGI, sparking debate among fans.
11. Helen Horton
Helen Horton lent her voice to Mother, the Nostromo’s computer in ‘Alien’ (1979), creating an eerie, detached presence that heightened the film’s tension. Her voice work was crucial to the ship’s ominous atmosphere.
Though she had few major on-screen roles, Horton appeared in ‘Superman III’ (1983) and was the grandmother of actress Lily James. She passed away in 2007 at 83, her contribution to ‘Alien’ still resonating with us.
12. Eddie Powell
Eddie Powell, a stuntman, shared the role of the Xenomorph in ‘Alien’ (1979) alongside Bolaji Badejo, helping bring the creature’s terrifying movements to life in key scenes. His stunt work was vital to the film’s visceral horror.
Powell’s career included stunts in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989) and ‘Daylight’ (1996). He passed away in 2000 at 73 from heart failure complications, his work still iconic in the genre.
13. Steven Gilborn
Steven Gilborn voiced Father, the computer in ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997), adding a cold, mechanical tone to the film’s futuristic setting. His voice work echoed the franchise’s theme of impersonal technology.
Known for roles in ‘Evolution’ (2001) and ‘Doctor Dolittle’ (1998), Gilborn was a familiar face in film and TV. He passed away in 2009 at 72 from cancer, leaving a solid legacy in supporting roles.
14. Lloyd Berry
Lloyd Berry played Homeless Harry in ‘AVPR: Aliens vs. Predator – Requiem’ (2007), a small but memorable role in the crossover film. His performance added grit to the human-alien conflict, meeting a grim end in the sewers.
Berry was known for roles in ‘Jumanji’ (1995) and ‘Scary Movie’ (2000). He died in 2016 at 89 in Surrey, British Columbia, leaving behind a varied career in film
The ‘Alien’ franchise owes much to these actors, whose performances brought humanity and terror to the Xenomorph’s universe. Their work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and fans alike.
Which ‘Alien’ character’s performance left the biggest impact on you, or did we miss someone who deserves a shoutout? Share your thoughts in the comments!
