Sigourney Weaver’s Career: From ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘The Gorge’

Sigourney Weaver is an American actress who has become a cultural icon through her groundbreaking roles in science fiction and action films. She rose to fame in the late 1970s and quickly established herself as a leading lady capable of portraying intelligent, strong, and complex characters. Her career has spanned over five decades, showcasing remarkable versatility in genres ranging from epic sci-fi to heartfelt drama and broad comedy.

Weaver’s influence extends beyond her individual performances; she redefined the role of women in action movies, proving that a female protagonist could lead a major blockbuster franchise. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including three Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe Awards. From her early days on the stage to her status as a Hollywood legend, Weaver has consistently chosen challenging roles that have left a lasting impact on cinema.

‘Annie Hall’ (1977)

This film is a romantic comedy directed by and starring Woody Allen. It tells the story of Alvy Singer, a neurotic comedian who reflects on his relationship with the free-spirited Annie Hall. The film is known for its non-linear narrative, breaking the fourth wall, and its witty observations on love, life, and psychoanalysis in New York City.

Sigourney Weaver made her film debut in a very brief, non-speaking role. She appears at the end of the movie as Alvy’s date outside a movie theater. Although she is only on screen for a few seconds, it marked her first appearance in a feature film, which would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

‘Madman’ (1978)

‘Madman’ is a thriller directed by Dan Cohen. The story is set in Jerusalem and follows an American student who becomes entangled in a dangerous and mysterious situation. The film builds suspense around its central character’s experiences in a foreign and unsettling environment.

In this early role, Sigourney Weaver played the character of Gale. It was one of her first credited film roles before she achieved international stardom. The part gave her more on-screen experience as she was beginning her career in the film industry.

‘Alien’ (1979)

This science-fiction horror film, directed by Ridley Scott, follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo. They are awakened from stasis when they intercept a distress signal from a nearby moon. After investigating, they unwittingly bring a deadly extraterrestrial creature on board their ship, which begins to hunt them one by one.

Weaver starred as Ellen Ripley, the ship’s warrant officer, in what would become her breakout role. Initially a supporting character, Ripley emerges as the sole survivor and hero. The performance established Weaver as a major star and her character, Ripley, became an iconic figure in cinema history, celebrated as one of the most significant female protagonists of all time.

‘Eyewitness’ (1981)

‘Eyewitness’ is a neo-noir thriller about a janitor in a New York office building who discovers the body of a murdered man. To get the attention of a television news reporter he is obsessed with, he pretends to know more about the crime than he actually does. This lie puts both of them in danger as they get drawn into a complex conspiracy.

Sigourney Weaver played Tony Sokolow, the ambitious and determined TV reporter. The role allowed her to move away from the science-fiction genre and demonstrate her abilities as a leading lady in a serious thriller. Her chemistry with co-star William Hurt was a central element of the film’s suspenseful plot.

‘The Year of Living Dangerously’ (1982)

This romantic drama, directed by Peter Weir, is set in Indonesia during the political turmoil of 1965. The story follows an Australian journalist who arrives in Jakarta to cover the escalating conflict. He navigates the dangerous political landscape with the help of a local photographer and becomes romantically involved with a British embassy attaché.

Weaver portrayed Jill Bryant, the intelligent and enigmatic embassy attaché. The film was a critical success and was praised for its atmospheric portrayal of a country on the brink of civil war. Weaver’s performance was noted for its depth and nuance, further establishing her as a versatile dramatic actress.

‘Deal of the Century’ (1983)

‘Deal of the Century’ is a satirical comedy directed by William Friedkin. The film stars Chevy Chase as a small-time arms dealer who gets in over his head when he tries to sell advanced military drones to a South American dictator. The movie satirizes the international arms trade and political corruption.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver played Catherine DeVoto, the widow of a competing arms dealer who teams up with the main character. The role gave Weaver an opportunity to explore her comedic talents in a politically charged black comedy, working alongside established comedians like Chevy Chase and Gregory Hines.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

This supernatural comedy classic follows three eccentric parapsychology professors in New York City who are fired from their university jobs. In response, they start their own business as professional ghost catchers, and soon find themselves facing a gateway to another dimension that threatens to destroy the city.

Weaver starred as Dana Barrett, a cellist who becomes the first client of the Ghostbusters after discovering paranormal activity in her apartment building. Her character is central to the plot, as she is possessed by a demonic entity named Zuul. The film was a massive cultural phenomenon and a box office smash, showcasing Weaver’s comedic timing and making Dana Barrett an iconic character.

