Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning, born on April 9, 1998, is a talented American actress known for her diverse roles across film and television. She made her acting debut at the tender age of three, portraying the younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning's character in the acclaimed film I Am Sam (2001). This early start marked the beginning of a prolific career in which she quickly became a prominent child actress.

Throughout her childhood, Fanning appeared in a variety of films, including Daddy Day Care (2003), Babel (2006), and the critically acclaimed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Phoebe in Wonderland (both released in 2008). Her breakthrough came with leading roles in Sofia Coppola's drama Somewhere (2010), J. J. Abrams' science fiction adventure Super 8 (2011), and Sally Potter's Ginger & Rosa (2012). Fanning gained international fame for her portrayal of Princess Aurora in Disney's Maleficent (2014), solidifying her status as a leading actress.

As she transitioned into adulthood, Fanning continued to impress audiences with her performances in independent films such as The Neon Demon (2016), 20th Century Women (2016), and The Beguiled (2017). Her role in Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value (2025) earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also returned to mainstream cinema with the sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) and upcoming projects like A Complete Unknown (2024) and Predator: Badlands (2025).

In addition to her film work, Fanning has made significant contributions to television, starring as Catherine the Great in the period satire series The Great (2020–2023) and as Michelle Carter in the miniseries The Girl from Plainville (2022). Her performance in The Great garnered her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Furthermore, she made her Broadway debut in the play Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins in 2023, showcasing her versatility as a performer.