Who Is Elle Fanning? – Bio, Wiki, Stats & More
Elle Fanning isn’t just a Hollywood starlet—she’s a versatile actress and rising producer who’s been enchanting audiences since toddlerhood. Here’s an updated deep dive into her life, career, and stats.
Early Life & Family
- Born: Mary Elle Fanning, April 9, 1998 in Conyers, Georgia, USA
- Family Background: Daughter of Heather (a professional tennis player) and Steven Fanning (former minor league baseball & now electronics sales). She comes from a talented lineage—granddaughter of NFL player Rick Arrington and niece of ESPN’s Jill Arrington.
- Sibling: Younger sister of acclaimed actress Dakota Fanning; both started acting from an early age.
Acting Career
2001–2013: From Child Roles to Breakthrough
- Debuted at age 2–3, playing young Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001).
- Roles in Daddy Day Care (2003), Babel (2006), Phoebe in Wonderland and Benjamin Button (2008).
- Led in Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere (2010), then starred in Super 8 and We Bought a Zoo (2011), gaining widespread recognition.
2014–2019: International Fame
- Portrayed Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014) and its sequel (2019).
- Took on indie roles in Ginger & Rosa, The Neon Demon, 20th Century Women, and The Beguiled.
- In 2019, she became the youngest-ever juror at the Cannes Film Festival.
2020–Present: Producer & Leading Lady
- Stars as Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great (2020–2023), receiving Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- Portrayed Michelle Carter in Hulu’s The Girl from Plainville (2022).
- Broadway debut in Appropriate (2023).
- Recent film roles in A Complete Unknown (2024) and Cannes feature Sentimental Value (2025)—which won Grand Prix.
- Upcoming projects include Predator: Badlands (November 2025), Rosebush Pruning (thriller), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+, 2026), and as young Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026).
Awards & Nominations
- National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress (A Complete Unknown).
- Emmy nomination (Lead Actress, The Great) and three Golden Globe nods .
- Multiple Critics’ Choice nominations for film and television.
Off-Screen Pursuits
- Co-founded Lewellen Pictures (2021) with her sister Dakota, developing female-centric content—e.g., Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer.
- Longstanding L’Oréal Paris ambassador, often present at Cannes and committed to promoting women in cinema.
- Known to be engaged in beauty, fashion (Chanel, Givenchy, Met Gala standout), and activism (mental health, gender equality) .
Personal Life & Stats
- Height: Approx. 175 cm (~5’9″).
- Proud of her Southern roots; grew up moving between Georgia and California before settling in LA.
- Describes herself as a “hopeless romantic” and loves spending time with family and friends .
Fun Facts
- Starts her career with wild “elaborate scenes” with Dakota at home as kids.
- Said her role in The Neon Demon was “polarizing,” but appreciated its boldness and edge.
- Becoming young Effie in Hunger Games has Elizabeth Banks’ full backing.
In Summary
Elle Fanning has evolved from a toddler actor into a powerhouse of modern Hollywood—balancing mainstream franchises, indie darlings, stage work, and high-profile producing. With upcoming blockbuster roles and strong influence behind the lens, she’s securely on the path to an enduring legacy.
FAQs about Elle Fanning
Q1: Who is Elle Fanning?
A: Elle Fanning is an American actress and producer who began her career as a child actor. She rose to fame with roles in films like Super 8, Maleficent, and the Hulu series The Great.
Q2: How old is Elle Fanning?
A: Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998, which makes her 27 years old as of 2025.
Q3: Is Elle Fanning related to Dakota Fanning?
A: Yes, Elle is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning. Both sisters began acting at a young age and have had successful careers in film and television.
Q4: What are Elle Fanning’s most famous roles?
A: Some of her notable roles include:
- Princess Aurora in Maleficent
- Catherine the Great in The Great
- Alice Dainard in Super 8
- Jesse in The Neon Demon
- Michelle Carter in The Girl from Plainville
Also Read: The Life and Legacy of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Q5: Has Elle Fanning won any awards?
A: Yes. Elle has received several award nominations including Emmy and Golden Globe nods. She also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in A Complete Unknown.
Q6: What production company does Elle Fanning own?
A: Elle co-founded Lewellen Pictures with her sister Dakota Fanning in 2021. The company focuses on creating strong, female-driven stories for film and television.
Q7: How tall is Elle Fanning?
A: Elle Fanning is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Q8: What is Elle Fanning working on now?
A: Upcoming projects include Predator: Badlands, Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+), and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, where she plays young Effie Trinket.
Q9: Is Elle Fanning active on social media?
A: Yes, Elle is active on Instagram (@ellefanning), where she shares updates about her projects, fashion, and personal life.
Q10: Has Elle Fanning ever acted on Broadway?
A: Yes. In 2023, Elle made her Broadway debut in the play Appropriate, showcasing her talents on stage.
