How much has she really earned from fighting aliens, ghosts, and more?
Sigourney Weaver’s name is synonymous with sci-fi royalty, but behind her iconic roles lies a financial journey worth examining.
From Alien to Avatar, her career has spanned decades—and so has her income. If you’re curious about how her earnings stack up, this is the deep dive you’re looking for.
Sigourney Weaver Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Susan Alexandra Weaver |
Popular Name | Sigourney Weaver |
Birth Date | October 8, 1949 |
Age | 75 (as of March 24, 2025) |
Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Dutch, English, German, Scottish |
Education | BA (Stanford University), MFA (Yale School of Drama) |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Jim Simpson |
Children | Charlotte Simpson |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | N/A |
Parents | Pat Weaver, Elizabeth Inglis |
Height (meters) | 1.80 m |
Net Worth | $60 million |
Source of Wealth | Acting (film, TV, voice work) |
What is the Net Worth Of Sigourney Weaver in 2025?
As of 2025, Sigourney Weaver holds an estimated net worth of $60 million. This amount places her among the most financially successful actresses in the entertainment industry. Though she may not earn as much as some blockbuster actors today, her earnings reflect a consistent and enduring career.
Her journey from a modest salary of $30,000 in Alien (1979) to an $11 million paycheck in Alien: Resurrection highlights her incredible career progression.
Here are some well-known names connected to her professionally:
- James Cameron
- Ridley Scott
- Harrison Ford
- Meryl Streep
- Bill Murray
- Dan Aykroyd
- Mel Gibson
- Kevin Kline
- Jennifer Love Hewitt
- Neill Blomkamp
If you’re curious about others in the entertainment industry with big earnings, check out who else ranks high in fame and fortune.
Sigourney Weaver Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How much has she earned from her acting career?
Sigourney Weaver’s financial story began with small roles, including a silent part in Annie Hall. Her big break in Alien gave her a $30,000 paycheck, but more importantly, it positioned her as a future star. Her long list of film credits spans action, comedy, drama, and animation.
Her income comes not only from starring roles but also supporting parts, voice acting, and TV work. Her range gave her access to a wide variety of opportunities that helped build her wealth steadily over the years.
What were her salaries across the Alien franchise?
Here’s a breakdown of what she earned from each Alien film:
- Alien (1979): $30,000
- Aliens (1986): $1 million + a share of box office profits
- Alien 3 (1992): $4 million
- Alien: Resurrection (1997): $11 million
This growth shows how Weaver’s presence became critical to the franchise’s success. Her negotiation for backend profits in Aliens was a game-changing move for women in Hollywood at the time.
Which movies contributed most to her overall earnings?
The Alien series was only one major contributor to Weaver’s wealth. Several other films also helped build her financial portfolio:
- Ghostbusters (1984, 1989)
- Avatar (2009)
- Working Girl (1988)
- Galaxy Quest (1999)
- Heartbreakers (2001)
- The Ice Storm (1997)
She took on leading roles, and sometimes supporting ones, that led to strong box office results. Her role in Avatar tied her to one of the most financially successful movies ever made.
How did her income evolve throughout her career?
Weaver’s earnings reflect a steady, intelligent career path. Starting in the late 1970s, she focused on roles that added value to her brand. In the ’80s and ’90s, her paychecks grew along with her star power. She moved into television and voice acting in the 2000s, adding to her income sources.
Voice work in WALL-E and TV appearances such as Political Animals gave her a new platform while reinforcing her relevance in the entertainment world.
What roles increased her financial value in Hollywood?
Her role as Ellen Ripley in Alien turned her into a household name and made her one of the first female action stars. This character reappeared in sequels that earned critical and commercial success.
Beyond Ripley, her characters in Ghostbusters, Working Girl, and Avatar expanded her reach and helped her appeal to multiple audiences, increasing her market value.
How did her collaborations with directors like James Cameron and Ridley Scott impact her income?
Weaver’s collaboration with Ridley Scott in Alien marked her debut as a leading lady. But it was James Cameron who insisted on casting her again for Aliens, resulting in a major salary leap and her first Academy Award nomination.
These directors didn’t just shape her image—they helped boost her income through repeated high-grossing films.
What financial deals and box office percentages did she secure?
A standout moment in her financial history was negotiating backend profits for Aliens. This allowed her to benefit directly from the movie’s success at the box office—an uncommon move for an actress at the time.
While we don’t have full details on every contract, it’s clear that she leveraged her value smartly, especially during the peak of her career.
What is the breakdown of her income from film, voice work, and television?
Weaver’s income sources include:
- Film salaries (the majority of her earnings)
- Voice acting, including WALL-E and Finding Dory
- Video games, such as Alien: Isolation
- Television work, such as Political Animals and Vamps
- Documentary narration, including Secrets of the Whales
These avenues gave her ongoing income and allowed her to stay active in the industry even during quieter film years.
How does her filmography compare in terms of financial performance?
Some of her most financially successful films include:
- Avatar (2009): One of the highest-grossing movies of all time
- Alien (1979): Grossed $203 million
- Aliens (1986): Grossed $180 million
- Alien 3: Over $150 million
- Alien: Resurrection: Over $160 million
Even her supporting roles in Galaxy Quest and Heartbreakers performed well, making her filmography not just critically respected but also commercially valuable.
What patterns can be seen in her pay growth across decades?
From $30,000 to $11 million per film, Weaver’s pay growth is an excellent example of long-term success.
Her smart role choices, strong performances, and negotiation tactics allowed her to rise steadily without sudden drop-offs in value.
Each decade added a new layer to her career—from leading lady in the ’80s, to respected character actress in the ’90s, to blockbuster return in the 2000s.
Conclusion
Sigourney Weaver’s financial success is just as impressive as her on-screen legacy.
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