Who Has Died From the Cast of 1979’s ‘Alien’?
When Alien first crash landed in U.S. theaters on May 25, 1979, it wasn’t just another science fiction film, it was something entirely new and chilling. Directed by Ridley Scott, it was brought to life by a top-tier cast and a hauntingly original creature design by H.R. Giger, which introduced audiences to a nightmare in space that would launch a franchise and influence generations of filmmakers.
While Sigourney Weaver‘s Ellen Ripley remains the face of the series, the original ensemble cast brought incredible depth to the story of a doomed crew aboard the Nostromo. Though stars Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Veronica Cartwright are still with us, over the years, some of the talents behind this groundbreaking film have sadly passed away. Here’s a look back at the Alien cast members we’ve lost:
Ian Holm (Ash)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
As the soft-spoken yet unsettling science officer Ash, Holm brought a quiet intensity, making his character’s hidden agenda all the more disturbing. Holm was already a respected stage actor when he joined the cast, winning a Tony Award in 1967 and later being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his contributions to drama. Holm’s film career stretched from the haunting Chariots of Fire to the surreal worlds of Brazil and The Fifth Element, but younger audiences came to know and love him as Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. He passed away on June 19, 2020, at the age of 88, from Parkinson’s disease.
Yaphet Kotto (Parker)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Kotto brought strength to the role of Parker, the Nostromo’s chief engineer. Kotto’s chemistry with Harry Dean Stanton added humor and heart to the film, and his final confrontation with the alien remains one of the film’s most gripping moments. Kotto had already made a mark on filmgoers before Alien, playing the memorable Bond villain Dr. Kananga in Live and Let Die (1973). His career continued with standout roles in The Running Man, Across 110th Street and the acclaimed series Homicide: Life on the Street, where he played Lieutenant Al Giardello. He passed away on March 15, 2021, at 81.
Bolaji Badejo (Alien)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Without saying a word, Badejo made Alien’s creature unforgettable. As the man inside the Xenomorph suit, his towering height and unnaturally long limbs gave the monster its eerie, otherworldly movement. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall, the Nigerian-born artist was a last-minute discovery by Scott’s team while they were casting in London. Despite having no prior acting experience, Badejo delivered a physical performance that became the stuff of cinematic legend and was Badejo’s only film credit. After the movie’s success, he returned to Nigeria in 1980 and opened an art gallery, returning to the visual arts world he originally trained in. Though he was offered the chance to appear in a sequel, he chose a quieter life away from Hollywood. He died on December 22, 1992, at just 39 years old, from complications of sickle cell disease.
Harry Dean Stanton (Brett)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
As Brett, the spaceship’s engineering technician, Stanton delivered one of the film’s most memorable scenes. Stanton’s career spanned over six decades and included hundreds of roles in film and TV. He starred in the indie classic Paris, Texas, popped up in cult hits like Repo Man and Wild at Heart, and appeared in mainstream hits from The Godfather Part II to The Avengers. Stanton died on September 15, 2017, at the age of 91 from heart failure.
John Hurt (Kane)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
The English actor is known for his distinctive voice and a career that spanned more than five decades, including playing Kane, the executive officer who becomes the host for the alien. Hurt appeared in many acclaimed films, including The Elephant Man, Midnight Express and the Harry Potter series as Garrick Ollivander. He earned two Academy Award nominations and won four BAFTAs during his career. In 2015, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama, solidifying his place as one of Britain’s most respected actors. He ultimately passed away on January 28, 2017, at the age of 77 from cancer.
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