Mary Elle Fanning, professionally known as Elle Fanning, is a critically acclaimed American actress who has gracefully grown from a child prodigy into one of Hollywood’s most elegant and versatile stars. Born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, Elle began her career before the age of three and quickly distinguished herself with her poise, depth, and natural acting talent.
The younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, Elle carved out her own identity with breakout roles in films like Super 8, Maleficent, and The Neon Demon. Whether she’s playing a fairy-tale princess or a bold empress in the Emmy-nominated series The Great, Elle mesmerizes audiences with her charm, expressive eyes, and remarkable emotional range.
Beyond the screen, she is a fashion icon, a Cannes Film Festival juror, and a voice for thoughtful, artistic cinema. Elle Fanning’s career is a testament to graceful evolution, artistic courage, and timeless beauty—making her one of the most respected and beloved actresses of her generation.
🌟 Introduction – Mary Elle Fanning: Hollywood’s Enchanting Starlet
Mary Elle Fanning, popularly known as Elle Fanning, is a gifted American actress, model, and style icon who made her screen debut before the age of three. Known for her porcelain beauty, emotional depth, and fearless acting choices, Elle has gracefully grown from a child star to a critically acclaimed leading actress. She rose to global fame with her role as Princess Aurora in Maleficent and further impressed critics with her performances in The Neon Demon, 20th Century Women, and The Great. A fixture at fashion weeks and red carpets, Elle is as celebrated for her acting talent as for her ethereal fashion sense and mature grace.
📋 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, United States
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Nationality: American 🇺🇸
- Zodiac Sign: Aries ♈
- Religion: Southern Baptist (raised), spiritual
- Languages: English (native)
- Profession: Actress, Model, Producer
- Years Active: 2001–present
- Known For: Maleficent, The Great, Super 8, The Neon Demon
💼 Occupation & Career Path
- Primary Profession: Actress
- Other Roles: Model, Producer
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Comedy, Thriller
- Industries: Hollywood films, television, indie cinema
- Debut Role: Younger version of Dakota Fanning’s character in I Am Sam (2001)
📐 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: Blonde
- Build Type: Slim and graceful
- Shoe Size: 9 (US)
- Dress Size: 4 (US)
🧬 Race / Ethnicity
- Ethnicity: White
- Ancestry: German, Irish, English, French, Channel Islander
🎓 Education Background
- Schooling: Campbell Hall School, Los Angeles
- College: Did not attend college (focused on acting career)
- Early Training: Ballet and acting lessons from a young age
👨👩👧 Family Background
- Father: Steven Fanning (former baseball player, electronics salesman)
- Mother: Heather Joy Arrington (former professional tennis player)
- Sibling: Dakota Fanning (older sister, actress)
- Close Bonds: Elle and Dakota share a tight-knit bond and mutual support in their careers
🎬 Career Highlights & Achievements
- Breakthrough Role: Phoebe in Wonderland (2008), Somewhere (2010)
- Blockbusters: Maleficent series, Super 8
- Critically Acclaimed: 20th Century Women, The Neon Demon, The Beguiled, The Great
- Producer Credit: The Great (Executive Producer)
- Festival Appearances: Cannes Film Festival Jury Member (2019)
🏆 Awards & Nominations
- Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (The Great)
- Critics Choice Awards Nomination: For The Great
- Hollywood Film Awards: Spotlight Award
- Locarno Film Festival: Best Actress (Ginger & Rosa)
- Saturn Awards: Multiple nominations for Maleficent
⚠️ Controversies
- Fashion Risks: Occasionally criticized for bold or unconventional red carpet looks
- Age-gap Role Criticism: Faced media scrutiny for portraying mature roles at a young age (e.g., The Beguiled, Galveston)
- Body Image Talks: Voiced frustrations about Hollywood’s beauty standards, sparking conversations on industry pressure
🌈 Sexual Orientation
- Orientation: Heterosexual (Straight)
✨ Distinctive Features
- Porcelain skin
- Angelic blue eyes
- Natural blonde hair
- Tall, graceful frame
- Soft, dreamy speaking voice
- Old-Hollywood charm meets modern elegance
📲 Social Media & Online Presence
- Instagram: @ellefanning
- Twitter (X): Not actively used
- Facebook: Elle Fanning on Facebook
- IMDb: Elle Fanning – IMDb
🎯 Favourite Things
- Cuisine: Italian, French pastries, Sushi
- Actors: Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton
- Movies: Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz
- Color: Pastel pink, ivory
- Hobbies: Ballet, painting, journaling, fashion styling
- Pet: Dog named Lewellen
- Vacation Spot: Paris, South of France
- Style Icons: Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn
💰 Net Worth (2025)
- Estimated Net Worth: ~$9 Million USD
- Primary Income Sources: Films, endorsements, production
- Brand Endorsements: L’Oréal Paris, Miu Miu, Tiffany & Co.
- Luxury Assets: Hollywood Hills home, designer wardrobe, luxury travel lifestyle
🧠 30 Fascinating Facts About Elle Fanning
- Elle was just 2 years old in her first role.
- She played the younger version of Dakota Fanning’s characters multiple times.
- Elle was named after her grandmother.
- She’s left-handed.
- Her height is 5’9″, making her one of the tallest in young Hollywood.
- Elle wore vintage Vivienne Westwood to her prom.
- She loves ballet and considered it professionally.
- Elle is obsessed with journaling.
- She’s allergic to cats.
- She has a very close relationship with her sister Dakota.
- Elle prefers indie films to blockbusters.
- She speaks a bit of French.
- She cried on the set of The Neon Demon because of intense scenes.
- Elle designed her own Halloween costumes growing up.
- She was on the Cannes jury at age 21.
- She loves vintage fashion and thrift shopping.
- Elle’s favorite season is spring.
- She practices yoga regularly.
- She starred in The Great as Empress Catherine II.
- Elle loves fairy tales and keeps a collection of storybooks.
- She auditioned for Twilight but didn’t land a role.
- Elle bakes to relieve stress.
- She’s worked with Sofia Coppola multiple times.
- She has a deep interest in photography.
- She’s afraid of the dark.
- Elle doesn’t like social media pressure and uses it minimally.
- She often wears no makeup outside public appearances.
- Her favorite designers are Rodarte and Miu Miu.
- Elle calls her fans “Fanning Flames.”
- She dreams of directing one day.
🏛️ Conclusion & Legacy
Elle Fanning represents a rare balance of elegance, intelligence, and unfiltered authenticity in an industry known for reinvention. From being “Dakota Fanning’s little sister” to building an international identity as a daring performer and fashion muse, Elle has transcended expectations at every turn. She is a symbol of youthful refinement and artistic fearlessness—someone who chooses roles with heart and carries them with maturity far beyond her years. With a future that’s as luminous as her past, Elle is poised to become one of the defining icons of her generation, both on and off screen.
