Kathleen Hughes, the actress best known for her role in the 1953 3D sci-fi classic “It Came From Outer Space,” passed away at the age of 96. Her friend John Jigen Griffin-Atil confirmed her death.
Born Elizabeth Margaret von Gerkan in Los Angeles, Hughes was the niece of playwright F. Hugh Herbert. After signing with Fox in 1948, she began her acting career with small roles in films such as “Mother Is a Freshman” and “Mr. Belvedere Goes to College.”
Hughes caught the eye of writer-producer Don McGuire, who helped her secure a contract at Universal-International after leaving Fox. Her most enduring role was in director Jack Arnold’s “It Came From Outer Space,” where a publicity still featuring her became iconic and was widely used in advertising campaigns.
Reflecting on the famous photo from the film, Hughes once mentioned in an interview with Fox News, “The one where I have my hands up in the air and I’m screaming? I had just finished working on that film. I went to the still gallery and as I walked in, the cameraman who was taking stills said to me, ‘Put your hands up in the air and scream.’ And I did [laughs]. It was an instant success.”
Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, Hughes appeared in various TV shows, with recurring roles in “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” and “Bracken’s World,” as well as guest appearances on popular shows like “Marcus Welby M.D.,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Mission: Impossible,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “M.A.S.H.,” and “Here’s Lucy.”
Hughes was married to producer Stanley Rubin for 59 years until his passing in 2014. She is survived by her daughter, Angie, and sons Michael and John, while her son Chris predeceased her.
Kathleen Hughes leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry. Her talent and dedication to her craft will always be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
