'Aliens' Actress Jenette Goldstein Talks James Cameron & Playing Tough Latina From East L.A.

July 18, 2016 marks the 30th Anniversary of James Cameron ALIENS, and we caught up with actress turned business owner Jenette Goldstein last year who most will remember as "Vasquez" the tough chola soldier at war with aliens. CineMovie is talking to her about her role in the classic action film, and how she transformed herself into a "chola" from East Los Angeles.
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[@StoneyHoliday]

As a latino I cannot believe she wasn't latina. She did a great job without making a caricature of the interpretation.

[@A3_870]

She wore brown contact lenses to hide her blue eyes. Of course her hair was dyed and her skin browned for her role i Aliens

[@vincentvega5686]

not only is she not latina, she's really an A-cup 😁 jk

[@ionthegravity2]

Let's be honest, Hudson and Vasquez made Aliens awesome.

[@fart-scentedthong5401]

yup. It woulda been great with just Ripley and a bland cast. . but with Hudson, Vasquez, Hicks, and Apone . .. it's fucking spectacular.

[@ladyghana9059]

Fart-Scented Thong 💯💯💯💯

[@DodgerFan1988]

I wished they lived at the end.

[@controllerbrain]

they contributed more than ripley imo

[@TheGaryNOVA]

Game over man! GAME OVER!!!!!

[@YouSimon1000]

Comparing her Vasquez character in ALIENS, and the Irish mother with two small kids in TITANIC, you'd never guess they were the same actress. She is incredible.

[@Ultimagtr650]

She was simply fantastic. Vasquez is one of the toughest, most convincing women on film ever..

[@Sutterjack]

Perfect casting

[@thenailtechfiles7935]

She was why the word badass was invented

[@philosoFreedomGaming]

Vasquez my favorite action hero dying in the movie

[@globalproductvendors]

...Goldstein as Vasquez...probably the most convincing role I've ever seen.

[@popcur]

For sure, she fooled a lot of single Latino men. Wife material down to a fling.

[@TheLio666]

I thought it was "Alice" in Fear and loathing in Las Vegas lol

[@martytdd1606]

I used to think that there was a ginger gene in Latin Americans after I saw Jenette in Terminator 2. I thought that they had just dyed her hair in Aliens, then when Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez came on the boxing scene I just immediatly thought that this was another Latino ginger. Only found out that Jenette was Jewish about 3 years ago when I googled her lol.

[@wesjanson6979]

@@martytdd1606 you mean the name "Goldstein" didn't give it away?

[@tat2masheen]

@@martytdd1606 theres actually a long history of the Irish and the latin conmunity that comes from the indentured servants from ireland.

[@alonzotanner1226]

She seems like a sweet and humble person. Right on. Her performance as Vasquez was amazing. Hands down.

[@parkermudsen1063]

She’s in two of the greatest sequels of all time.

[@phantom_fox_blue4384]

It's amazing that a film from over 3 decades ago is still better than any other "Alien" related film since. Characters done so well like Vasquez i feel were a major contributor to this.

[@jorgevazquez5545]

she was my favorite character in aliens...I can't believe it's been a long time ago

[@tanectanec8566]

30years ago bro, damn, but how can time flies

[@VV-lw8vb]

Man, I was 7 when Aliens came out. Loved it from the first viewing, but damn, I'm old. Lol

[@walcottdion5821]

@@VV-lw8vb same here

[@toofattoskate1]

Her performance in Aliens has never been replicated... Just stunningly brilliant and real strong female character...nailed it. I also loved her in Near Dark

[@dadduorp]

She seems like such a cool and well-grounded soul. I actually ran into her at a Costco a couple of years and she was as nice and humble as she comes across here. Cute too! ;-)

[@JamesCarmichael]

I was watching Titanic last night and was convinced that I recognised the Irish woman who puts her children to sleep while the ship was sinking. Unbelievably it was the very same actress who played John Connor's foster mom in Terminator 2. Her ability to play different roles is astonishing.

[@nickmattio3397]

"Jeanette Bras: The Alphabet Starts at D" lol I love it

[@uptownsamcv]

she played the role perfectly in Aliens.... looked bad ass too... i actually dated a chic from my old gym cause she had that Pvt Vasquez look lol ......

[@ladyghana9059]

samuel lopes 👌🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

samuel lopes me too, Brother!

[@singaporeghostclub]

damn i envy you!

[@jlw184]

You're just too bad!

[@nickmattio3397]

"Look Man! I just need to know ONE THING..Whereee Theyyyy Areee.⚔️⚰️"

[@dronespace]

Lol

[@nickmattio3397]

@@dronespace “Anytime Anywhere Mang!”

