Ann Robinson, the actress who starred in the original 1953 film The War of the Worlds, has died at the age of 96. She passed away on September 26, 2025, at her home in Los Angeles, though her family only recently confirmed her death, according to her granddaughter Toti Bravo as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
A Career That Began with Stunts
Robinson started her film career as a stuntwoman before landing her iconic role as Sylvia Van Buren, a library science teacher in the classic sci-fi film. Based on H.G. Wells' 1898 novel, the movie won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, showcasing Martians armed with a deadly heat ray. In 2011, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Steven Spielberg's 2005 Adaptation
Director Steven Spielberg remade the film in 2005 with Tom Cruise in the lead role. Robinson and her co-star Gene Barry made memorable cameo appearances as the grandparents of Cruise's children. Robinson later remarked that working with Spielberg, a devoted fan of the original, made them feel like Hollywood royalty.
Television and Other Roles
Beyond The War of the Worlds, Robinson had numerous guest roles on popular TV shows such as Dragnet, Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Gilligan's Island. She is survived by her son, Jaime Bravo Jr., and two grandchildren.
