Ann Robinson, the American actress best known for her role in the 1953 science-fiction film The War of the Worlds, has died at the age of 96. Her granddaughter confirmed she died at her Los Angeles home on 26 September 2025, but the family only made the news public this week.
Robinson rose to prominence in the early 1950s after working as a stunt horse rider and appearing in small parts for Paramount Pictures. She won wider recognition when she played Sylvia Van Buren, the female lead opposite Gene Barry, in George Pal’s film The War of the Worlds. This picture became a touchstone of postwar British and American science fiction cinema. The film’s dramatic scenes and Robinson’s calm, determined performance helped make it a long-running favourite among genre fans in the UK and beyond.
Her acting career also included parts in other 1950s features such as Dragnet and a series of westerns and crime pictures, where her stunt work and riding skills were often on show. Robinson later stepped back from Hollywood life after marrying and raising a family. However, she returned periodically for guest roles and convention appearances, remaining known to film historians and collectors of classic cinema. Over time, she became a familiar figure at science-fiction conventions, where fans welcomed her comments on the making of the original film and her memories of studio life in the 1950s.
The timing and delayed announcement of her death have drawn attention. Robinson passed away last September, but the family kept the news private until her granddaughter released a statement to the Hollywood Reporter this month. Reports say the family gave no further details on the reason for the delay or on the precise cause of death. Tributes from fans and film writers have since appeared online, highlighting her contribution to one of the most enduring science-fiction films of the 20th century.
In the UK, where the War of the Worlds has influenced decades of science-fiction filmmaking and radio drama, Robinson’s death has prompted renewed interest in the 1953 film. British critics and broadcasters often point to the movie when discussing early special effects, Cold War-era anxieties on screen, and the role of strong supporting performances in shaping a film’s legacy. Contemporary writers note that Robinson’s screen presence helped anchor scenes of panic and disbelief, making the film’s shocks feel more immediate to audiences then and now.
Robinson is survived by her son and two grandchildren, who have been cited in press reports confirming the family statement. Her passing marks the loss of a link to a formative era of Hollywood science fiction that remains loved by audiences in the UK and around the world.