Sigourney Weaver is an unmistakable A-List actor whose award-winning portrayals of courageous women have been entertaining fans since she first hit the big screen in 1977. From memorable parts in blockbusters like Avatar, Ghostbusters, the Alien quadrilogy, and her knack for taking on characters that challenge traditional gender roles have helped to shift women’s notions about their own possibilities, too.

Born Susan Alexandra Weaver on October 8th, 1949 she spent lots of time retreating into the world of books and adopted the name Sigourney after reading the novel The Great Gatsby when she was a child. By the time she was 11, she’d already grown to her full height of 5’ 10 ½” and described herself a self-professed nerd who “didn’t fit in anywhere for many, many years.” Today Sigourney Weaver’s success spans nearly 40 years, and while it might look like she was a star from the start, her rise to the top has hardly been an overnight success. The actor is quick to point out that she endured lots of rejection and false starts early on when the industry didn’t know what to do with her. “I worked hard and made my own way. I learned the satisfaction that comes from striving and seeing a dream fulfilled.”

Even though she doesn’t personally believe in ghosts, or a lot of the paranormal stories she’s been a part of, the opportunity to step into those worlds and live within the possibility of ‘what could be’ is what helps her stay open to the mystery of not only the supernatural quality of her own life, but also to the world at large. As an environmental and political activist, she uses her star power to shine a light on a variety of causes she believes in.

From the early days as an awkward young misfit to embracing her much deserved title as “The Undisputed Queen of Sci-Fi,” there’s no denying Sigourney Weaver is a Girl Who Gets It.

Profile by: Kristy Peoples.