‘One Woman or Two’ (1985)

‘One Woman or Two’ is a French comedy film starring Gérard Depardieu. He plays an archeologist who discovers the fossil of the first French woman. An advertising agent, played by Weaver, wants to use his discovery for a perfume campaign, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver took on the role of Jessica Fitzgerald, performing in the French language. This part demonstrated her willingness to work in international cinema and her ability to handle a foreign language role. The film itself is a lighthearted romantic comedy that plays on cultural differences.

‘Half Moon Street’ (1986)

‘Half Moon Street’ is an erotic thriller based on a novel by Paul Theroux. The story is about a brilliant American academic living in London who is frustrated with her low-paying job. To supplement her income and find excitement, she begins working for an escort agency, which leads her into a dangerous relationship with a British diplomat involved in sensitive political negotiations.

Sigourney Weaver played the lead role of Dr. Lauren Slaughter. The character is complex and intelligent, challenging societal norms with her choices. The role was a bold one for Weaver, as it explored themes of female intellect, sexuality, and independence in a suspenseful political context.

‘Aliens’ (1986)

In this action-packed sequel to ‘Alien’, directed by James Cameron, Ellen Ripley is rescued after drifting through space for 57 years. She is debriefed by her former employers, who are skeptical of her story about the alien. When they lose contact with a colony on the same moon where her crew found the creature, Ripley reluctantly agrees to return as an advisor to a unit of colonial marines.

Weaver reprised her role as Ellen Ripley, but this time transformed the character into a formidable action hero. Her performance was universally praised for its intensity and emotional depth, particularly in her protective, maternal relationship with the young survivor, Newt. For this role, Weaver received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, a rare achievement for a performance in a science-fiction film.

‘Gorillas in the Mist’ (1988)

This biographical film tells the true story of naturalist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Africa. The movie chronicles her journey from an occupational therapist to a world-renowned primatologist, showing her fierce determination to save the gorillas from poachers, even at great personal cost.

Sigourney Weaver delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance as Dian Fossey. She completely embodied Fossey’s passion and unwavering commitment to her cause. The role earned Weaver a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and her second Academy Award nomination in the same year.

‘Working Girl’ (1988)

‘Working Girl’ is a comedy-drama about a smart and ambitious secretary from Staten Island who dreams of advancing her career. When her manipulative and condescending boss is laid up with a broken leg, the secretary seizes the opportunity to pitch her own business idea by pretending to have her boss’s job.

Weaver played Katharine Parker, the treacherous and sophisticated boss. She was widely praised for her comedic performance as the film’s glamorous villain. This role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and an Academy Award nomination, making her one of the few actors to be nominated for two acting Oscars in the same year.

‘Ghostbusters II’ (1989)

In the sequel to the 1984 blockbuster, the Ghostbusters have fallen on hard times after being sued for property damage. They are brought back into action when a river of supernatural slime and the spirit of a tyrannical 16th-century sorcerer threaten New York City. The team must reunite to save the city once again.

Sigourney Weaver returned to her role as Dana Barrett. In this film, she is a single mother working as an art restorer, and her infant son becomes the target of the evil sorcerer. Her character’s plight is the catalyst that brings the Ghostbusters back together, and she once again plays a central role in the supernatural conflict.

‘Alien³’ (1992)

The third installment in the ‘Alien’ franchise follows Ellen Ripley after she escapes from the planet of the aliens. Her escape pod crash-lands on a desolate penal colony inhabited by violent male prisoners. Ripley soon discovers that an alien creature was on her ship and is now loose in the facility, forcing her to lead the unarmed prisoners in a desperate fight for survival.

Weaver returned as Ellen Ripley, this time also serving as a co-producer. For the role, she famously shaved her head, and her character takes on a darker, more tragic arc. The film had a notoriously troubled production and received a mixed reception, but Weaver’s committed performance remained a strong point.

‘1492: Conquest of Paradise’ (1992)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this historical epic chronicles the voyages of Christopher Columbus to the New World. The film depicts his efforts to secure funding for his expedition, his first journey across the Atlantic, and the subsequent impact of European arrival on the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Sigourney Weaver played the role of Queen Isabella of Castile, the Spanish monarch who ultimately finances Columbus’s voyages. She portrayed the queen as an intelligent and powerful ruler, a crucial figure in one of the most significant events in world history. The film was released to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.

‘Dave’ (1993)

‘Dave’ is a political comedy about an ordinary man named Dave Kovic who runs a temporary employment agency and bears a striking resemblance to the President of the United States. He is secretly hired by the White House to impersonate the president after the real one suffers a debilitating stroke. Dave soon finds that he enjoys the job and starts to make positive changes in the country.

