The War of the Worlds helped Ann Robinson’s career in more ways than one. Sci-fi fans will remember Robinson as Sylvia Van Buren in the 1953 film adaptation. While Robinson’s performance was widely regarded as one of the best parts of the film, her acting career dwindled as the years went on. Previously, the actor had appeared in bigger films like the 1954 police film, Dragnet, and had briefly dabbled in television.

But by the 1970s, Robinson was rarely seen on screen. “I wasn’t doing much a couple of years ago,” said Robinson during an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. “Let’s face it, I was a has-been as far as Hollywood was concerned. I’d been out of the business for 20 years.”

However, the beauty of a good film is that every few years, a new generation discovers its beauty. In the 1970s, sci-fi fans flocked to The War of the Worlds and Robinson.

“Everywhere I went, people still talked about War of the Worlds,” said the actor. “There was a whole new generation of science-fiction fans who had discovered the film - and in turn discovered Ann Robinson.”

Because of the added publicity, Robinson enjoyed a resurgence in her career and returned to television. She remained eternally grateful to the fanbase the movie had provided her with. “I love the fans because they’re always sincere in their love of fantasy,” said the actor. “They’re incredibly dedicated.”