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Kathleen Hughes: The Legendary 'Scream Queen' of "It Came From Outer Space" Passes Away at 96

Kathleen Hughes, famous for playing the startled blonde character in the 1953 3D science fiction film "It Came From Outer Space," passed away on Monday. She was 96 years old.

Her friend John Jigen Griffin-Atil reported her death.

Born as Elizabeth Margaret von Gerkan in Los Angeles, she was related to the playwright F. Hugh Herbert through her niece. Upon joining Fox in 1948, the company altered her name before she started taking on minor parts such as those in "Mother Is a Freshman" and "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College."

Following her departure from Fox, she was chosen by Paul Henreid for "For Men Only," which drew the attention of writer-producer Don McGuire, aiding her in securing a deal with Universal-International. She then landed her next part in director Jack Arnold’s film "It Came From Outer Space." This particular role turned out to be particularly memorable due to a promotional image that became ubiquitous on items like birthday cards and advertisements.

In 2019, Hughes spoke to FoxNews Regarding that famous photograph—“the one with me raising my arms above my head and shouting?” It was taken right after I wrapped filming for that movie. As soon as I entered the exhibition space filled with photographs, the photographer capturing still images told me, “Raise your hands in the air and yell.” So, I obliged. laughs "It became instantly successful. Everyone adored it, and the movie continues to endure through that photograph," she stated.

She continued her acting career by starring alongside Rock Hudson in the adventure movie "The Golden Blade," during which he received his inaugural screen kiss. Later, she collaborated again with Arnold on the film noir titled "The Glass Web," before taking on the role in "Three Bad Sisters."

During the 1960s and '70s, she was featured in many television programs, taking part in regular roles for series like "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" as well as "Bracken's World," alongside making guest appearances on shows such as "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 , passed away in 2014 at the age of 59. She leaves behind a daughter named Angie and two sons, Michael and John. Her son Chris preceded her in death.

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