Sigourney Weaver has no plans to retire.

The Alien star has been a fixture on stage and screen for more than 50 years and described how she has more "appreciation" for acting than ever.

Speaking to HELLO! magazine, Sigourney said: "Retire? Why stop if you like doing what you do? Acting is still fun for me. In fact, I find that I appreciate it even more now I'm older."

The 76-year-old star is arguably best-known for her role as protagonist Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise and she is thrilled to be portraying another strong female character in the new Star Wars movie The Mandalorian and Grogu, in the form of Colonel Ward.

Sigourney said: "Years ago, the best that women of my age could expect was to play a caricature of an obnoxious mother-in-law or a villainess.

"I think the audience has changed. They have an appreciation for what people of all ages can bring and how complex all people are, especially older women.

"I'm so grateful that I've been able to play characters like this. I'm experiencing a kind of bonanza right now, because everything I'm doing is so different. I feel fortunate."

Sigourney explained that the chance to appear in the Star Wars franchise is particularly special for her as she can recall queuing at the cinema to watch the original movie Episode IV - A New Hope back in 1977.

The Ghostbusters star said: "It all happened very unexpectedly, but in a good way. It was a dream for me to go to that galaxy far, far away. I was there in 1977 when Star Wars first came out and blew everyone away. It changed cinema forever.

"I was an unemployed actor at the time, standing in line at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York to see it. Like everyone else, I marvelled at it while also feeling a little jealous of the actors up there on screen. I remember loving how much heart it had and how much fun it was. I was a fan from that day."

Sigourney has expressed a desire to continue breaking new ground as her acting career continues apace.

The three-time Oscar nominee said: "I'm known for playing strong women, but I'm interested in playing strong women who are vulnerable but perhaps can't turn to anyone for help. They have to do it themselves. That's true of this character, and it's important to me because I really believe that women can do anything."