Barbara Gips, Creator of Iconic ‘Alien’ Tagline, Passes Away at 89

Barbara Gips, the creative mind behind the iconic tagline “In space, no one can hear you scream” for Ridley Scott’s landmark film Alien, has passed away at the age of 89. She died on October 16, 2023, in the Bronx due to complications from a stroke, as confirmed by a spokesperson from WME.

Gips, a talented copywriter, conceived the now-legendary phrase while washing dishes, leading to its immediate adoption over other proposed options for the film’s marketing campaign. The tagline, which has been lauded as both clever and factually accurate, contributed significantly to the film’s success upon its release in 1979. In his book, Typeset in the Future: Typography and Design in Science Fiction Movies, author Dave Addey praised the tagline for its brilliance, noting its factual correctness regarding the vacuum of space.

Impact on Film Marketing

The collaboration between Gips and her late husband, Philip Gips, extended beyond Alien. Philip, known for his artwork on films such as Rosemary’s Baby and Downhill Racer, co-designed the film’s memorable poster, depicting a glowing egg that perfectly captured the eerie essence of the narrative. Their partnership was a family affair that enriched the cinematic landscape.

Barbara Gips’ influence on film marketing is evident in her contributions to other notable projects. She crafted taglines for films such as Kramer vs. Kramer in 1979, which read, “Ted Kramer is about to learn what 10 million women already know,” and Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985, stating, “It’s a life so outrageous it takes two women to live it.” Her work is frequently cited among the best movie taglines in cinema history, showcasing her remarkable talent.

A Life in Creativity and Education

Born Barbara Solinger in 1936 in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, Gips pursued higher education at Boston University and later at Columbia University, where she earned a master’s degree in arts. She married Philip Gips in 1958, and they remained together until his passing in October 2019.

Throughout her career, Gips wrote taglines for numerous films, including Silkwood in 1983, “Sometimes the most unlikely person turns out to be a hero,” and Fatal Attraction in 1987, “On the other side of drinks, dinner and a one-night stand lies a terrifying love story.” Her tagline for No Way Out and the humorous “Having a wonderful time, wish I were here” for Postcards From the Edge in 1990 further exemplified her versatility and creativity.

Barbara Gips is survived by her four sons, Michael, Steven, David, and James, as well as her daughter, Dana. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her son Steven Gips paid tribute to her on social media, describing her as a “highly educated, multi-talented woman” who valued family and friendship above all. He noted her integrity, compassion, and the positive impact she had on those around her.

Gips’ legacy endures not only through her iconic taglines but also through the inspiration she provided to countless individuals in her life. Her contributions to film and her vibrant spirit will be remembered by fans and industry professionals alike.