Valda Hansen
Actor
About Valda Hansen
Valda Hansen was an American actress best known for her work in B-movies and horror films during the 1950s. Born in Los Angeles, she began her career in entertainment as a model before transitioning to acting. She gained recognition for her roles in several of Ed Wood's cult classic films, including 'Night of the Ghouls' (1959) where she played the ghost Sheila. Her most famous role was as the vampire woman in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1959), widely considered one of the worst films ever made but now a beloved cult classic. After her acting career slowed in the 1960s, she largely stepped away from the entertainment industry. Later in life, she appeared at horror conventions and film festivals, sharing stories about her time working with Ed Wood and other cult filmmakers. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as one of the memorable faces of 1950s B-movie cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Valda Hansen specialized in playing mysterious and ethereal characters, often in horror and science fiction B-movies. Her acting style was characterized by a haunting, otherworldly presence that perfectly suited the atmospheric low-budget films she appeared in. She brought a subtle intensity to her roles, particularly in horror films where she could convey both menace and vulnerability. Her performances, while not technically sophisticated, had a unique charm that contributed to the enduring appeal of the cult classics she appeared in.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'The Unearthly' (1957)
- Iconic performance in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1959)
- Leading role in 'Night of the Ghouls' (1959)
- Final film appearance in 'The Devil's Sleep' (1962)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Cult film icon status among horror and B-movie enthusiasts
- Regular guest at horror conventions celebrating Ed Wood films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Valda Hansen became an unlikely cultural icon through her association with Ed Wood's films, particularly 'Plan 9 from Outer Space.' While her acting career was brief and primarily in low-budget productions, her performances have endured as beloved examples of 1950s B-movie cinema. Her ethereal presence in horror films contributed to the unique aesthetic that made these films cult classics. She represents the era of Hollywood B-movies where actors with limited training could create memorable characters that resonated with audiences decades later.
Lasting Legacy
Valda Hansen's legacy is intrinsically tied to the cult film phenomenon surrounding Ed Wood's work. Though she never achieved mainstream stardom, she became a beloved figure among horror and science fiction fans. Her image as the ghostly Sheila in 'Night of the Ghouls' and the mysterious vampire woman in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' has been reproduced in countless posters, books, and documentaries about bad cinema. She exemplifies how performers in supposedly 'terrible' films can achieve a form of immortality through cult appreciation.
Who They Inspired
While Valda Hansen didn't directly influence other actors in a traditional mentorship sense, her work in Ed Wood films has inspired generations of horror enthusiasts and independent filmmakers. The earnestness of her performances despite the limitations of the productions she worked in has been cited as an example of dedication to craft regardless of budget or prestige. Her association with what became known as 'so bad it's good' cinema has influenced how audiences and critics reevaluate films initially dismissed as failures.
Off Screen
Valda Hansen was married twice during her lifetime. She was known to be a private person who rarely discussed her personal life in public. After retiring from acting, she lived a relatively quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight, though she occasionally participated in interviews and conventions related to her cult film work.
Education
Limited public information available
Family
- First husband (details not publicly documented)
- Second husband (details not publicly documented)
Did You Know?
- Despite her brief career, she appeared in three of Ed Wood's most famous films
- She was a model before transitioning to acting
- Her role in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' was uncredited in some releases
- She attended the 50th anniversary celebration of 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' in 2009
- She lived to be 93 years old, outliving most of her Ed Wood film co-stars
- Her ghost character in 'Night of the Ghouls' was filmed but the movie wasn't released until decades later
- She was one of the few female actors to work regularly with Ed Wood
- Her performances have been studied in academic courses about cult cinema
- She appeared in television commercials after her film career ended
- She maintained a positive attitude about her association with 'bad movies' in later interviews
In Their Own Words
On working with Ed Wood: 'He was enthusiastic and believed in what he was doing. We all did.'
On 'Plan 9 from Outer Space': 'We had no idea it would become so famous. We were just trying to make a living.'
On her legacy: 'It's wonderful that people still remember these films. It's been a surprise to me.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Valda Hansen?
Valda Hansen was an American actress best known for her roles in 1950s B-movies and horror films, particularly her work with director Ed Wood in cult classics like 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' and 'Night of the Ghouls'.
What films is Valda Hansen best known for?
She is most famous for 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1959), 'Night of the Ghouls' (1959), and 'The Unearthly' (1957), all of which have become beloved cult classics.
When was Valda Hansen born and when did she die?
Valda Hansen was born on November 7, 1920, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on July 21, 2014, at the age of 93.
What awards did Valda Hansen win?
While Valda Hansen never received formal industry awards, she achieved cult film icon status and was celebrated at horror conventions and film festivals for her contributions to B-movie cinema.
What was Valda Hansen's acting style?
Hansen specialized in playing ethereal, mysterious characters in horror and science fiction films, bringing a haunting presence and subtle intensity to her roles that perfectly suited the atmospheric low-budget productions.
How did Valda Hansen become associated with Ed Wood?
Hansen worked with Ed Wood on several of his most famous films during the late 1950s, becoming one of his recurring collaborators and creating memorable characters in what would later become cult classics.
What happened to Valda Hansen after her acting career?
After her acting career ended in the early 1960s, Hansen largely stepped away from entertainment but occasionally appeared at horror conventions and film festivals to discuss her work in cult films.
Learn More
Films
1 film