Weaver played Ellen Mitchell, the First Lady of the United States. Initially unaware of the impersonation, she is cold and estranged from her husband, but she gradually warms to Dave’s kind and honest nature. Weaver brought charm and grace to her role, providing the film with its romantic heart.

‘Death and the Maiden’ (1994)

This intense psychological thriller, directed by Roman Polanski, is based on the play of the same name. The story is set in an unnamed South American country after the fall of a dictatorship. A former political prisoner believes that a stranger who visits her home one night is the same man who tortured and raped her years ago while she was a captive of the regime.

Sigourney Weaver starred as Paulina Escobar, the tormented former prisoner. The role was emotionally and psychologically demanding, as her character holds the stranger captive and puts him on trial in her living room. Weaver delivered a powerful performance, capturing the profound trauma and moral ambiguity of a woman seeking justice for past atrocities.

‘Copycat’ (1995)

‘Copycat’ is a psychological thriller about a criminal profiler who specializes in serial killers. After being attacked by a killer she helped put away, she develops severe agoraphobia and becomes a recluse in her own home. She is forced to confront her fears when a new serial killer begins to copy the methods of famous murderers from the past, and she must help the police from the confines of her apartment.

Weaver played the lead role of Dr. Helen Hudson, the brilliant but traumatized profiler. Her performance convincingly portrayed the character’s intense fear and vulnerability, as well as her sharp intellect. The film is a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game that was praised for its tense atmosphere.

‘Jeffrey’ (1995)

‘Jeffrey’ is a romantic comedy based on an off-Broadway play. The film centers on a gay man in New York City who, fearing the emotional and physical risks of a relationship during the AIDS crisis, decides to become celibate. His resolve is immediately tested when he meets the man of his dreams.

Sigourney Weaver appeared in a memorable cameo role as Debra Moorhouse, a self-absorbed and new-age televangelist. She is portrayed as a guest on a talk show, offering absurd and unhelpful advice. The brief but hilarious performance showcased her flair for over-the-top comedy.

‘The Ice Storm’ (1997)

Directed by Ang Lee, ‘The Ice Storm’ is a drama set in suburban Connecticut during Thanksgiving weekend in 1973. The film explores the disillusionment and moral confusion of two neighboring families as they navigate adultery, generational conflict, and substance use. The story culminates during a severe ice storm that serves as a metaphor for the characters’ frozen emotional states.

Weaver played Janey Carver, a neighbor who is having an affair with the man next door. She delivered a nuanced and chilling performance as a cold, dissatisfied woman who acts as a catalyst for much of the film’s drama. The film was critically acclaimed for its sharp social commentary and strong ensemble cast.

‘Alien Resurrection’ (1997)

The fourth film in the ‘Alien’ series is set 200 years after the events of the previous movie. Military scientists on a space vessel successfully clone Ellen Ripley using her DNA from the penal colony. They also extract the alien queen embryo that was inside her, intending to breed and study the creatures. However, the aliens escape, and the new, more powerful Ripley clone must team up with a group of mercenaries to stop them.

Sigourney Weaver returned to her iconic role, but this time played a clone of Ripley who shares DNA with the aliens, giving her enhanced strength and a darker, more ambiguous personality. She also served as a co-producer on the film, which was noted for its distinct visual style and dark, comedic tone.

‘A Map of the World’ (1999)

‘A Map of the World’ is a drama based on the novel by Jane Hamilton. The film tells the story of a school nurse living on a small farm whose life is shattered when a neighbor’s child drowns in her pond in a tragic accident. In the aftermath, she is accused of child abuse by a vengeful member of the community, leading to her arrest and a painful legal battle.

Weaver starred as Alice Goodwin, the protagonist whose life is turned upside down. The role required a deeply emotional and complex performance, as her character deals with grief, guilt, and public condemnation. For her powerful portrayal, Weaver received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

‘Galaxy Quest’ (1999)

This satirical comedy film is a loving parody of ‘Star Trek’ and its devoted fandom. The story follows the cast of a defunct cult science-fiction television show who now spend their time at fan conventions. A group of real aliens, who mistook the show’s transmissions for historical documents, arrives to ask the actors for help in their war against a tyrannical reptilian warlord.

Sigourney Weaver played Gwen DeMarco, the actress who played Lieutenant Tawny Madison, the ship’s communications officer whose only job was to repeat the computer’s statements. The role hilariously satirized the often-sidelined roles for women in early sci-fi shows. The film has become a beloved cult classic, praised for its humor, heart, and clever writing.

‘Company Man’ (2000)

‘Company Man’ is a comedy that spoofs Cold War spy movies. The film is about a nerdy high school teacher in the 1950s who pretends to be a CIA agent to impress his overbearing wife. He is then mistaken for a real spy and gets caught up in a zany plot to overthrow the government of Cuba.

