A Legacy in Film and Stunt Work
Actress Ann Robinson, renowned for her role in the sci-fi classic “The War of the Worlds,” has passed away at the age of 96. Her granddaughter, Tori Bravo, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday, May 17, stating that Robinson died on September 26, 2025, at her home in Los Angeles. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Robinson’s career in entertainment began with stunt work, and she quickly made a name for herself in the industry. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she developed an early passion for performance, which led her to pursue opportunities in film. At just 21 years old, she landed a role in the 1950 Western “Frenchie,” starring Joel McCrea and Shelley Winters. This opportunity came about due to her childhood experience as a horseback rider.
A Foundation in Riding and Performance
Robinson shared her journey with The Spectrum, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2016. She recalled how her father introduced her to riding when she was around five years old. “I learned on an English saddle,” she said. “Years later, my mother and I were shopping one day when we pulled into a parking lot and I recognized Johnny Carpenter, a famous B-western star.”
Carpenter invited her to ride his horses and taught her how to ride Western style, including how to rope and become a cowboy. “He put me in a short film he made about a group of blind men he taught to ride – The Blind Rhythm Riders,” Robinson explained.
Contributions to Western Films
Robinson’s talent and dedication to her craft opened doors to more opportunities in the Western genre. Her skills as a rider and performer allowed her to take on roles that required both physical ability and acting prowess. This combination of talents helped her stand out in an industry that often relied on stunt performers for action sequences.
Her involvement in “The Blind Rhythm Riders” showcased not only her riding abilities but also her willingness to take on unique and challenging roles. This experience likely contributed to her later success in the film industry, where she became known for her versatility and commitment to her roles.
After appearing in several minor roles in films such as “Black Midnight,” “The Damned Don’t Cry,” “All About Eve,” “Goodbye, My Fancy” and “The Cimarron Kid,” Robinson was discovered by producer George Pal, who cast her opposite Gene Barry in “The War of the Worlds.”
The Byron Haskin-directed film follows the apocalyptic troubles that befall the Southern California town of Linda Rosa when hordes of Martians decide to invade Earth. Nuclear physicist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren, niece of a pastor, are tasked with fending off the alien attackers.
In one memorable scene, Sylvia and Dr. Forrester hide from the Martians in an old farmhouse. Later, one of the aliens extends its three-fingered hand and gently touches Sylvia’s shoulder from behind, triggering Robinson’s now-iconic expression of terror.
“Byron Haskin, the director, had worked on earlier war films, so he knew how to photograph a battle,” Robinson previously told The Spectrum. “And those flying Martian machines were just spectacular. I don’t care how big your modern TV screen is. If you see this movie on the big screen in a theater, it’s a completely different experience.”
Released in 1953, “The War of the Worlds” grossed $2 million at the box office and earned an Academy Award for best special effects.
Following her silver-screen breakthrough, Robinson went on to appear in a number of films and TV series throughout the ’50s and ’60s, including “Dragnet,” “Rocky Jones, Space Ranger,” “Fury” “Imitation of Life” and “Days of Our Lives.”
Robinson reprised her “War of the Worlds” role several times, starting with the 1988 horror-comedy satire “Midnight Movie Massacre.” She also appeared in several episodes of the “War of the Worlds” TV series from 1988 to 1989.
In 2005, over 50 years after the release of “The War of The Worlds,” the sci-fi icon revisited her cinematic legacy with another reprisal of Sylvia in the genre parody film “The Naked Monster.” That same year, Robinson was featured in “The War of the Worlds” remake, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise.
“Steven was just so adorable. He came up behind me, squatted down and placed three fingers on my left shoulder and yelled, ‘Someone take my picture!’” Robinson told The Spectrum in 2016. “Apparently, ‘War of the Worlds’ was one of his favorite films growing up. As for Tom, you couldn’t meet a nicer young man. He was just so much fun.”
Robinson added that she was treated like “royalty” during the film’s production.
“My son, who was with me, told me he heard people saying, ‘She’s here, she’s here!’ after we arrived on the set,” she continued. “Then, for the Ziegfeld Theater premiere, they flew me to New York first-class, put me up in a beautiful hotel overlooking Central Park and arranged for a limousine to drive my family around. I waited 60 years to get that treatment!”
Robinson’s final performance was a voiceover role in the 2020 film “The Last Page of Summer.”
Contributing: Nick Thomas, The Spectrum
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ann Robinson, star of original ‘War of the Worlds,’ dies at 96
A Lasting Impact on Cinema
Throughout her career, Robinson left a lasting impact on cinema, particularly in the Western and science fiction genres. Her portrayal of Sylvia Van Buren in “The War of the Worlds” remains one of her most memorable roles. The film, based on H.G. Wells’ novel, is considered a classic and has influenced countless filmmakers and actors.
Robinson’s contributions to the industry extend beyond her on-screen performances. Her work as a stunt performer helped set the standard for what it means to be a versatile and skilled actor in the film industry. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and stunt performers.
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of this talented actress, her work will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication, passion, and hard work in the pursuit of a career in the arts.
