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HISTORY: Colchester is not alien to A-lister Sigourney Weaver...her actress mum was born here | Gazette Newsletters Jobs Homes Motoring Local Listings Book An Ad Local Info More Newsletters Jobs Homes Motoring Local Listings Book An Ad Local Info Subscribe Puzzles Sign in Close Search News Local Cancer Centre Campaign Travel latest Video Young Reporter e-edition Sport Colchester Utd Ipswich Town Cricket Football Other sports UK Sport News Young Reporter Promotions What's On Local Events What's On Eating Out Comedy Exhibitions Announcements Acknowledgements Death Notices In Memoriam Public notices Other announcements Pictures Tom Jones concert in Castle Park Race for Life 2019 Tendring Show 2019 True Crime UK Puzzles Newsletters Jobs Homes Motoring Local Listings Book An Ad Local Info News Sport Young Reporter Promotions What's On Announcements Pictures True Crime UK More News Local Cancer Centre Campaign Travel latest Video Young Reporter e-edition HISTORY: Colchester is not alien to A-lister Sigourney Weaver...her actress mum was born here HISTORY: Colchester is not alien to A-lister Sigourney Weaver...her actress mum was born here 9th January 2017 By Lauren Oldershaw Share 3 Comments 3 HISTORY: Colchester is not alien to A-lister Sigourney Weaver...her actress mum was born hereGlamour - Elizabeth Inglis when she was a star of stage and screen Skip to next photo HISTORY: Colchester is not alien to A-lister Sigourney Weaver...her actress mum was born hereGlamour - Elizabeth Inglis when she was a star of stage and screen 1/3 Show caption 1/3 THEY say you are only separated by six degrees from anyone in the world. So it might not be a surprise to learn Colchester has a strong claim to one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses. With the release of her latest film, and fans awaiting the release of the latest in the franchise which made her name, A-lister Sigourney Weaver has been taking a look back at her own family history. And many people might be surprised to learn Essex has a strong claim to the star of Avatar, Working Girl and the Alien movies. Recommended by She is currently starring in The Monster Within, which is about the relationship a young boy has with his own mother and how he copes with major events in his life. Sigourney’s own mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was born in Colchester and lived there until she moved to Hollywood in the 1930s to pursue a career in acting herself. Sigourney has spoken of how her mother was one of the last remaining cast members of Alfred Hitchcock’s celebrated film adaptation of the 39 Steps, for which she was not actually credited - but she never talked about it. When she was born in north Essex in 1913 Elizabeth was named Desiree Mary Lucy Hawkins, the daughter of Margaret and Alan Hawkins. She later adopted the stage name Inglis and then Elizabeth Earl. Sigourney has described her mother as “kind of a renegade.” “She left her family and moved to the US because they didn’t want her to be an actress, and she always made her own way in the world.” Known more as a stage actress, Elizabeth, who died nine years ago aged 94, studied at RADA alongside Gone with the Wind and a Streetcar named Desire star Vivien Leigh. She retired from screen and stage work when she married US radio executive Sylvester Weaver and their children were born but not before she had appeared opposite Bette Davis in the Letter. She was also involved in Aliens - her photograph was used for Amanda Ripley, the grown up daughter of Sigourney’s character, but the scene was deleted. More stars from our area...  OSCAR winning actress Helen Mirren, above, was brought up in Southend and went to St Bernard’s School, Westcliff Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary, Michelle Dockery was born in Rush Green, Romford and went to school in Chadwell Heath True Blood actor Stephen Moyer was born in Brentwood and was a pupil at St Martin’s School in Hutton. Actress Charlotte Rampling, who has appeared in more than 100 films, including Georgy Girl, Farewell My Lovely and the current blockbuster Assassins Creed was born in the village of Sturmer in north Essex.  There’s Something About Mary star Lee Evans was brought up in Billericay and went to school in the town. John Leyton who starred in many classic films including as tunnel king William Dickes in The Great Escape was born in Frinton-on-Sea in 1936. 