In an interview, the actress spoke about her career's impact on powerful women like Vice President Kamala Harris.
"Alien" franchise star Sigourney Weaver cried happy tears Wednesday at the thought that her action hero roles paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.
During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Weaver seemed visibly touched when asked if her career helped the rise of powerful women like the Democratic presidential candidate.
Weaver overwhelmed by role in empowering women
"To think for one moment that my work would have anything to do with her rise makes me very happy, actually," the actress said, while tearing up.
Weaver, the 74-year-old actress whose role as Ellen Ripley in the sci-fi horror saga is a model for female action film heroes, was at the film festival to receive its coveted Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement in film.
Weaver overwhelmed by role in empowering women
Prompting the emotional response, a reporter asked Weaver at the press event, "To what extent movies, cinema can make it possible that a woman like Kamala Harris can be President of the United States?"
"I love that question. I love that question because we’re all so excited about Kamala," Weaver replied.
Weaver overwhelmed by role in empowering women
The actress continued, saying, "it’s true" that her career may have helped Harris’ rise, considering how many women are grateful for her role in the first four "Alien" films.
"I have so many women who come and thank me," she said, before getting choked up and reaching for her water.
Weaver, who also starred in the original "Ghostbusters" and James Cameron’s more recent "Avatar" films, continued to sing Harris' praises, describing her as someone she’s happy to see make her mark.
"It’s been difficult since 2016, and we’re all very grateful about her," she said.
Variety reported that elsewhere during the presser, the actress talked about the notion that she always plays strong female characters.
"I’m always asked why I play strong women and I always think that’s such a weird question because I just play women, and women are strong and women don’t give up," she said. "You know why? We can’t. We have to do it."
Weaver's comments come as Harris is considered a potential frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. Harris, who is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president, has been praised for her work on issues such as criminal justice reform and voting rights.
Whether or not Weaver's roles have had a direct impact on Harris' career is difficult to say. However, her comments highlight the power of representation and the importance of seeing strong female characters on screen.
Weaver's work has undoubtedly inspired generations of women and girls. Her characters have shown that women can be strong, independent, and capable of anything they set their minds to. It is no wonder that so many women, including Vice President Harris, have expressed their gratitude to Weaver for her groundbreaking work.
