Elle Fanning, born Mary Elle Fanning, is an American actress, model, and style icon whose career has blossomed from child prodigy to critically acclaimed star. With a career that began before she turned three, Elle captivated audiences early on with her ethereal beauty and emotional depth. She is best known for her standout performances in films like Maleficent, Super 8, The Neon Demon, and the satirical TV series The Great. Known for her grace, intelligence, and timeless fashion sense, Elle has carved a unique niche in Hollywood—balancing blockbuster appeal with indie credibility. As the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, Elle has stepped confidently into her own spotlight, earning recognition for her fearless role choices and effortless transformation from child star to leading lady. Today, she’s not only one of the most talented actresses of her generation but also a muse to the fashion world and a rising cultural icon.
🌟 Introduction
Elle Fanning, born Mary Elle Fanning, is a critically acclaimed American actress and fashion muse known for her ethereal beauty, powerful performances, and striking maturity beyond her years. She rose to fame as a child actress and quickly established herself as a versatile performer with roles ranging from fairy-tale princesses to complex historical figures. Known for her roles in Maleficent, The Great, and Super 8, Elle has grown into one of Hollywood’s most respected young talents.
📋 Bio Data & Personal Profile
- Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
- Nickname(s): Elle, Elbow
- Date of Birth: April 9, 1998
- Age (as of 2025): 27 years
- Birthplace: Conyers, Georgia, USA
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Current Residence: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality: American 🇺🇸
- Zodiac Sign: Aries ♈
- Religion: Southern Baptist upbringing, not publicly affiliated
- Languages: English (fluent), some French
- Profession: Actress, Model
- Years Active: 2001–present
- Known For: Youthful charm, expressive acting, fashion-forward style
💼 Occupation & Career Path
- Profession: Actress, Model
- Debut Film (Uncredited): I Am Sam (2001) – younger version of Dakota Fanning’s character
- Breakthrough Role: Phoebe in Wonderland (2008), Somewhere (2010)
- Major Films:
- Super 8 (2011)
- Maleficent (2014) & Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
- The Neon Demon (2016)
- 20th Century Women (2016)
- Teen Spirit (2018)
- Notable TV Series: The Great (2020–2023) as Catherine the Great
- Modeling Work: Featured in campaigns for Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and L’Oréal
📐 Physical Stats & More
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Weight: ~59 kg (130 lbs)
- Figure Measurements: 34–25–35 inches
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Naturally blonde
- Build Type: Slim and graceful
- Shoe Size: 8 (US)
- Dress Size: 4 (US)
🧬 Race / Ethnicity
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Ancestry: English, Irish, German, French, Channel Islander (Jersey), with remote Scottish roots
🎓 Education Background
- Schooling: Campbell Hall School, North Hollywood, California
- College: Did not attend college; chose to pursue acting full-time
- Tutors: Had on-set tutors during her early acting years
👨👩👧 Family Background
- Father: Steven Fanning (former baseball player, electronics salesman)
- Mother: Heather Joy Arrington (professional tennis player)
- Sibling: Dakota Fanning (older sister, actress)
- Family Support: Very close-knit family, strong bond with her sister
💖 Personal Life & Relationships
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Relationship Status: Previously dated actor Max Minghella
- Children: None
- Lifestyle: Known for a low-key personal life and staying out of tabloids
🏆 Career Highlights & Awards
- Breakthrough Performer Award – Hamptons International Film Festival
- Best Actress in a Comedy Series – Critics’ Choice Awards for The Great
- Young Hollywood Award – Actress of the Year
- Nominated for:
- Golden Globe for The Great
- SAG and Independent Spirit Awards
- Cannes Jury Member – Youngest ever (2019)
- Brand Endorsements: Miu Miu, L’Oréal Paris, Tiffany & Co.
⚠️ Controversies
- Elle has maintained a relatively controversy-free career.
- Faced minor backlash for a Cannes dress deemed “too mature” at 16
- Some criticized casting in Teen Spirit for accent usage (minor debate)
- Strong advocate for women’s rights and body autonomy—has been praised and critiqued for her outspoken views
🌈 Sexual Orientation
- Orientation: Heterosexual (Straight)
✨ Distinctive Features
- Porcelain-like skin
- Large expressive blue eyes
- Naturally blonde hair
- Classic, vintage-inspired fashion sense
- Poised demeanor with a childlike charm
📲 Social Media & Online Presence
- Instagram: @ellefanning
- Facebook: Elle Fanning
- Twitter (X): @ElleFanning
- IMDb: Elle Fanning – IMDb
🎯 Favourite Things
- Cuisine: Italian (especially pasta), French pastries
- Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett
- Actresses: Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton
- Books: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, classic literature
- Color: Pastel pink
- Hobbies: Ballet, reading, photography, vintage fashion
- Travel Spot: Paris, London, New York
- Fashion Icons: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly
💰 Net Worth (2025)
- Estimated Net Worth: $8–10 Million USD
- Primary Income Sources: Film salaries, endorsements, fashion collaborations
- Luxury Possessions:
- Vintage designer wardrobe
- Home in Los Angeles
- Collector of classic handbags and perfumes
🧠 30 Amazing Facts About Elle Fanning
- Began acting at age 2.
- Played the younger version of sister Dakota’s characters in early roles.
- Her middle name is Mary.
- She was homeschooled on set as a child.
- Youngest member of the Cannes Film Festival jury (age 21).
- Has studied ballet since childhood.
- Collects vintage fashion and hats.
- Wore a real corset for The Great for historical accuracy.
- Named after Elle magazine.
- Was considered for several Disney princess roles.
- Auditioned for Twilight but was too young at the time.
- Has a soft spot for musicals.
- Her first kiss was onscreen.
- Elle and Dakota often raid each other’s closets.
- Is best friends with actress Angelina Jolie after Maleficent.
- Loves baking and decorating cakes.
- Appeared in Babel and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in small roles.
- Reads fashion history books.
- Once broke her arm filming a stunt.
- Appeared in a Jay-Z music video.
- Is a huge fan of K-pop.
- Wears minimal makeup off-camera.
- Favorite pet is her dog Lewellen.
- She rarely watches her own movies.
- Loves romantic period dramas.
- Practices yoga for mental clarity.
- Named one of the best-dressed by Vogue multiple times.
- Dreams of directing one day.
- She has synesthesia (a rare condition where senses cross).
- Advocates for body positivity and natural beauty.
🏛️ Conclusion & Legacy
Elle Fanning’s rise from a child actress to a global fashion icon and award-nominated performer is a testament to her talent, humility, and artistic integrity. With a unique blend of classic Hollywood grace and Gen Z creativity, she continues to challenge herself with bold roles and dynamic performances. Elle stands as a role model for young women everywhere—embracing authenticity, mental wellness, and creative exploration. As her journey unfolds, she promises to remain a defining voice in both cinema and fashion.