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Devastation after Essex mum to three children told she has just months to live A12 blocked and police on scene after collision involving 'multiple vehicles' Miller and Carter bosses issue update after floating Lakeside restaurant 'sinks' Woman who went AWOL from community service for six months is fined £10 Police investigate four swans being killed 'using catapults and metal ball bearings' Man, 23, involved in cannabis dealing in Colchester must repay the community Police probe 'deliberate' car torching in Colchester as neighbours hear 'explosion' Colchester house 'partially closed' amid concerns about anti-social behaviour Here's why Colchester United is opening the doors to its stadium to residents Teenager who strangled a dog in Colchester caused 'unnecessary suffering' to pet What was said about Colchester school following first inspection in nine years 'Keep skating going' - Rollerworld bosses exploring ways to reopen in new venue Matt Bloomfield reveals transfer window intention after player departures Colchester United 'in talks' with Stevenage for Arthur Read Police appeal to find wanted man, 31, with links to Colchester and Stanway Drivers warned of changes to Highway Code which could see them fined 'Clear desire' for High Street car ban to be made permanent, claim council bosses U's youngster could face leaders after making fresh loan switch Drink driving pensioner banned from getting behind the wheel Dad died after suffering 'perforated chest wound' during Essex pub attack Revealed: Hamburger chain set to open restaurant in empty Colchester building 'Disgusted' - Shopper raises concerns over condition of store's disabled toilets Double inclusion for U's in first League Two Team of the Week of 2023 Human remains found at Essex pond after 'suspicious object' seen in water Firefighters battle inferno after outbuilding goes up in flames near houses Crooks caught on camera stealing Colchester man's £3,500 motorbike from driveway Ford driver disqualified after hitting speeds of 110mph on the A12 at Colchester Colchester MP urges people to not 'lose sight' of city's positives in heartfelt post Murder investigation launched after human remains found in Essex pound Winter Beer Festival returns to Colchester - here's what you need to know Bet on tonight’s Cash4Life - chance to win £1,000 A DAY for 20 years* Life in the UK test: Can you pass the British citizenship test? Take the quiz Sickening school attack sees pupil beaten and kicked in the head by gang of 14 boys Isolated pensioner's lifesavings stolen by callous crook who targeted her in lockdown Plans to turn floors of empty Colchester building into 17 flats is revealed WATCH: Michael Kors film with global supermodel Bella Hadid at Essex airport Murder probe launched as man dies after suspected assault at Essex pub WATCH: Sam Ryder sends Christmas message to families cared for by Essex charity Full list of school holidays for England and Wales in 2023 The new items at McDonald's this week amid major menu changes Global star gifted personalised Tiptree jam by fan at Colchester meet and greet Prince Harry tells TV interview he wants his father and brother back Man, 25, appears in court charged in connection with serious car crash Your Favourite Gym Awards 2023 Swindon boss Scott Lindsey admits his side 'weren't good enough' against Colchester West Mersea slimmer loses more than two stone and it has 'transformed' his life Colchester pair 'concerned in supply of cannabis' get community orders Discover stunning birds on your doorstep at Essex's Wildlife Garden Met Office warns more snow and ice on the way Police need help identifying man to aid in search for missing pensioner 'Clear desire' for High Street car ban to be made permanent, claim council bosses Revealed: Hamburger chain set to open restaurant in empty Colchester building Watch: Youngsters scramble to get hands on viral energy drink at Essex supermarket Plans to turn floors of empty Colchester building into 17 flats is revealed Colchester MP: 'We have recouped £18m from potentially fraudulent PPE contracts' These 18 incredible pictures show life in Colchester in the 70s, 80s and 90s 'Keep skating going' - Rollerworld bosses exploring ways to reopen in new venue Colchester theatre struggling to keep the lights on despite record panto ticket sales EEAST 'prepared' for spike in demand for New Year despite 'extreme pressures' Colchester Pride to return to city centre this summer - here's how to get tickets Show more articles Most read commented Loading... Devastation after Essex mum to three children told she has just months to live A12 blocked and police on scene after collision involving 'multiple vehicles' Miller and Carter bosses issue update after floating Lakeside restaurant 'sinks' Woman who went AWOL from community service for six months