In this film, Weaver played Daisy Quimp, the demanding wife of the main character. Her performance added to the farcical and satirical tone of the movie. The film featured an ensemble cast of comedic actors, but it received largely negative reviews upon its release.

‘Heartbreakers’ (2001)

‘Heartbreakers’ is a romantic comedy about a mother-and-daughter team of con artists. The mother’s routine is to marry a wealthy man and then have her daughter seduce him, leading to a quick and profitable divorce. Their scheme hits a snag when they target a tobacco tycoon in Palm Beach, and the mother genuinely falls for one of their marks while the daughter falls for another man.

Weaver starred as the glamorous and manipulative mother, Max Conners, showcasing her comedic talents as a sophisticated grifter. She had strong chemistry with her co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt, who played her daughter. The film was a moderate box office success, praised for its witty script and the performances of its leads.

‘Tadpole’ (2002)

‘Tadpole’ is an independent comedy-drama about a precocious 15-year-old boy who is home from boarding school for Thanksgiving weekend. He is in love with his stepmother and is determined to win her affection, a plan that goes awry when he accidentally becomes involved with her best friend.

Sigourney Weaver played Eve Grubman, the stepmother who is the object of the young protagonist’s affection. The film was noted for its sharp, witty dialogue and was shot on digital video, giving it a distinct look. Weaver’s performance was praised for its grace and charm in a delicate and humorous role.

‘The Guys’ (2002)

Based on the play of the same name, ‘The Guys’ is a drama that takes place in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th attacks. The story follows a fire captain who lost eight of his men in the collapse of the World Trade Center. He seeks the help of a journalist to write the eulogies for their memorial services, and over the course of a few days, they form a bond as he shares his memories of the fallen firefighters.

Weaver starred as Joan, the journalist who helps the fire captain process his grief and honor his men. The film is a quiet and intimate two-person drama that focuses on the power of words and human connection in the face of immense tragedy. Weaver, who also co-produced, gave a subtle and compassionate performance.

‘Holes’ (2003)

‘Holes’ is a family adventure film based on the popular young adult novel. The movie tells the story of a boy who is wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention camp in the desert, where the inmates are forced to dig holes every day under the hot sun. He soon realizes that the warden is searching for something specific and becomes determined to uncover the mystery.

Sigourney Weaver played the villainous and intimidating Louise Walker, also known as The Warden. She was praised for her menacing and darkly comedic performance as the cruel overseer of the camp. The film was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its faithful adaptation of the beloved book.

‘Imaginary Heroes’ (2004)

‘Imaginary Heroes’ is a dark comedy-drama that centers on a suburban family whose seemingly perfect life is shattered after their oldest son, a champion swimmer, dies by suicide. The film explores how each family member copes with the tragedy in their own dysfunctional and often secret ways over the following year.

Weaver starred as Sandy Travis, the family’s matriarch. She delivered a complex performance as a mother who uses marijuana and biting humor to deal with her grief and the deep-seated problems within her family. The role allowed Weaver to explore a character dealing with profound loss in an unconventional way.

‘The Village’ (2004)

This psychological thriller, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is set in a remote, isolated 19th-century village. The community lives in constant fear of mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The village elders have strict rules to prevent anyone from entering the woods, but when a resident needs medicine from the outside world, one person must brave the forbidden territory.

Sigourney Weaver played Alice Hunt, one of the village elders and the mother of the film’s protagonist. She portrays a woman who carries the secrets of the community and struggles with the choices the elders have made to protect their way of life. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and its signature plot twist.

‘Snow Cake’ (2006)

‘Snow Cake’ is an independent drama about a quiet, middle-aged man who is traumatized after a fatal car accident. He seeks out the mother of the young woman who was killed in the crash, intending to offer his condolences. He discovers that the mother is a high-functioning autistic woman and ends up staying with her for a few days, forming an unlikely friendship.

Weaver played Linda Freeman, the autistic woman at the center of the story. She researched the role extensively to portray the condition authentically and received widespread critical acclaim for her detailed and moving performance. The role showcased her ability to disappear into a complex and challenging character.

‘The TV Set’ (2006)

‘The TV Set’ is a satirical comedy that offers an inside look at the frustrating process of creating a television show. The film follows an idealistic writer as he tries to get his pilot made without compromising his artistic vision. He must navigate the absurd demands of network executives, clueless actors, and test audiences.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver played Lenny, a driven and powerful network executive. Her character represents the commercial pressures that often clash with creative integrity in the television industry. The movie is a sharp and funny critique of Hollywood’s development process.

