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Legendary Copywriter Behind Iconic "Alien" Tagline Dies at 89
23 Oct
Summary
- Barbara Gips, the copywriter who created the legendary "Alien" tagline, has passed away at 89.
- Gips also wrote taglines for other classic films like "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Desperately Seeking Susan".
- She was a multi-talented woman with a diverse career, including teaching, acting, and playwriting.
On October 16, 2025, the world lost a true icon of the film industry. Barbara Gips, the legendary copywriter who helped sell Ridley Scott's classic horror sci-fi thriller "Alien" with her now-iconic tagline "In space no one can hear you scream," passed away at the age of 89 in the Bronx due to complications from a stroke.
Gips, a multi-talented woman, had a diverse career that included teaching, acting, and playwriting, in addition to her work as a copywriter. She was known for her creativity, intelligence, and dedication to her craft. Gips' work on the "Alien" poster is widely regarded as one of the best movie taglines ever written, with the line perfectly capturing the film's chilling premise.
Beyond "Alien," Gips also came up with memorable taglines for other classic films, including "Kramer vs. Kramer" ("Ted Kramer is about to learn what 10 million women already know") and "Desperately Seeking Susan" ("It's a life so outrageous it takes two women to live it"). Her impact on the film industry is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of creative minds.
