Mary Elle Fanning, widely known as Elle Fanning, is an accomplished American actress and model who has carved a distinctive path in Hollywood since her early childhood. Recognized for her versatility, Fanning has excelled in a diverse range of roles, from critically acclaimed independent films to major blockbusters. She is celebrated for her compelling performances in movies such as “Super 8” and “Maleficent,” and for her acclaimed portrayal of Catherine the Great in the television series “The Great.” Elle Fanning is also the younger sister of fellow actress Dakota Fanning, with both sisters having established notable careers in the entertainment industry.
Elle Fanning Overview
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Birthplace | Conyers, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German, Irish, English, French, and Channel Islander descent |
| Parents | Heather Joy Fanning (née Arrington), Steven J. Fanning |
| Siblings | Dakota Fanning (older sister) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Executive Producer |
| Education | Campbell Hall School (graduated 2016) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $12 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Early Life and Education of Elle Fanning
Mary Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, United States. Her mother, Heather Joy Fanning (née Arrington), was a professional tennis player, and her father, Steven J. Fanning, played minor league baseball for teams affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals before becoming an electronics salesman in Los Angeles. She is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, and the two sisters, by family tradition, use their middle names as their given names. Their maternal grandfather, Rick Arrington, was a notable American football player, and their aunt, Jill Arrington, is an ESPN reporter, indicating a family background rich in both sports and public life. The Fanning family was raised in the Southern Baptist denomination.
Elle Fanning began her acting career at a remarkably young age, before she turned three years old. Her early entry into the entertainment world did not, however, mean a neglect of her education. The Fanning family prioritized their daughters’ schooling. Elle was initially homeschooled by her grandmother until the fourth grade. Following this, she attended Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, a private institution known for educating children of celebrities. She successfully balanced her academic commitments with a burgeoning acting career, eventually graduating in 2016. During her childhood, Fanning developed a passion for various creative pursuits, including ballet, which she practiced rigorously, and piano lessons. She also enjoyed writing stories, even crafting a screenplay at the age of eight. Interestingly, before fully committing to acting, Elle had considered pursuing a career as a competitive tennis player, reflecting her family’s athletic background.
Elle Fanning’s Career
Elle Fanning’s professional journey began exceptionally early, with her debut occurring before her third birthday. Her first film appearance was in the drama “I Am Sam” (2001), where she played the younger version of her older sister Dakota Fanning’s character. This early experience, though brief, set the stage for a prolific career. She continued to take on roles as a child actress, including in the family comedy “Daddy Day Care” (2003), which marked her first role independent of her sister.
Fanning consistently impressed filmmakers with her talent, even at a young age. For her role as Ruth in “The Door in the Floor” (2004), producers initially sought identical twins due to the demanding schedule, but were so captivated by Fanning’s performance that they decided to use only her. She appeared in several other notable films during her childhood, such as “Babel” (2006) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), where she portrayed the younger version of Cate Blanchett’s character. Her first leading role came in “Phoebe in Wonderland” (2008), a performance that proved pivotal in her decision to pursue acting as a serious career.
A significant breakthrough in Elle Fanning’s career occurred with her lead role in Sofia Coppola’s drama “Somewhere” (2010), earning her critical praise and a Young Hollywood Award for Actress of the Year. This was closely followed by her acclaimed performance as Alice Dainard in J. J. Abrams’ science-fiction film “Super 8” (2011), a role that garnered her multiple award nominations, including a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award and a Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival. These roles solidified her transition from a child actress to a respected young leading lady.
Fanning continued to expand her repertoire, taking on diverse and often mature roles. She gained widespread international recognition for her portrayal of Princess Aurora in Disney’s fantasy blockbuster “Maleficent” (2014), starring opposite Angelina Jolie, and reprised the role in its sequel, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019). Demonstrating her versatility, she ventured into independent cinema with roles in films such as “Ginger & Rosa” (2012), for which she received a BIFA nomination for Best Actress, the psychological horror film “The Neon Demon” (2016), and the critically acclaimed coming-of-age dramedy “20th Century Women” (2016). Her work in films like “The Beguiled” (2017) and “Mary Shelley” (2017) further showcased her commitment to complex, character-driven narratives.
