Sigourney Weaver Shares Fan Reactions About Her Character in 1988’s Working Girl and the Idea of Being ‘Wronged’
NEED TO KNOW
- Sigourney Weaver reflects on her life in pictures with PEOPLE.
- Discussing her role in the 1988 film Working Girl, the three-time Oscar nominee reveals that some fans see her character as misunderstood rather than the “bad guy.”
- Weaver also shares anecdotes from her childhood and experiences in Hollywood.
Sigourney Weaver’s character in Working Girl has sparked varied opinions among fans. While some view her as a scheming corporate figure, others argue she was simply misunderstood, according to the actress. At 76, Weaver noted that many fans assert her character was “wronged” in the film.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE for their “My Life in Pictures” series, Weaver discussed the 1988 dramedy directed by Mike Nichols. The film centers around Tess, played by Melanie Griffith, who feels that her boss Katherine (Weaver) has appropriated her ideas for a corporate deal. When Katherine is sidelined by a skiing accident, Tess takes the opportunity to impersonate her boss, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements with Jack, portrayed by Harrison Ford.
The classic comedy received six Academy Award nominations, including one for Weaver as Best Supporting Actress, and won an Oscar for Carly Simon’s song, “Let the River Run.” Notable performances by Alec Baldwin, Joan Cusack, and Olympia Dukakis also contributed to the film’s acclaim.
Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, and Sigourney Weaver on the set of Working Girl.
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“It’s a wonderful movie, I think. It’s a great story, a great Pygmalion story,” Weaver remarked, emphasizing Katherine’s complex character. “I play this very nice woman named Katharine Parker, who’s completely misunderstood and seems to be the bad guy in this movie.” Surprisingly, she shared that many women have approached her, expressing sympathy for Katherine, claiming she was unfairly treated.
Indeed, Tess ultimately secures a new job and a romance with Jack. However, Weaver remains unfazed. “I loved it,” she stated of her experience filming, which showcased the flamboyant styles of the 1980s through Cusack and Griffith’s characters.
Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl.
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Reflecting on the film’s production, Weaver noted the exceptional talent behind the scenes, including Oscar-winning costume designer Ann Roth and hairstylist Alan D’Angerio. She reminisced fondly about the elaborate hairstyles and vibrant costumes that defined the era.
Although she did not win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar that year, losing to Geena Davis for The Accidental Tourist, Weaver did claim the Golden Globe for her role in Working Girl.
Sigourney Weaver at the 1989 Golden Globes.
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She recalled a humorous moment at the Golden Globes when actress Meryl Streep pointed out a wardrobe malfunction. Weaver expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing her role as delightful and Mike Nichols as a supportive director.
As Weaver shared her memories, she also revisited photos from her childhood in New York City, where she grew up in a family steeped in entertainment. Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was a well-known actress, while her father, Pat Weaver, served as president of NBC during the 1950s, helping to create the Today show.
Weaver remembers thinking her upbringing in show business was normal, recalling surprising visits from notable figures like Art Linkletter during childhood illnesses. “I can’t remember saying anything, let alone a darndest thing,” she reflected.
Sigourney Weaver with her parents and brother Trajan Weaver.
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Weaver’s career has seen iconic roles, including the empowering presence of Ellen Ripley in the Aliens franchise, where she famously exclaims, “Get away from her, you bitch!” She is also remembered for her commanding line as Katharine in Working Girl, “Tess, look at me. Who makes it happen?”
Before her ascent to stardom, Weaver studied acting at Yale School of Drama, where she faced skepticism from instructors. “They told me I had no talent,” she recounted, but quickly proved her critics wrong with a successful stage career that led to a breakout role in Ridley Scott’s Alien.
Sigourney Weaver and husband Jim Simpson in 2023.
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Weaver has since enjoyed an illustrious career, starring in major franchises like Ghostbusters and Avatar. In her latest role, she appears in Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to release on December 19, but she humbly describes herself as a storyteller rather than a “sci-fi queen.”
“To me,” she stated, “they’re all just great stories.”
