The Pam & Tommy star recently discovered a surprising family link to one of the most iconic sci-fi films in history — and she’s still amazed every time she watches it.

A Shocking Discovery

November 3, 2025: Lily James recently opened up about her unexpected family tie to Alien, revealing that her grandmother, Helen Horton, voiced the spaceship’s computer “Mother” in the 1979 classic. The actress confessed that even after learning about it, she still gets chills every time she hears her grandmother’s voice in the movie. “It’s crazy — that’s my grandma!” James shared, adding that the realization never fails to stop her in her tracks.

The Legacy of Helen Horton

Helen Horton, an American actress, brought a haunting calm to the voice of “Mother,” the ship’s AI system that plays a key role in Ridley Scott’s Alien. While Horton’s role was primarily vocal, her performance remains one of the film’s most memorable elements. For James, realizing her grandmother was behind such an iconic role feels surreal and deeply meaningful.

A Moment of Pride and Connection

The Mamma Mia! and Cinderella star said that hearing her grandmother’s voice while watching Alien has given her a new appreciation for her family’s creative roots. “It’s wild to think that she’s part of something so legendary,” James explained. “It makes me proud — and it reminds me how storytelling runs in our blood.”

Carrying on the Family Tradition

While Lily James has built her own impressive career in film and television, she admits that her grandmother’s legacy continues to inspire her. From Downton Abbey to her acclaimed role in Pam & Tommy, James has proven herself a versatile and talented performer — one clearly following in her grandmother’s footsteps.