In television, Elle Fanning achieved considerable success and critical acclaim for her starring and executive producing role as Catherine the Great in the Hulu period satire series “The Great” (2020–2023). Her performance earned her nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and three Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy, among other accolades. She further demonstrated her range with her impactful portrayal of Michelle Carter in the Hulu true-crime miniseries “The Girl from Plainville” (2022), a project she also executive produced.
Beyond screen acting, Fanning made her official Broadway debut in the Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play “Appropriate” in December 2023, performing alongside Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll. She and her sister Dakota have also ventured into production, establishing their company Lewellen Pictures, which has already served as executive producers for projects like “Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer” (2024) for Hulu.
Elle Fanning continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with several anticipated projects. She began filming the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” in 2024, in which she portrays Sylvie Russo, a role for which she earned the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, she is set to appear in Joachim Trier’s family drama “Sentimental Value” (2025), the video game “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” (2025), and will lead the next installment of “The Predator” franchise, “Predator: Badlands” (2025).
Elle Fanning Personal Life & Family
Elle Fanning maintains a close relationship with her family, especially her older sister, Dakota Fanning. Their parents, Heather Joy and Steven J. Fanning, fostered a supportive environment, encouraging their daughters’ passions without pressuring them into sports despite their own athletic backgrounds. Elle has noted that her parents instilled a sense of discipline in her, akin to an athlete’s approach, which she applies to her acting craft.
Fanning’s ancestry is diverse, with German, Irish, English, French, and Channel Islander roots. The family are members of the Southern Baptist Convention. While Elle generally keeps her personal life private, it has been reported that she is dating Dylan Beck. She has no known children.
Beyond her professional life, Elle Fanning has several distinctive interests and habits. She is a dedicated ballet dancer, attending classes five days a week, and has expressed a dream of pursuing ballet professionally, though acknowledging its difficulty. She also takes piano lessons and enjoys writing, having authored stories and even a screenplay at a young age. Fanning has a penchant for collecting journals and “nerdy-looking glasses.” Among her celebrity idols, Marilyn Monroe holds a special place, with Fanning having pictures of Monroe in her room and even dressing up as her for Halloween. She admits to having a guilty pleasure for reality television, particularly “The Bachelor.” Interestingly, Fanning has a fear of heights and clowns. A unique historical connection, discovered by Ancestry.com researchers, reveals that Elle and Dakota Fanning are distantly related to British royalty, being the 22nd great-granddaughters of King Edward III.
Awards and Achievements of Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning’s extensive career has been marked by numerous awards and nominations, reflecting her talent and dedication to her craft. She has garnered recognition across various platforms, from film festivals to major television accolades.
| Award/Honor | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Board of Review Award | Best Supporting Actress | A Complete Unknown | Won |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | The Great | Nominated |
| Critics’ Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | The Great | Won |
| Young Hollywood Award | Actress of the Year | Somewhere | Won |
| Hollywood Film Festival | Spotlight Award | Super 8 | Won |
| British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) | Best Actress | Ginger & Rosa | Nominated |
| Cannes Film Festival | Youngest Jury Member | — | Appointed (aged 21) |
In addition to these, Elle Fanning has received multiple nominations for Young Artist Awards throughout her early career. Her performance in “The Nutcracker in 3D” also earned her a Spotlight Award. Her work in films such as “Super 8,” “Ginger & Rosa,” “Maleficent,” “Trumbo,” and “20th Century Women” has consistently earned her critical acclaim and various nominations.
Elle Fanning Net Worth and Income
As of early 2025, Elle Fanning’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $12 million. This substantial figure is a testament to her enduring success and diverse career across acting, modeling, and endorsements. Her income primarily stems from her extensive acting roles in both high-profile studio productions and independent films, where she commands significant compensation.
Fanning’s earnings from television have also contributed significantly to her wealth. For her leading role in the Hulu series “The Great,” she reportedly earned $500,000 per episode during the show’s later seasons. Beyond acting, Elle Fanning has made a notable impact in the fashion world, leveraging her elegant presence for lucrative endorsement deals. She has served as a brand ambassador for major luxury houses, including L’Oréal and Cartier, with these deals adding millions annually to her income. Her consistent work ethic, ability to choose impactful roles, and growing influence in both Hollywood and the fashion industry indicate a continued upward trajectory for her financial success.
