Kathleen Hughes, 1950s Sci-Fi Scream Queen, Dies at 96

Kathleen Hughes, famed for her iconic scream in the 1953 sci-fi cult classic It Came From Outer Space, passed away at age 96. Born Elizabeth Margaret von Gerkan, she began her acting career in the late 1940s with 20th Century Fox before moving to Universal, where she secured her breakthrough role in the Jack Arnold-directed film. The publicity still of her screaming with hands raised became emblematic of 1950s Atomic Age horror and sci-fi, securing her legacy as a 'scream queen.' Beyond this, Hughes appeared in films such as The Golden Blade and Three Bad Sisters, and made numerous TV guest appearances on shows like M*A*S*H, I Dream of Jeannie, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She was married to producer Stanley Rubin for 59 years and is survived by three children. Her death marks the passing of the last surviving cast member of It Came From Outer Space, cementing her place in Hollywood history.