Sigourney Weaver: Biography, Name Origin, Height

You might know her as the fearless Ellen Ripley or the towering Dr. Grace Augustine, but the name “Sigourney Weaver” was a choice made long before the spotlight found her. Born Susan Alexandra Weaver, she crafted an identity that would come to define not just her career, but the very idea of a leading woman in science fiction and beyond. This fact-packed guide uncovers the origins of her name, her real height, her family background, and the personal life that grounds one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.

Birth name: Susan Alexandra Weaver ·
Date of birth: October 8, 1949 ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) ·
Academy Award nominations: 3 ·
Known for: Alien, Ghostbusters, Avatar

Seven key facts about Sigourney Weaver, from her birth name to her family:

The table shows a clear pattern: Weaver’s biography is built on firm, verifiable facts that establish her as a towering figure in Hollywood.

Why does she call herself Sigourney?

What was Sigourney Weaver’s birth name?

She was born Susan Alexandra Weaver in New York City on October 8, 1949, according to her biography on Executive Speakers Bureau, a talent booking authority. Her father, Pat Weaver, was a television executive credited as one of the creators of The Tonight Show, as noted by CBC Archives, a Canadian public broadcaster. Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was an actress who appeared in the 1935 film The 39 Steps.

Why did she choose the name Sigourney?

Weaver adopted the name Sigourney as a teenager, reportedly at about age 14, according to CBC Archives. The chosen name came from a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. One account, cited in a Facebook group post (community source, lower confidence), suggests she changed her name because she disliked being called Sue or Suzie and wanted a longer name that suited her height. The pattern here is a deliberate act of self-definition: Weaver didn’t just find a role; she first found a name—and the name itself became a stage.

Is Sigourney Weaver LGBTQ?

Has Sigourney Weaver publicly identified as LGBTQ?

She has not publicly identified as LGBTQ. She has been married to stage director Jim Simpson since 1984, as confirmed by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and Biyografiler.com, an international biography site.

Is she an LGBTQ ally?

Yes. Weaver is widely recognized as a strong ally of the LGBTQ community, supporting equality and representation in Hollywood. The implication: her allyship amplifies the visibility of LGBTQ issues within an industry where she holds considerable influence.

What is Sigourney Weaver’s ethnicity?

What is her family background?

Weaver is American, with English, Scottish, German, and Dutch ancestry. Her grandfather was an English poet, adding a literary lineage to her family tree. This European mix places her heritage squarely in the broad tradition of white American immigration stories.

Is Sigourney Weaver 6 ft tall?

How tall is Sigourney Weaver exactly?

Her height is commonly reported as 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), according to CBC Archives. She is not 6 ft tall, but her above-average height often makes her appear taller on screen. In fact, People magazine (a major celebrity news outlet) reported that Weaver once said her height made her doubt whether an acting career would work out. The catch: what she saw as a potential liability became an asset, helping her land physically commanding roles like Ripley.

What is her height in centimeters?

1.78 meters.

Is Sigourney an Irish name?

What is the origin of the name Sigourney?

It is derived from an Irish surname, with the meaning “victorious protector.” The name gained literary prominence through its use by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, but Weaver’s inspiration came directly from Fitzgerald’s novel. For readers wondering about the name’s roots, “victorious protector” aligns well with the powerful characters Weaver has portrayed.

Career timeline

Sigourney Weaver’s career is a study in versatility—from early stage work to blockbuster franchises. Seven milestone events show the arc:

The timeline reveals a career that moved from stage training to defining roles in science fiction, with key personal milestones woven in.

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

• Birth name Susan Alexandra Weaver (verified by Wikipedia and multiple reputable sources).
• Height 5 ft 10 in (verified by CBC Archives and other reliable sources).
• Married to Jim Simpson since 1984 (Wikipedia).
• Has a daughter named Charlotte Simpson (Biyografiler.com).

What remains unclear

• Exact reason she chose “Sigourney” over other names remains personal anecdote (CBC Archives).
• Whether she is 6 ft tall is clarified as false, but some sources still list conflicting info (CBC notes common reports).

Quotes and perspectives

“I changed my name because I couldn’t bear being called Sue or Suzie.”

— Sigourney Weaver, as recalled in a community discussion (lower confidence source)

“Height was a real issue. I thought maybe acting wouldn’t work out.”

— Sigourney Weaver, reported by People magazine

“Weaver’s role as Ripley redefined the action heroine for a generation.”

— Biography.com, an authoritative reference site

Summary

Sigourney Weaver’s story is a reminder that identity is often a creation—one we can shape with intention. From a teenager who chose a literary name, she built a career that made that name iconic. For the fan looking back at her work, the implication is clear: the roles she played were empowered because the woman playing them had already claimed her power, long before the cameras rolled. Weaver turned a name she chose into a legacy that commands respect.

For those interested in further details, more on her biography and height offers additional insights into her early life and career milestones.

Frequently asked questions