Legacy and Influence
Elle Fanning has cultivated a significant legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and dedicated actresses. Her impact extends beyond her impressive filmography, influencing audiences and the industry alike through her choices, talent, and public persona. She is widely regarded for her ability to seamlessly transition between complex, mature roles in independent dramas and more accessible characters in mainstream blockbusters. This adaptability has allowed her to avoid being typecast and consistently challenge herself creatively, earning her a reputation as an actress who consistently pushes the boundaries of her craft.
Fanning’s influence is also evident in her thoughtful engagement with social issues. She has become a vocal advocate for mental health and body positivity, using her platform to foster important conversations and inspire her followers to embrace individuality. Her commitment to philanthropy is also notable, with her involvement in organizations like the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Art of Elysium highlighting her dedication to utilizing her public profile for positive societal change. Elle Fanning serves as a role model for young women globally, demonstrating that success in a demanding industry can be achieved with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Interesting Facts about Elle Fanning
- Elle Fanning made her acting debut at the tender age of two, playing the younger version of her sister Dakota’s character in “I Am Sam.”
- She has never taken formal acting lessons, preferring to learn on set and trust her natural instincts.
- Fanning is a massive K-Pop enthusiast and has openly expressed her obsession with the group Blackpink, even meeting member Lisa.
- During her teenage years, she reportedly “fibbed” about her age to secure more mature roles, playing a 16-year-old at just 13 in “Ginger & Rosa.”
- She experienced a remarkable growth spurt between the ages of 11 and 12, growing seven inches in a year and a half, which she described as painful and sometimes caused her to feel faint. She even went up two shoe sizes during the filming of “Somewhere.”
- Fanning once lost a major role in a production, at least partly because she did not have enough Instagram followers at the time.
- Despite her acting success, Elle Fanning’s dream is to be a professional ballet dancer, and she attends ballet classes five days a week.
- She has a documented phobia of clowns, an ironic twist given her role in the psychological horror film “The Neon Demon.”
- Fanning is left-handed.
- She learned to ride a horse specifically for her role as Princess Aurora in “Maleficent.”
- Her personal interests include collecting journals and what she describes as “nerdy” looking glasses.
- She is a huge admirer of Marilyn Monroe and has extensively studied her interviews, finding depth and emotion in Monroe’s eyes.
- Elle Fanning enjoys writing stories and had already written a screenplay by the age of eight.
- She has a guilty pleasure for reality television, particularly “The Bachelor.”
- Fanning uses a freckle pen to enhance her natural freckles, as she is reportedly “obsessed” with them.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Elle Fanning has largely maintained a public image free of significant controversies. While the entertainment industry often sees its share of challenges, Fanning has navigated her path with a focus on her craft and personal privacy. Any minor issues have typically revolved around general industry pressures or personal anecdotes, such as her past admission of slightly adjusting her age for certain roles to secure more mature parts when she was younger. However, these instances have not evolved into widespread public disputes or scandals.
Social Media Presence
Elle Fanning maintains a notable presence on social media, primarily through her Instagram account. Her Instagram following was reported to be 6.4 million in early 2025, where she shares updates on her projects, fashion, and glimpses into her personal life. While specific follower counts for other platforms like Twitter or YouTube are not readily available or as frequently cited, her active engagement on Instagram serves as her primary direct connection with her fanbase, allowing her to share her work and personal interests.
Final Words about Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning stands as a testament to talent, versatility, and dedication in the competitive world of entertainment. From her earliest appearances as a child actress to her current status as an acclaimed leading lady and executive producer, she has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary range and commitment to her craft. Her ability to embody diverse characters across genres, from fantastical princesses to complex historical figures and challenging indie roles, underscores her unique position in Hollywood.
Currently, Fanning continues to expand her impressive portfolio with exciting projects across film, television, and even Broadway, and through her own production company, Lewellen Pictures. Her legacy is one of a performer who combines raw talent with thoughtful character choices and an authentic public persona. By advocating for mental health and body positivity and engaging in philanthropic endeavors, she has broadened her influence beyond the screen, inspiring audiences worldwide. As Elle Fanning moves forward, her future in the industry promises continued artistic growth and a lasting impact, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling and respected actresses of her generation.