‘Infamous’ (2006)

‘Infamous’ is a biographical drama that chronicles the period of Truman Capote’s life when he was researching and writing his groundbreaking non-fiction novel, ‘In Cold Blood’. The film explores his complex and intimate relationship with the two convicted murderers at the center of the story, as well as his life among New York’s high society.

Weaver portrayed Babe Paley, a stylish socialite and a close friend of Truman Capote. She was part of a strong ensemble cast in this second film about the writing of ‘In Cold Blood’ to be released in a short period. Her character is one of Capote’s “swans,” the group of high-society women he confided in.

‘Happily N’Ever After’ (2007)

This computer-animated family film is a fractured fairy tale that imagines a world where the balance between good and evil is maintained by a wizard. When the wizard goes on vacation, his two assistants accidentally allow Cinderella’s wicked stepmother to get control of his magical staff, which she uses to tip the scales in favor of evil, threatening to ruin all the fairy tales’ happy endings.

Sigourney Weaver provided the voice for Frieda, the villainous stepmother. She delivered a comedic and menacing vocal performance as the power-hungry character who leads an army of fairy tale villains. This role allowed Weaver to showcase her voice acting talents in a major animated feature.

‘The Girl in the Park’ (2007)

‘The Girl in the Park’ is a drama that tells the story of a woman who is still grappling with grief and guilt 15 years after her three-year-old daughter disappeared from a playground. Her life has been frozen by the tragedy, and she has alienated her remaining family. Her world is turned upside down when she meets a troubled young woman who she begins to believe is her long-lost daughter.

Weaver gave a powerful lead performance as Julia Sandburg, the grieving mother. The film is an intense character study that explores the psychological toll of unresolved loss. Weaver’s portrayal of Julia’s fragility and desperate hope was highly praised by critics.

‘Vantage Point’ (2008)

‘Vantage Point’ is an action thriller that depicts an assassination attempt on the President of the United States during a summit in Spain. The story is told and re-told from the differing perspectives of eight different eyewitnesses, with each repetition revealing a new piece of the puzzle until the full conspiracy is uncovered.

In this film, Weaver played Rex Brooks, a television news producer who is covering the event. From her production truck, she directs the news coverage and reacts in real-time as the chaotic events unfold. Her character’s perspective provides a media-focused view of the attack as it happens.

‘Be Kind Rewind’ (2008)

This comedy, directed by Michel Gondry, is about a video store clerk whose best friend accidentally erases all the VHS tapes in the store after becoming magnetized. To keep their last remaining customer from finding out, the two friends decide to re-create and film their own low-budget versions of famous Hollywood movies in their backyard.

Sigourney Weaver appeared in a supporting role as Ms. Lawson, an agent from the Motion Picture Association of America who comes to investigate the store for copyright infringement. Her character represents the corporate side of the film industry, in contrast to the homemade, creative spirit of the main characters.

‘Baby Mama’ (2008)

‘Baby Mama’ is a comedy starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The film is about a successful but single businesswoman who, after learning she is infertile, hires a working-class woman to be her surrogate mother. The two women, who are complete opposites, are forced to live together, leading to a series of hilarious conflicts and an unlikely friendship.

Weaver played Chaffee Bicknell, the founder and owner of the surrogacy agency that the main character uses. Her performance as the incredibly fertile and smug businesswoman was a comedic highlight of the film. She delivered her lines with a perfect deadpan tone, adding another layer of humor to the story.

‘WALL·E’ (2008)

This acclaimed computer-animated film from Pixar is set in a distant future where humanity has abandoned Earth because it is covered in trash. The story follows a small, lonely waste-collecting robot named WALL•E who has been left behind to clean up the planet. His life changes when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE and embarks on an epic journey across the galaxy.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver provided the voice of the Axiom’s computer, the ship that houses all of humanity. Her role was a nod to her iconic performance in ‘Alien’, where she also interacted with a ship’s computer named Mother. The casting was an inside joke that was appreciated by fans of the sci-fi genre.

‘The Tale of Despereaux’ (2008)

‘The Tale of Despereaux’ is an animated fantasy film based on the children’s book of the same name. The story is about a small mouse with big ears who is an outcast because he is not afraid of things like cats and mousetraps. He dreams of adventure and falls in love with a human princess, which leads him on a quest to save her from a group of treacherous rats.

Sigourney Weaver served as the film’s narrator. Her warm and engaging voice guided the audience through the enchanting and sometimes dark fairy tale. Her narration provided the story with a classic, storybook feel, tying together the various plotlines of the film.

