#7: Sigourney Weaver Then
In the late 1970s and 80s, Sigourney Weaver redefined what a female lead could be. While best known as Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979), she also brought unexpected complexity to romantic and character-driven films like Ghostbusters (1984) and Working Girl (1988). Her presence was sharp, elegant, and quietly magnetic.

Back then, Weaver stood out in an industry that often sidelined women into predictable romantic roles. A Yale-trained actress with striking poise, she became a model of strength and sophistication. Away from the screen, she cultivated a reputation for intelligence and privacy, preferring thoughtful living to celebrity spectacle.
