Kathleen Hughes, Iconic ‘Scream Queen’ of 1950s Sci-Fi, Dies at 96

May 21, 2025: Kathleen Hughes, the luminous star best known for her unforgettable scream in the 1953 sci-fi classic It Came From Outer Space, has passed away at the age of 96. Her longtime friend, John Jigen Griffin-Atil, confirmed her death on Monday.

Born Elizabeth Margaret von Gerkan in Los Angeles, Hughes was the niece of playwright F. Hugh Herbert. Her Hollywood journey began in 1948 when she signed with 20th Century Fox, which rechristened her as Kathleen Hughes. Early film appearances included roles in Mother Is a Freshman and Mr. Belvedere Goes to College.

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Her breakout came after she joined Universal-International, landing the role in It Came From Outer Space that would cement her place in cinematic history. Directed by Jack Arnold, the film gained cult status—not least because of a publicity still featuring Hughes with her hands raised mid-scream, an image that became iconic in pop culture.

Recalling the moment in a 2019 interview with Fox News, Hughes said, “The cameraman asked me to throw up my hands and scream. I did—and that image just took off. That one photo helped the movie live on forever.”

Hughes continued her Hollywood ascent, starring opposite Rock Hudson in The Golden Blade, where she delivered his first on-screen kiss. She reunited with Arnold for the film noir The Glass Web and later took on the lead in Three Bad Sisters.

Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, she became a familiar face on television. Her credits include recurring roles in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and Bracken’s World, along with guest appearances on hit shows such as MASH*, Mission: Impossible, Barnaby Jones, Marcus Welby, M.D., I Dream of Jeannie, and Here’s Lucy.

Hughes was married to producer Stanley Rubin for 59 years until his death in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Angie and sons Michael and John. Her son Chris preceded her in death.