[@kelanth462]

Hudson: Hey Vasquez, Have you ever been mistaken for a man? Vasquez: No. Have you? BOOM

[@truenorth7949]

best line ever!

[@sexyhomeowner9345]

My favourite line from a film, EVER !!!

[@johnIZaUWL]

Perfectly timed for the 80's male chauvinism of the day!

[@makeupbygloria]

that was the most memorable line for me in the movie, she was a bad ass

[@makeupbygloria]

oh and the joke about the illegal aliens hahaha

[@mudspelledbackwards2997]

WTF? What they do......spray paint her brown? Amazing. I never would have guessed she wasn't latino. My favorite scene in the whole movie Aliens that brings it so much CREDIBILITY is when Vasquez and Gorman are in the air shafts with the aliens bearing down on them and they KNOW it's the end. At that moment any dislike, racism, class envy, the good or evil that they have become in their own lives as human beings just vanishes in an instant. The 2 most unlikely characters suddenly drop all their judgements and hold on to one another for their final breath. Never seen a moment like that in any other film. But you KNOW that kind of thing has happened countless times in real life throughout history.

[@ladyghana9059]

MUD SPELLED BACKWARDS I was in the theater SCREEMING “get those mutherfuckers ‼️‼️‼️‼️ along with the rest of the audience!!! In that Tunnel scene No other movie had me like that since!! Janes Cameron became my favorite Director after that

[@radrook4481]

There are tens of millions of Latinas who are much whiter than she is . So the spray paint is only needed if she were required to play the role of a dark-skinned Latina. BTW Goldstein was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Beverly Hills. Her family is Jewish (from Russia, Morocco, and Brazil). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenette_Goldstein

[@Milkman4279]

Maybe she just got a tan.

[@MartenFerret]

Brown face! D:

[@SarahSakura]

You said it so well. Totally agree with you.

[@laughingalien]

What a delightful woman; so gracious and modest. To me, she'll always be a *big* part of the reason Aliens was so successful. I hope she receives many more opportunities to play interesting characters.

[@amazingdany]

*Nah, she's too busy selling bras.*

[@JR-ez3zd]

Why is'n she in The Expendables Franchise?

[@Author_Alyssa_Taylor]

@@JR-ez3zd -- Great idea. Call Stallone about that!

[@smoothcriminal28]

Dude, this woman could be my mom but she is beautiful. Tremendous actress.

[@OrangeDiamond33]

You high as fuck ain't it?

[@ladyghana9059]

Ozzy actors playing a roll is one thing But to embody another Race the way she did and had us convinced is genius

[@theresatunna9859]

Vasquez............just wow.

[@PeachTea38]

she's james cameron fav i guess she played a latino in Alien she played an irish in titanic she was in Terminator 2 vasquez:: LETS ROCCCKKKKK !!!

[@victorspell1]

she played a Russian in Fair Game (1995) she was the only actor i cared about in that film

[@thedokkodoka4349]

She was absolutely perfect in Aliens and in T2. Too sad she didn't appear in more big blockbusters. She's such a talent you find only one in ten millions.

[@raggeragnar]

Besides Vasques being one of the toughest characters ever on the big screen , I just love Jeanettes beautiful warm smile. It’s contagious. She feels like a genuinly pleasant human beeing.

[@MisterG2323]

Love this lady, creator of numerous memorable characters, even when only allowed limited screen time.

[@robertsteich7362]

Hudson: “Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken as a man?” Vasquez: “No, have you?” My all time favorite come back line.

[@robojokes2274]

Shut up you idiot.

[@niks660097]

vasquez just destroyed that man's existence, holy shit i need to watch it..

[@anthonyxavier6300]

Her acting and looks playing Vasquez had me convinced she was latina all these years! I didn't even doubt it. She's amazing 👏

[@dbef0666]

I absolutely LOVE Vasquez !!!!

[@armanduval.83]

I loved Jeanette as Private Vasquez, there could be even a precuel on Vasquez' character!

[@TheFunkPoppy]

great idea man! you should go write it!!

[@whiteeaglewarrior]

I was 10 when I saw Vasquez .....awww man....being a tomboy I was like yeah she was my hero. Now Im older and I know who she is, shes still my hero but I have even more respect for her. Those arms......

[@ivorjawa]

I was also 10 when I first saw her. Kinda imprinted. Most of the ladies I find attractive don’t like men very much.

[@BobSayG]

Wow Aliens was her first film. She nailed it!

[@dadof2boystx]

She's awesome. She was in some great, classic flicks!

[@Northisbest]

She was awesome. such good strong woman marine...

