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The Life of Bolaji Badejo: The Man Behind the Xenomorph

Our very own Valaquen has written an extremely well-researched article on his Strange Shapes blog about the life of Bolaji Badejo. For those Alien fans out there, Badejo played the xenomorph creature in Ridley Scott’s 1979 Alien. He was born in Nigeria on August 23, 1953 and eventually made his way to England in the 70’s. He always had an interest in art design and studied graphic design in England. Badejo was in a London pub when he was spotted by a casting director working on Ridley Scott’s Alien. They wanted someone really tall and thin to play the part and 6’10” Bolaji Badejo was perfect for the role. Alien was the only feature film he was ever in and he more or less disappeared after its release and nobody knew what had happened to him.

Bolaji Badejo Alien The Life of Bolaji Badejo: The Man Behind the Xenomorph

Valaquen managed to track down three of his family members who revealed that Badejo relocated back to Nigeria in 1980 and within three years, he had his own art gallery. His children, Bibi and Yinka, were born in the 80’s. Sadly, Bolaji Badejo died December 22, 1992, aged 39, due to sickle cell anaemia which he had been diagnosed with as a child. His memory will live on forever though for his fantastic performance as the xenomorph. Be sure to check out Valaquen’s article in full to learn more about his life.



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Comments: 26
  1. TITANOSAUR
    it's sad to know that the man who brought life to the beast of nightmares and terror has left us. and nobody knew of it for so long it's rather depressing. however by bringing life to the Original Alien, he has been forever immortalized, and when future fans of the franchise read the credits of his name as the alien he'll continue to be remembered.

    but there were many more people from the original film that have yet to be found after their 35 year absence. where are they now? Have they lived a small humble life? did they succeed in other ventures, or have they fallen? these people created a masterpiece and they must be remembered more then just their name in the credits.
  2. Valaquen
    Boyega, who relocated to Nigeria from Oslo this week, sent me a message saying: "Hi Johnny, hope you are great, I went through the 16 responses: awesome and emotional." So don't forget, if you want to leave a message on the article, do so. The family will see it. Boyega will also take a photo of Bolaji's grave at some point.
  3. Valaquen
    Quote from: Hudson on Aug 25, 2014, 05:27:19 PM
    Quote from: wmmvrrvrrmm on Aug 25, 2014, 11:00:35 AM
    Good work. Glad to know that he died a natural death

    Now I want to find whoever started that stupid rumor about him committing suicide.

    Well, I think some of the crew heard the rumour and talked about it on Alien Experience. Jon Sorensen recalled the death being reported in Screen International. Some French website ran with an article about how Bolaji was constrained to hotel rooms and segregated from everyone, which depressed him, leading to suicide.

    But the truth is out there now. Boyega seemed quite annoyed that the suicide rumour was taking root, so it's cool to correct it.
  4. Ash 937
    Excellent piece, Valaquen.  Badejo doesn't get enough credit for being one of the most convincing movie monsters ever.  You just helped changed that a little.

    Kudos on your efforts and the awesome result.
  5. Valaquen
    Quote from: Hudson on Aug 23, 2014, 05:13:53 PM
    As interesting as this this article was (and as outstanding as it is) I'd even read a separate article about the research that went into it. This story is interesting as f**k, the story behind it has to be interesting also.

    Just imagine a lot of finger-crossing, hopes dashed and fulfilled, e-mails sent, returned or lost, and a lot of cold, treacly persipration  :P
  6. Hudson
    As interesting as this this article was (and as outstanding as it is) I'd even read a separate article about the research that went into it. This story is interesting as f**k, the story behind it has to be interesting also.
  7. Valaquen
    If anyone cares to, leave a comment on the blog. The family will be checking in to read them. Today would have been his 61st birthday. Show them and Bolaji some love, if you like :)
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