Ann Robinson, celebrated for her role in the 1953 sci-fi classic The War of the Worlds, died at 96, confirmed her granddaughter Tori Bravo. The actress passed away on September 26 in Los Angeles, though the news was only recently disclosed.
From Stunts to Stardom
Born on May 25, 1929, in Hollywood, Robinson began her career as a stunt performer. She was an emerging contract player at Paramount Pictures when she was cast as Sylvia Van Buren, a library science teacher in The War of the Worlds. The film, based on H.G. Wells' novel, won an Oscar and featured Robinson and Gene Barry's characters attempting to thwart a Martian invasion.
In a memorable scene, Sylvia is approached by a Martian, only to be saved by Barry's character Clayton Forrester. Reflecting on this, Robinson humorously told author Tom Weaver, "I always thought, ‘This guy might have been nice! Maybe we ruined a chance for peace because Gene Barry got overzealous and threw that hatchet.’"
Hollywood and Beyond
Robinson's career extended beyond her iconic role. She reprised her character in the 1988-1990 syndicated TV series War of the Worlds and appeared in Steven Spielberg's 2005 adaptation starring Tom Cruise. Spielberg, a fan of the original film, invited Robinson and Barry to recreate their famous scene, treating her "like royalty" during the production.
Her early film work included stunts in The Story of Molly X (1949) and roles in Black Midnight (1949) and Frenchie (1950). She was also in A Place in the Sun (1951), receiving a line of dialogue from director George Stevens.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Robinson's personal life saw her stepping away from Hollywood in 1957 when she married Jaime Bravo, a renowned matador. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1967. Despite this hiatus, she continued to act, appearing in Imitation of Life (1959) and guest-starring in TV series like Perry Mason and Death Valley Days during the 1960s.
Robinson often reflected on her career with humor and insight, famously saying, "I’ve gotten more mileage out of War of the Worlds than Vivien Leigh did on Gone With the Wind."
Legacy and Family
Robinson is survived by her son, Jaime Bravo Jr., a director for ABC Sports and ESPN, her granddaughter Tori Bravo, and her grandson Sammy. Her contributions to Hollywood, particularly in the sci-fi genre, continue to be celebrated by fans and industry peers alike.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ann-robinson-dead-war-of-the-worlds-1236598147/