is fined £10 Police investigate four swans being killed 'using catapults and metal ball bearings' Man, 23, involved in cannabis dealing in Colchester must repay the community Police probe 'deliberate' car torching in Colchester as neighbours hear 'explosion' Colchester house 'partially closed' amid concerns about anti-social behaviour Here's why Colchester United is opening the doors to its stadium to residents Teenager who strangled a dog in Colchester caused 'unnecessary suffering' to pet What was said about Colchester school following first inspection in nine years 'Keep skating going' - Rollerworld bosses exploring ways to reopen in new venue Matt Bloomfield reveals transfer window intention after player departures Colchester United 'in talks' with Stevenage for Arthur Read Police appeal to find wanted man, 31, with links to Colchester and Stanway Drivers warned of changes to Highway Code which could see them fined 'Clear desire' for High Street car ban to be made permanent, claim council bosses U's youngster could face leaders after making fresh loan switch Drink driving pensioner banned from getting behind the wheel Dad died after suffering 'perforated chest wound' during Essex pub attack Revealed: Hamburger chain set to open restaurant in empty Colchester building 'Disgusted' - Shopper raises concerns over condition of store's disabled toilets Double inclusion for U's in first League Two Team of the Week of 2023 Human remains found at Essex pond after 'suspicious object' seen in water Firefighters battle inferno after outbuilding goes up in flames near houses Crooks caught on camera stealing Colchester man's £3,500 motorbike from driveway Ford driver disqualified after hitting speeds of 110mph on the A12 at Colchester Colchester MP urges people to not 'lose sight' of city's positives in heartfelt post Murder investigation launched after human remains found in Essex pound Winter Beer Festival returns to Colchester - here's what you need to know Bet on tonight’s Cash4Life - chance to win £1,000 A DAY for 20 years* Life in the UK test: Can you pass the British citizenship test? Take the quiz Sickening school attack sees pupil beaten and kicked in the head by gang of 14 boys Isolated pensioner's lifesavings stolen by callous crook who targeted her in lockdown Plans to turn floors of empty Colchester building into 17 flats is revealed WATCH: Michael Kors film with global supermodel Bella Hadid at Essex airport Murder probe launched as man dies after suspected assault at Essex pub WATCH: Sam Ryder sends Christmas message to families cared for by Essex charity Full list of school holidays for England and Wales in 2023 The new items at McDonald's this week amid major menu changes Global star gifted personalised Tiptree jam by fan at Colchester meet and greet Prince Harry tells TV interview he wants his father and brother back Man, 25, appears in court charged in connection with serious car crash Your Favourite Gym Awards 2023 Swindon boss Scott Lindsey admits his side 'weren't good enough' against Colchester West Mersea slimmer loses more than two stone and it has 'transformed' his life Colchester pair 'concerned in supply of cannabis' get community orders Discover stunning birds on your doorstep at Essex's Wildlife Garden Met Office warns more snow and ice on the way Police need help identifying man to aid in search for missing pensioner 'Clear desire' for High Street car ban to be made permanent, claim council bosses Revealed: Hamburger chain set to open restaurant in empty Colchester building Watch: Youngsters scramble to get hands on viral energy drink at Essex supermarket Plans to turn floors of empty Colchester building into 17 flats is revealed Colchester MP: 'We have recouped £18m from potentially fraudulent PPE contracts' These 18 incredible pictures show life in Colchester in the 70s, 80s and 90s 'Keep skating going' - Rollerworld bosses exploring ways to reopen in new venue Colchester theatre struggling to keep the lights on despite record panto ticket sales EEAST 'prepared' for spike in demand for New Year despite 'extreme pressures' Colchester Pride to return to city centre this summer - here's how to get tickets Show more articles Contact us Manage Consent Announcements Leap Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Contributor Terms Newsquest printing Advertise Newsletters Reader Rewards Site Map Exchange and Mart Terms of Advertising Privacy Policy Diversity Statement Photo Sales Our Publications Archive Promote Your Event follow us Colchester Gazette Colchester Gazette This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. 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