[@devastator5607]

I work with some female marines, they're tough but a lot are beautiful, sexy tough👍

[@Kunard2112]

Straight out of Hyper sleep and straight into Pull ups ! Your just to Bad Vasquez :)

[@Costikeke]

vasquez, the only worthy fighter in the squad, loved her, very convincing character

[@ramjb]

Uhhhh Hicks and Drake weren't "worthy"?. How about Apone as sergeant?. And say what you will about Gorman being very green for command, but when the time came for him to shoot stuff for sure he knew how to, while refusing to let a crippled Vasquez behind even when he was perfectly healthy. Not to mention that Ferro was a badass pilot if there's any...

[@drivingintothedesertuntilt3202]

Sadly they underestimated the aliens

[@vhscopyofseinfeld]

@@ramjbwell said. Fuckin’ A

[@MichaelPetek]

The instant I saw them, I recognised those smartguns as the Mauser MG42 machine gun. They called it Hitler's buzz saw.

[@galenstone9097]

one of the best character actresses I have ever seen.

[@ericatheempress6698]

I literally just found out she also played an irish immigrant in Titanic too my mind is blown she really is a good actress

[@ladyghana9059]

Erica The Empress i remember, it was when the ship was sinking and she and her 2 children stayed in their cabin

[@stereophonic77]

she was also in terminator 2

[@maryannzimmer6184]

I would have liked to see more of the Vasquez/Drake relationship.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Vasquez was a serious badass. And one absolutely outstanding performance by Jenette Goldstein. It will always be my favorite role of hers. Having known a lot of Latinas growing up and today her performance blows me away with its authenticity every time I watch it. Simply amazing work.

[@ludeman]

Wow she is still bad ass!

[@OrangeDiamond33]

How in the fuck do you figure?

[@gullwingstorm857]

How do you not?

[@drfranklippenheimer8743]

What a great sci-fi role! You played it perfectly, Jenette.

[@alexrider9476]

R.I.P. Paxton

[@dr.jones.3832]

Wish she was in more films since those days, couldn't get enough of her film presence and aura!

[@davidgee2988]

LET'S RAWWWWWWWWWWK

[@XanderFrederick]

"YEAH!"

[@flxgld7096]

David Gee beat me to it lol!

[@nickabrahall1412]

The scene when they have to hand over their ammo and Drake immediately goes to Vasquez because he KNOWS she’s holding out “Right on Vas!”

[@larrygarcia6356]

Jenette Goldstein is the very definition of a chameleon actor. Absolutely brilliant.

[@Chrisfeb68]

I saw this movie when I was college.. in the study room of the fifth floor of our dorm with like 20 other kids...with the lights turned down...great experience...this is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@KillurGod666]

I love Jenette Goldstein and her voice

[@TheDark.knight80]

If Sigourney Weaver hadn't reprised his role as Ripley in this sequel, I think James Cameron would have made Vasquez the hero of the film! Jenette Goldstein did a great job as an actress !😉👍👏😘

[@IchigosBestFriend]

Honestly the only “tough Woman” role that was believable

[@ScanManP13]

She killed it.

[@jdxsr85]

Sarah Connor in T2.

[@IchigosBestFriend]

@@jdxsr85 kinda

[@KD--sj8eo]

Hardly only. Damn you need to watch more films.

[@jessebradford3900]

Agree, I haven't noticed any trace of her trying to be bad. She was.

[@ATRTAP]

Vazquez- “let’s rock!” -is burned into my brain.

[@DanielVerberne]

What an effective and memorable character she's been! And what a roster of films.

[@taylorered6874]

Her as irish mother in titanic, step mom in t2, and bad ass Vasquez... she truly is a great character actress Damn you Cameron give her a spot in new avatar movies

[@leesmith6866]

Facts. I thought Janette should have played Edie Falco's character. Nothing against Edie who's also a brilliant actress. But I would have totally believed Goldstein as a sort of "resurrected Vasquez as a General" in Avatar and would have been geeked out about it. I was born in '74 and grew up on Aliens/Goldstein in several iconic films.

[@3gearsofwar3]

That line is my favorite movie line ever! Those 3 words and then that slap was the perfect ending to it. Amazing scene. Perfect

[@RedNovaMedia]

One word describes this incredible woman… memorable

[@quasarone3083]

She's awesome and so is Vasquez!

[@rodino70]

Vasquez is definitely one of the ultimate badasses!!!.. I get to meet her next month in Knoxville Tennessee and I cannot wait!!!

[@vhscopyofseinfeld]

HamHockDeathLock dude how did it go??

[@dvddmc]

She was Awesome as Diamond Back in Near Dark.

