Ann Robinson, star of original ‘War of the Worlds,’ dies at 96
The beloved actress Ann Robinson, best known for her role as Sylvia van Buren in the original War of the Worlds, has passed away at the age of 96. She died last year in her home in Los Angeles, but her death was not announced until now.
The red-headed actress’s family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Ann Robinson died in her home in Los Angeles, California, on September 26 last year. The reason it hasn’t been made public is unknown. No official cause of death has been given.
Born on May 25, 1929, in Hollywood, California, Ann Robinson began her career in show business as a stunt performer. While she was inexperienced, she landed several roles, most famously Sylvia Van Buren in the original War of the Worlds (1953), which changed her life forever.
“Getting the script for the first time, I was so unfamiliar with extraterrestrials. It was all so new to me. I had read the book, but a long time ago, so I really didn’t remember what War of the Worlds was all about,” Robinson told Remind Magazine.
“When we had the sneak preview, people came out of the theater very quiet. They weren’t thrilled, they were nervous about it. Really, it was unusual. There were a few things edited. One scene when we’re trying to escape, and I’ve also just screamed and cried because there was blood on my scarf. Gene Barry obviously says something to me like, ‘we’ll get out of this,” she continued. “I was just lucky, just so lucky that I was chosen for this because it’s lasted all these years and it’s gonna last another 65 years.”
Ann Robinson, star of original ‘War of the Worlds,’ dies at 96
Robinson also played Sylvia in a few episodes of the 1988-90 syndicated War of the Worlds TV series.
“I’ve gotten more mileage out of War of the Worlds than Vivien Leigh did on Gone With the Wind,” she told Weaver.
Ann Robinson had gotten her breakout role, but she made a choice that she would later regret. In 1957, she put her career on hold to run off and marry the famous matador Jaime Bravo. She told Weaver that it “blew” her career “right out of the water.”
“When I got back home, Hollywood had passed me by. I just ruined it, I blew it,” Ann said. She and Bravo had two children before divorcing in 1967.
Ann Robinson returned to working in front of the camera. She appeared in Imitation of Life in 1959 and guest-starred on many TV shows in the 1960s, including Bachelor Father, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Death Valley Days, and 77 Sunset Strip.
Her last role was in 2020, starring in the movie The Last Page of Summer.
Rest in peace, Ann Robinson. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.