‘Avatar’ (2009)

Directed by James Cameron, ‘Avatar’ is a science-fiction epic set in the mid-22nd century on Pandora, a lush, inhabited moon in a distant star system. Humans are there to mine a valuable mineral, but the moon’s atmosphere is toxic to them. To explore Pandora, they use “avatars,” which are genetically engineered hybrid bodies of the native Na’vi species that are operated by a human’s consciousness.

Weaver played Dr. Grace Augustine, a brilliant xenobotanist who leads the Avatar Program. Her character is a staunch advocate for peaceful relations with the Na’vi and is dedicated to studying Pandora’s unique ecosystem. The film was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement and became the highest-grossing film of all time, a title it has held for most of the time since its release.

‘Crazy on the Outside’ (2010)

This comedy, directed by and starring Tim Allen, is about a man who is released from prison after serving three years for movie piracy. He tries to get his life back on track, but he must deal with his eccentric sister and her lying husband, as well as his former partner in crime who wants to pull him back into a dishonest life.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver played Vicky Zelda, the main character’s supportive and quirky sister. She provided much of the film’s comedic heart as a woman who is fiercely loyal to her brother, even if her methods of helping him are often unconventional.

‘You Again’ (2010)

‘You Again’ is a comedy about a young woman who learns that her brother is engaged to be married to her high school nemesis. The situation gets even more complicated when the bride’s glamorous aunt arrives and turns out to be the high school rival of the young woman’s mother. The film explores the idea that you can’t escape your past.

Weaver co-starred as Ramona “Aunt Mona” Clark, the wealthy and successful aunt. She engages in a hilarious rivalry with her former high school classmate, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. The film gave Weaver another opportunity to showcase her comedic skills in an ensemble cast.

‘Cedar Rapids’ (2011)

This independent comedy film centers on a naive and sheltered insurance agent from a small town in Wisconsin. He has never left his hometown, but he is sent to represent his company at an annual insurance convention in the “big city” of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There, his wholesome worldview is challenged by his hard-partying colleagues.

Weaver played Marcy Vanderhei, a married middle school teacher who has an affair with the main character during the convention. Her role was a brief but significant one, representing a moment of personal awakening for the protagonist. She brought a sense of warmth and complexity to the character.

‘Paul’ (2011)

‘Paul’ is a science-fiction comedy about two British comic book nerds who are on a road trip across America to attend Comic-Con. Along the way, they encounter a real alien named Paul who has escaped from a top-secret military base. They agree to help Paul get to his mothership, but they are pursued by federal agents and a religious fanatic.

Sigourney Weaver had a surprise cameo role as ‘The Big Guy’, the mysterious and ruthless government agent in charge of capturing Paul. Her appearance at the end of the film was a fun and unexpected nod to her legacy in the sci-fi genre, and she played the villain with comedic authority.

‘Abduction’ (2011)

‘Abduction’ is an action thriller about a young man who discovers that the people he thought were his parents actually kidnapped him as a child. He finds a picture of himself as a baby on a missing persons website, which triggers a chain of violent events. He and his neighbor must go on the run from mysterious forces as they try to uncover the truth about his real identity.

In this film, Weaver played Dr. Geraldine ‘Geri’ Bennett, the main character’s psychiatrist. It is revealed that her character is a former CIA operative who has been assigned to protect him. She serves as a guide and ally to the protagonist as he navigates the dangerous conspiracy surrounding his past.

‘Rampart’ (2011)

‘Rampart’ is a crime drama set in Los Angeles in 1999, during a scandal in the LAPD’s Rampart Division. The film follows a corrupt and violent veteran police officer whose career and personal life begin to unravel after he is caught on tape beating a suspect. The story is a dark and intense character study of a man on a self-destructive path.

Sigourney Weaver appeared in a supporting role as Joan Confrey, a police investigator who is looking into the main character’s wrongdoings. She represents the institutional forces that are closing in on the corrupt officer. Her performance was part of a strong ensemble cast in this gritty and controversial film.

‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)

This horror-comedy film cleverly deconstructs the clichés of the horror genre. The story starts with a familiar premise: five college students go on a weekend trip to a remote cabin and are terrorized by supernatural threats. However, it is soon revealed that the events are being manipulated by technicians in a high-tech underground facility.

Weaver made a surprise appearance at the end of the film as The Director, the head of the mysterious organization that orchestrates the horror scenarios. Her role was crucial to explaining the film’s elaborate mythology. Her cameo was a fun tribute to her status as a “scream queen” and an icon of the genre.

‘Red Lights’ (2012)

‘Red Lights’ is a supernatural thriller about two paranormal investigators who specialize in debunking fraudulent supernatural claims. The rational and skeptical pair, a university professor and her assistant, meet their greatest challenge when a world-renowned psychic, who disappeared for 30 years, re-emerges and is seen by many as a genuine miracle worker.