[@hossy.rjr.4881]

Really nailed it in Aliens ,Vasquez💪👍 Badass chick

[@LupusDei777]

I would've fucking cried of joy upon meeting her, she's a huge crush of mine 💖

[@FelisDestructicus]

I love Jenette Goldstein

[@davidholman48]

What a lovely lady! She seems quite open and unassuming.

[@StefanoBorini]

Thank you Jenette. You gave us a unique and absolutely memorable character we all love.

[@gotohoward]

I'm a big fan, and have seen the film at least 10 times in entirety. She in a very large way made the film.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Brilliant and beautiful actress...I’ve had a crush on her for ever!

[@Mmmyess]

Jenette seems really cool, and Vasquez seems REALLY COOL! Great little interview....

[@AdiAsaf]

Simply amazing...She one hell of an actor able to transform into that character..hard to believe it's the same person

[@tangreatmusicyacriso323]

Vasquez had you focused on her and Hudson through the whole movie, every BODY was Terrific together.

[@swiftcee266]

Let's Rockkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!..........class 👊

[@holseyd]

damn, i just missed a chance to see her in San Jose at a con earlier this month! her brother is still today a teacher at my high school (Castro Valley High) i had him for history back in the late 80s. hopefully you also remember Janette Goldstein from Near Dark, Lethal Weapon 2, Terminator 2 and Titanic.

[@marcellamcduffie8218]

Vasques and Drake cracked me up when they ended up firing their weapons because they were told not to fire under that heat exchanger because it would explode and although they had to collect everybody's magazines they put theirs back in and when those aliens started to attack they were ready to fire!!!!!! That was one of my best parts awesome.

[@MrVpm777]

Wow! Did not know she wasn't Latina. She nailed that character.

[@tommyg2660]

This is amazing because I would have sworn she was Latina. I still find myself second guessing listening to her in the interview. She is an awesome actress.

[@TheGaryNOVA]

My favorite female badass character of all time. And that’s saying a lot because Ripley is my second fav.

[@ClassicCombat]

Someone said alien, She though they said ilegal alien signed up lol Such a iconic movie character. Love her

[@Wolf10media]

Protect this lady. Even if she don't need it.

[@elcunto7623]

So lucky getting aliens as your first movie, however janettes character was amazing ! .. and she is a v v underestimated actress! And what a body on this woman in aliens ! (Might just still fancey her in that one)

[@chination1796]

When i first saw her i actually thought she was Latina in real life now that's good acting

[@sickistartform1]

" Just show me ... where they are " ;)

[@Gmon750]

Vasquez, in addition to Ripley were two of the most bad-ass women in cinematic history. Goldstein was perfectly cast for her character.

[@user-ii5qm4qt2j]

1 love, Jeanette. She always, Vasquez, to me. Fantastic performance, she became some one else.

[@markhakin603]

Wow so weird to see her looking normal I didn't expect that I was expecting something else Vasquez was the ultimate badass woman of the 80s brilliant love her

[@drivingintothedesertuntilt3202]

Vasquez was an unforgettable character

[@renato2984]

I thought Janett (Vasquez) was latina too!!! She is incredible as an actres. Miss her a lot in the alien's movies.

[@velnicasal9740]

i was very young at the moment... i readed an article in a magazine, i dont remember which one it was, Starlog, Fangoria, or any other... and i remembered as i read, "WHAT??? shes not latina???" , and after that, i said to myself "damn!!! shes amazing!!!"

[@garyburley2283]

LET'S ROCK!!!!

[@r_aguilar68]

Amazing actress!!!!

[@Shiyounin]

I will never stop crushing over this woman

[@L1v1ngD3adGirI]

Damn she still has that special badass smile

[@izom]

amazing character!

[@jkoblivion4175]

A powerful woman. A powerful actress. A powerful character.

[@internziko]

Living legend. God bless you Jenette

[@dominickeefe2454]

Great character actress. Can't believe how different she is to vasquez.

[@standepain]

Vasquez and Ripley are still probably the two most bad ass women to even to put on film.

[@Ezekiel-7_25]

Ahhh she said chola from El Sereno ... Awebo !! ESR LOCK ST. R.I.P Tonito

[@sportikitv]

- Hey, Vasquez. Have you ever been mistaken for a man? - No. Have you?

[@robojokes2274]

Thanks for thd reminder. I am sure everybody has forgotten those lines.

[@rodolforivera4211]

I love You Vasquez congratulations from Perú 2020

[@MrEslender]

Aliens was an ICONIC movie... we all know that..... And Vasquez was pure epic !!!!!

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

SHE ROCKED IT

[@enzedbrit]

Have always and always will love Jenette

[@DelightLovesMovies]

Wow she's so cool. I loved her character in Aliens.