American actress Elle Fanning is well-known for her ability to play a variety of parts and her captivating on-screen persona. Elle has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most gifted young actresses thanks to her breakthrough roles in movies like Maleficent and The Neon Demon. She has a devoted following and received critical acclaim for her ability to give her characters nuance and realism.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Elle |
| Date of Birth & Age (2025) | April 9, 1998 (27 years old) |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Family Members | Dakota Fanning (Sister), Heather Joy Arrington (Mother), Steven J. Fanning (Father) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Ballet, Reading, Traveling, Fashion |
| Net Worth | Approximately $8 million |
Childhood and Schooling
Born in Conyers, Georgia, Elle Fanning grew up in a family with deep connections to the entertainment sector. Elle was first introduced to Hollywood through her famous actress older sister, Dakota Fanning. Elle combined her studies and performing career while attending Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles. Despite not going to college, she used her acting job as a means of education and development.
Influences & Inspirations for Acting
Elle Fanning credits her sister Dakota as being a major influence on her decision to pursue acting after witnessing her perform. She also thinks Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett are great actresses. Her creativity was stimulated by movies like E.T. and The Virgin Suicides, and she has refined her art by collaborating with avant-garde filmmakers like Sofia Coppola.
Filmography
Elle Fanning has built an impressive filmography since her debut in 2001. Here’s a chronological overview of her work up to 2025:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | I Am Sam | Younger Lucy | Debut role, portrayed the younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning’s character. |
| 2003 | Daddy Day Care | Jamie | Comedy film about fathers starting a daycare. |
| 2004 | The Door in the Floor | Ruth Cole | Drama based on John Irving’s novel. |
| 2005 | Because of Winn-Dixie | Sweetie Pie Thomas | Family film about a girl and her dog. |
| 2006 | Babel | Debbie Jones | Multi-narrative drama directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. |
| 2008 | The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | Daisy (age 7) | Played a younger version of Cate Blanchett’s character. |
| 2010 | Somewhere | Cleo | Drama directed by Sofia Coppola. |
| 2011 | Super 8 | Alice Dainard | Sci-fi thriller directed by J.J. Abrams. |
| 2011 | We Bought a Zoo | Lily Miska | Family drama starring Matt Damon. |
| 2014 | Maleficent | Princess Aurora | Fantasy film opposite Angelina Jolie. |
| 2016 | The Neon Demon | Jesse | Psychological horror directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. |
| 2017 | The Beguiled | Alicia | Drama directed by Sofia Coppola. |
| 2019 | A Rainy Day in New York | Ashleigh Enright | Romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen. |
| 2020 | All the Bright Places | Violet Markey | Romantic drama based on the novel by Jennifer Niven. |
| 2020 | The Roads Not Taken | Molly | Drama directed by Sally Potter. |
| 2020–2023 | The Great (TV Series) | Catherine the Great | Historical comedy series on Hulu. |
| 2022 | The Girl from Plainville (TV Series) | Michelle Carter | True crime miniseries on Hulu. |
| 2024 | A Complete Unknown | Joan Baez | Biopic about Bob Dylan. |
| 2024 | Predator: Badlands | Lead Role | New installment in the Predator franchise. |
| 2024 | Sentimental Value | Lead Role | Drama directed by Joachim Trier. |
| 2025 | Rosebush Pruning | Lead Role | Remake of Marco Bellocchio’s Fists in the Pocket. |
Recent & Upcoming Projects
Fanning and her sister Dakota launched Lewellen Pictures with a first look agreement at MRC and executive producers on Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer (2024) for Hulu. The next project of video game director Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, stars Fanning. Fanning started shooting Bob Dylan’s biography A Complete Unknown in 2024.
Also Read: Amanda Warren’s Life & Career (2025): Age, Net Worth, Family & Filmography
Fanning was revealed in June 2024 to be leading the next The Predator franchise installment, Predator: Badlands. August Fanning signed to play a Hollywood starlet in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. September Fanning started shooting Rosebush Pruning by Karim Ainouz, a retelling of Fists in the Pocket by Marco Bellocchio.
Family Background
Her parents are former minor league baseball player Steven J. Fanning turned salesman and Heather Joy Arrington, a former tennis player. Also a Hollywood actress is Dakota Fanning, her older sister. Elle grew raised in a creative and encouraging atmosphere and became early passionate about performing, usually accompanying her sister on auditions.
Physical Measurements
| Attribute | Details |
| Height & Weight | 5’9” (175 cm), 59 kg (130 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Distinctive Features | Graceful demeanor, radiant smile |
Career Journey
Early Profession
At two years old, Elle started her acting career, performing the younger version of her sister’s character in I Am Sam. Her early roles included visits to Daddy Day Care and Because of Winn-Dixie.
Breakthrough Role
Her breakthrough came in 2014 when Elle featured alongside Angelina Jolie as Princess Aurora in Maleficent. Her popularity in the movie confirmed her as a top actress.
Notable TV Shows and Movies
Elle has varied parts in Super 8, The Neon Demon, The Beguiled, and the Hulu series The Great. Her creative depth is shown by her partnerships with directors like Sofia Coppola and Nicolas Winding Refn.
Notable Directors and Co-Stars
Among others, Elle has worked with Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie. Her work has been much shaped by directors such as Sofia Coppola and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Honors and Achievements
- Nominated for a Golden Globe for her 2020 The Great performance.
- 2011 Young Hollywood Award winner for Actress of the Year.
- Praised by reviewers for her performances in The Beguiled and The Neon Demon.
Personal Life
Elle Fanning maintains a reasonably quiet personal life. She concentrates mostly on her career, although she has been connected to a few relationships in the past. Apart from performing, Elle is driven about mental health campaigning and supports several charities. She loves ballet and usually posts on social media expressing her passion for fashion.
Legacy and Impact
Unquestionably, Elle Fanning has changed Hollywood. Aspiring performers all around have been motivated by her dedication to her trade and ability to challenge difficult roles. She keeps stretching limits and redefining what it means to be a young actor working in Hollywood.
Social Media and Fan Invagement
Elle Fanning engages with her followers on Twitter and Instagram (@ellefanning). Through sincere postings and behind-the-scenes material, she interacts with her fans by often sharing peeks of her personal and professional life. Her real and grounded approach shows on social media.
