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Helen Horton

Helen Horton

Born September 28, 1923 · Chicago, Illinois, USA

Helen Horton was an American actress who worked extensively in British television, radio, and theatre. She voiced the ship's computer, "Mother", in the 1979 film Alien. Horton had a brief career in New York before moving to London with her husband Hamish Thomson.

1

Films reviewed

8.5

Avg. rating

Alien

Best-reviewed

1979

Years active

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Biography

Helen Virginia Horton (November 21, 1923 – September 28, 2007) was an American actress. She was born in Chicago and had a brief career in New York. She married Hamish Thomson and lived near London. She worked extensively in British television, radio and theatre, and had three children; her granddaughter is the English actress Lily James. Horton voiced the ship's computer, "Mother", in the 1979 film Alien.

Horton attended Northwestern University where she became lifelong friends with Patricia Neal (Helen Benson in The Day the Earth Stood Still). She was well thought of in the drama department and was cast as Viola, the lead role in Twelfth Night, with Neal cast as Olivia, in a university production of the Shakespeare play.

In September 1945, Horton and Neal took a shared apartment in New York and looked for work. They both got parts in a production of Seven Mirrors at the Blackfriars Theatre.

Horton took over from Vivien Leigh as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire after the play's London run was completed and it began to tour the United Kingdom. When Neal mentioned the connection to Leigh, she remarked "No one takes over for me, dear. When I leave a play, it's over."

On theIReview.com

Films featuring Helen Hortonthat we've reviewed.

Alien poster★ 8.5

Alien

as the voice of Mother, the Nostromo computer.

Ridley Scott · 1979

HorrorSci-Fi

RT 93%

Review Highlights

AI-summarized critic and audience reaction, pulled from the Fan & Critic Buzz on their highest-rated films with us.

“The movie "Alien" is widely praised for its horror and sci-fi elements, with many reviewers noting that it sets a new standard for the genre. The film's claustrophobic setting and iconic alien design have become synonymous with fear and suspense. A strong cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Yaphet Kotto, has been praised for their performances. Despite being described as not eventful or entertaining in some reviews, "Alien" is still regarded as a classic horror movie that continues to thrill audiences today.”

From the Fan & Critic Buzz on Alien →

Selected Filmography

  • Agatha Christie's Poirot(1989)TV Series · 1 epas Julia Olivera
  • Minder(1979)TV Series · 1 epas Judge's Wife
  • BBC Play of the Month(1965)TV Series · 1 epas Grace Torrence
  • Tales of the Unexpected(1979)TV Series · 1 epas Martha
  • Danger Man(1960)TV Series · 1 epas Helen
  • Van der Valk(1972)TV Series · 1 epas Mrs Lovell Wallace
  • Centre Play(1973)TV Series · 1 epas Nancy
  • Out of the Unknown(1965)TV Series · 1 epas Brenda Claffern
  • The Benny Hill Show(1969)TV Series · 58 eps
  • Espionage(1963)TV Series · 1 epas Mrs Quade
  • Superman III(1983)as Miss Henderson
  • Two's Company(1975)TV Series · 1 epas Clare
  • The Two Mrs. Grenvilles(1987)TV Series · 2 epsas Nurse at Playhouse
  • The Razor's Edge(1984)as Red Cross Lady
  • Phase IV(1974)as Mildred Eldridge
  • Anne of Green Gables(1972)TV Series · 2 epsas Mrs Barry
  • Endless Night(1972)as Aunt Beth
  • The Chairman(1969)as Susan Wright
  • The Woman He Loved(1988)as Martha
  • Never Take Sweets from a Stranger(1960)as Sylvia Kingsley

Sources

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