Weaver starred as Margaret Matheson, the seasoned and cynical lead investigator. Her character is haunted by a past event that has shaped her disbelief in the supernatural. The film explores the conflict between science and faith, and Weaver’s grounded performance anchored the story’s central debate.

‘The Cold Light of Day’ (2012)

This action thriller follows a young American man whose family is kidnapped while they are on a sailing vacation in Spain. He soon discovers that his father is actually a CIA agent and that his family’s lives are connected to a briefcase full of secret documents. He is left with no choice but to race against time to find his family and unravel a government conspiracy.

Weaver played Jean Carrack, a rogue CIA agent who is hunting for the same briefcase. She portrayed a ruthless and determined antagonist, adding another action-oriented villain role to her filmography. The film is a fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Madrid.

‘Vamps’ (2012)

‘Vamps’ is a romantic comedy-horror film about two socialite vampires living in modern-day New York City. They enjoy the nightlife, but they have sworn off drinking human blood and instead survive on rat blood. Their immortal existence is complicated when one of them falls in love with a mortal man and the other is pursued by a vampire hunter.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver played Cisserus, the ancient and powerful vampire who turned the two main characters into vampires centuries ago. She delivered a campy and theatrical performance as the glamorous and cruel queen vampire, providing much of the film’s comedic menace.

‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ (2014)

Directed by Ridley Scott, ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ is an epic biblical drama that tells the story of Moses. The film depicts his life as a member of the Egyptian royal family, his discovery of his Hebrew heritage, his defiance of the Pharaoh, and his quest to lead the Israelite slaves out of Egypt.

Weaver played Tuya, the mother of the Pharaoh Ramesses and the wife of Pharaoh Seti I. Although her role was relatively small in the final cut of the film, she brought a sense of royal authority and maternal concern to the character. This film marked her third collaboration with director Ridley Scott.

‘Chappie’ (2015)

‘Chappie’ is a science-fiction film set in the near future, where a mechanized police force patrols the crime-ridden streets of Johannesburg. One of the police droids is stolen and reprogrammed, becoming the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. This new form of artificial intelligence is seen as a threat by some and a miracle by others.

Sigourney Weaver played Michelle Bradley, the ruthless CEO of the weapons company that manufactures the police droids. Her character is a corporate villain who is more concerned with profit and power than with the ethical implications of her technology. She represents the opposing force to the film’s message about humanity and consciousness.

‘Finding Dory’ (2016)

This animated sequel to ‘Finding Nemo’ centers on the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory. Suddenly remembering that she has a family who may be searching for her, she embarks on a life-changing adventure to find them with the help of her friends Nemo and Marlin. Her journey takes them to a marine life institute in California.

In a unique and meta voice role, Sigourney Weaver played herself. She is the recorded voice of the marine life institute’s public address system, and her soothing narration is heard throughout the facility. Her presence in the film became a recurring joke, as the characters treat “Sigourney Weaver” as a helpful, omnipresent guide.

‘Ghostbusters’ (2016)

This supernatural comedy is a reboot of the classic franchise, featuring an all-female team of Ghostbusters. The story follows two paranormal researchers, a nuclear engineer, and a subway worker who team up to fight ghosts and save New York City from a supernatural threat unleashed by an occultist.

Weaver made a cameo appearance in a mid-credits scene as Dr. Rebecca Gorin, a cynical and eccentric mentor to one of the main characters. Her appearance was a nod to her iconic role as Dana Barrett in the original films, and she was one of several original cast members to have a cameo in the reboot.

‘A Monster Calls’ (2016)

‘A Monster Calls’ is a dark fantasy drama based on the novel of the same name. The film tells the story of a young boy who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness and bullying at school. He is visited each night by a monster, an ancient yew tree, who tells him stories that help him confront his feelings of anger, guilt, and grief.

Weaver played the boy’s stern and seemingly unsympathetic Grandma. Her character initially clashes with her grandson, but it is later revealed that she is dealing with her own profound grief. Weaver gave a subtle and powerful performance that showed the love and pain hidden beneath her character’s tough exterior.

‘The Assignment’ (2016)

‘The Assignment’ is an action crime thriller with a controversial premise. The story is about a male hitman who is captured by a rogue surgeon. He wakes up to discover that the surgeon has performed gender reassignment surgery on him against his will. The hitman, now a woman, seeks revenge on the person who transformed her.

In this film, Sigourney Weaver played Dr. Rachel Jane, the brilliant but unhinged surgeon who performs the unwanted surgery. She portrays the character as a cold and calculating villain with a twisted sense of justice. The film was widely criticized for its premise, but Weaver’s performance was noted for its intensity.

‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ (2017)

‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ is a comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach. The film follows a group of dysfunctional adult siblings as they gather in New York to celebrate the career of their artistic and eccentric father. The story explores their complicated family dynamics, sibling rivalries, and the shadow their father has cast over their lives.

Sigourney Weaver made a brief cameo appearance in the film as herself. She appears in a scene where she is being interviewed for a film within the film, adding to the movie’s meta-commentary on the art world and celebrity.

‘My Salinger Year’ (2020)

‘My Salinger Year’ is a drama based on the memoir of the same name. The film is set in the 1990s and follows a young woman with aspirations of becoming a writer who takes a job at a prestigious New York literary agency. One of her main duties is to answer the fan mail of the agency’s most famous and reclusive client, the author J.D. Salinger.

Weaver starred as Margaret, the formidable and old-fashioned head of the literary agency. She delivered a commanding performance as a woman fiercely protective of her famous client and resistant to the modernizing world of publishing. Her character serves as a mentor and an obstacle to the film’s young protagonist.

‘The Good House’ (2021)

‘The Good House’ is a comedy-drama based on the novel by Ann Leary. The film centers on a successful New England real estate agent whose perfectly curated life begins to unravel when she rekindles a romance with an old flame from her past. She is also a functioning alcoholic in denial, and the film follows her struggles to maintain control of her personal and professional life.

Weaver played Hildy Good, the charming but troubled real estate agent. She was praised for her compelling lead performance, which required her to break the fourth wall and speak directly to the audience. The role allowed her to showcase both her comedic timing and her dramatic depth as a woman confronting her own demons.

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021)

This film is a direct sequel to the first two ‘Ghostbusters’ movies. The story follows a single mother and her two children who move to a small town in Oklahoma after inheriting a dilapidated farmhouse from her estranged father. They soon discover their family’s secret connection to the original Ghostbusters and the legacy their grandfather left behind.

Weaver reprised her iconic role as Dana Barrett in a surprise mid-credits cameo scene. The scene featured her and Bill Murray’s character, Peter Venkman, playfully recreating an experiment from the first film. Her appearance was a delightful moment of nostalgia for fans of the original franchise.

‘Call Jane’ (2022)

‘Call Jane’ is a historical drama set in 1968 Chicago. The film tells the story of a suburban housewife whose pregnancy leads to a life-threatening heart condition. She is unable to get a legal abortion and is forced to seek help from the Jane Collective, a clandestine underground organization that provided safe but illegal abortions for women in need.

Sigourney Weaver played Virginia, the direct and pragmatic leader of the Jane Collective. Her character is a fierce advocate for women’s rights who fights to provide essential healthcare in a time when it was forbidden. Weaver’s strong performance anchored the film’s timely and important story about reproductive freedom.

‘Master Gardener’ (2022)

‘Master Gardener’ is a crime thriller written and directed by Paul Schrader. The film is about a meticulous horticulturist who is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate owned by a wealthy dowager. His carefully constructed life is disrupted when his employer asks him to take on her troubled great-niece as an apprentice, forcing him to confront his own dark and violent past.

Weaver co-starred as Mrs. Haverhill, the wealthy and demanding owner of the estate. She delivered a complex performance as a woman who holds a great deal of power over the main character due to their shared history. Her character is a key figure in the film’s tense and atmospheric narrative.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

The long-awaited sequel to ‘Avatar’ picks up more than a decade after the events of the first film. The story follows Jake Sully and Neytiri, who have now formed a family on Pandora. They are forced to leave their home and seek refuge with the Metkayina clan, a community of Na’vi who live by the ocean, when an old threat returns to finish what was started.

In a unique acting challenge, Weaver played two roles. She briefly reprised her role as Dr. Grace Augustine in video logs, but her main performance was as Kiri, Grace’s teenage Na’vi daughter. Using motion-capture technology, Weaver portrayed the curious and sensitive adolescent who has a deep, mysterious connection to the spiritual force of Pandora.

‘The Gorge’ (2025)

‘The Gorge’ is a high-action romance film directed by Scott Derrickson. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows two highly-trained survivalists who are the only survivors of a global catastrophe. They build a life together, but their bond is tested when a sinister force emerges from the gorge, threatening to divide them.

Sigourney Weaver is part of the star-studded cast, which also includes Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. Her involvement continues her long and successful career of taking on roles in major action and genre productions, demonstrating her enduring appeal as a powerful screen presence.

From fighting xenomorphs to chasing ghosts, which Sigourney Weaver performance has stayed with you the most?