5. The Actors Who Played The Marines Personalized Their Own Gear - And Lockers
In keeping with the idea that Aliens can work as a metaphor for the Vietnam War, James Cameron allowed the cast members who played the Marines to customize their equipment and fatigues in a manner similar to the Marines who served in the US Army. Needless to say, the cast went to town pimping up their gear, even going so far as to personalize the contents of their lockers on board the ship. Cynthia Dale Scott, who plays Cpl. Dietrich has the words "BLUE ANGEL" written on the back of her helmet, referencing the star of the 1930s movie of the same name, while Bill Paxton has "Louise" written on his armor by way of dedication to his wife. The only actor who didn't have a chance to modify his own equipment was Michael Biehn, who arrived on the shoot too late and had to settle for tags chosen for him by the props department. He was none too pleased with the heart painted over his chest, thinking it looked too much like a bullseye, but settled into the costume - and the role - effortlessly anyway.
