| Full Name: | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Age: | 25 years old |
| Birthday: | April 9, 1998 |
| Birthplace: | Conyers, Georgia, United States |
| Instagram: | @ellefanning |
| Twitter: | @ElleFanning |
As an ardent Elle Fanning fan, I’m thrilled to provide this in-depth profile of her background, prolific career, unique personality and impressive achievements over the past two decades. Born into a talented family and propelled to fame at an extraordinarily young age, Elle Fanning has grown into one of Hollywood‘s most gifted and versatile young actresses. Let‘s explore her fascinating story.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born to Joy Arrington, a tennis player, and Steven Fanning, a minor league baseball player, Elle was immersed in athletics and competition from birth. But it was the acting bug that bit Elle and her older sister Dakota early on. Elle was named after her paternal grandmother, Mary Elle.
In order to support Elle and Dakota‘s budding acting careers, the Fanning family relocated to Los Angeles when Elle was young. Elle landed her first professional gig in the sci-fi miniseries Taken at just 3 years old.
Her breakthrough role came in 2001 at age 3 playing the younger version of her sister‘s character in I Am Sam. Elle‘s emotional performance earned rave reviews from critics, despite her very young age.
Rising Prominence and Widespread Praise
After I Am Sam, Elle continued acting in films like Daddy Day Care, The Door in the Floor, and Because of Winn-Dixie. In 2008, her heartbreaking performance as the young dying Daisy in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opposite Brad Pitt earned her significant critical acclaim.
2010 proved to be a pivotal year for Elle‘s career when she received her first lead role in the drama Somewhere, directed by Sofia Coppola. Her nuanced performance as a lonely young girl earned Elle several Best Actress awards.
She went on to co-star with Brad Pitt again in the 2011 sci-fi film Super 8 from director JJ Abrams. In 2012, Elle starred in Sally Potter’s coming-of-age drama Ginger & Rosa, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Achieving Hollywood Stardom
Elle’s career reached impressive new heights when she took on the coveted role of Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent (2014) opposite Angelina Jolie. She skillfully balanced innocence and strength to craft a memorable performance.
She went on to showcase her versatility in Nicolas Winding Refn‘s shocking horror film The Neon Demon (2016) and Sofia Coppola‘s gritty thriller The Beguiled (2017) starring alongside Nicole Kidman.
Recently, Elle illuminated the screen as Mary Shelley in the biopic Mary Shelley (2018) and garnered widespread acclaim for her performance in the Hulu dramatic miniseries The Great (2020).
Career Highlights and Accolades
- Young Artist Award – Best Performance in a Feature Film (Somewhere)
- Boston Society of Film Critics Award – Best Actress (Somewhere)
- Hollywood Film Award – Supporting Actress of the Year (The Neon Demon)
- Critics‘ Choice Movie Award nomination – Best Young Performer (Super 8)
- Golden Globe nomination – Best Supporting Actress (Ginger & Rosa)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (The Great)
Why Fans Adore Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning has rightfully earned an army of devoted fans worldwide. What makes her so loved?
Her Uncanny Acting Ability
Elle possesses an emotional depth and innate acting ability far beyond her years. She disappears completely into even the most complex roles.
Her Grounded Personality
Despite achieving fame and success at such a young age, Elle comes across as humble, goofy and relatable during interviews.
Her Bold Fashion Sense
On the red carpet, Elle consistently wows with elegant, glamorous and sophisticated style choices that land her on Best Dressed lists.
Her Creative Ambition
Rather than accept easy blockbuster roles, Elle seeks out arthouse indies and challenging material that allows her acting chops to shine.
Elle Fanning‘s Career Timeline
2001 – Elle makes her acting debut at age 3 in I Am Sam, earning rave reviews.
2003 – Plays younger Dakota Fanning again in Taken miniseries, exposing her talents to wider audience.
2004 – Gains positive notice for her supporting turn in The Door in the Floor opposite Jeff Bridges.
2006 – Portrays sweet daughter Ruth in acclaimed drama The Curious Case of Benjamin Button alongside Brad Pitt.
2009 – Receives first lead role in Sofia Coppola‘s Somewhere, winning several Best Actress awards.
2011 – Reunites with Brad Pitt for sci-fi blockbuster Super 8, directed by JJ Abrams.
2014 – Achieves Hollywood stardom as Princess Aurora in Disney‘s Maleficent with Angelina Jolie.
2016 – Dazzles in Nicolas Winding Refn‘s neon-drenched thriller The Neon Demon.
2018 – Illuminates the screen as Gothic author Mary Shelley in passion project biopic.
2020 – Garnered new heights of acclaim for Hulu miniseries The Great as Catherine the Great.
10 Fun Facts About Elle
- Elle‘s first paid acting job was at age 3 for a national commercial.
- She was nicknamed "Little Elle" on set by Brad Pitt during The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- Elle did her own singing for the musical drama film Teen Spirit in 2018.
- She loves baking cookies, cakes and brownies in her free time.
- Her grandmother and namesake Mary Elle was a Pearl Harbor survivor.
- Elle fractured her elbow after fainting during an intense scene for The Neon Demon.
- She received a custom-made My Little Pony from JJ Abrams as a wrap gift after Super 8.
- Elle is passionate about jewelry design and created a line with fashion designer Azlee in 2018.
- She splurged on an Australian Shepherd puppy named Alfie during the pandemic.
- Elle‘s dream co-star is Daniel Day-Lewis.
Elle Fanning‘s Legacy and Influence
It‘s astounding that Elle Fanning is still only in her early 20s with so many iconic roles already under her belt. Her dedication to her craft, eloquent poise and consistent excellence have cemented her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Elle serves as an inspiration for young performers looking to transition successfully to more mature roles. With many more decades of her career ahead, it will be incredible to see what this prodigious young talent accomplishes next. One thing is certain – Elle Fanning is one of Hollywood‘s brightest rising stars.
