Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Age | 28 |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1998 |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 59 kg (130 lbs) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Director |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million |
Introduction: Why Elle Fanning Is Famous
Elle Fanning has captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable talent, ethereal presence, and versatile performances that span from heartfelt child roles to complex adult characters. As the younger sister of acclaimed actress Dakota Fanning, Elle carved out her own distinguished path in Hollywood, emerging as one of the most respected and versatile actresses of her generation. From her early breakthrough in independent dramas to starring as Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent franchise and her award-nominated portrayal of Catherine the Great in the Hulu series The Great, Elle Fanning continues to impress critics and fans alike with her depth, poise, and dedication to her craft.
Her ability to portray nuanced, emotionally rich characters has earned her nominations for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. With a career that began before she turned three, Elle Fanning represents the rare child star who has successfully transitioned into a critically acclaimed adult performer, known for her work in both blockbuster films and thoughtful indie projects.
Early Life and Family Background
Mary Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. She grew up in a supportive, athletic family that valued creativity and hard work. Her mother, Heather Joy (née Arrington), was a professional tennis player, while her father, Steven J. Fanning, played minor league baseball for teams affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals and later worked as an electronics salesman.
Elle is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, who is four years her senior. The sisters followed a family tradition of using their middle names professionally. Their maternal grandfather was American football player Rick Arrington, and their aunt is ESPN reporter Jill Arrington, adding a strong sports and media influence to the family. The Fannings were raised in the Southern Baptist Convention and have German, Irish, English, French, and Channel Islander ancestry.
When Dakota’s acting career began to flourish, the family relocated from Georgia to Los Angeles. This move provided Elle with early exposure to the entertainment industry. Despite the Hollywood environment, her parents prioritized a balanced upbringing, emphasizing education and normal childhood experiences alongside acting opportunities.
Education
Elle Fanning was homeschooled by her grandmother for much of her early childhood to accommodate her acting schedule. She later attended Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood, California, starting in fourth grade. This environment allowed her to balance academics with her burgeoning career while participating in school plays and activities. She graduated from high school in 2016.
She has expressed interest in further studies, including a brief consideration of attending the University of Southern California, though her acting commitments often took precedence. Her early training in dance and ballet also played a significant role in her physical preparation for roles and contributed to her graceful on-screen presence.
Career Journey: Breakthrough Roles, Major Films, TV Shows, Achievements, and Awards
Elle Fanning’s career began at the tender age of two, when she played the younger version of her sister Dakota’s character in the 2001 film I Am Sam, starring Sean Penn. She continued this pattern in the miniseries Taken (2002). Her first independent role came in the comedy Daddy Day Care (2003) at age four.
As a child actress, she appeared in notable films like Because of Winn-Dixie (2005), Babel (2006) alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), and her first leading role in Phoebe in Wonderland (2008). These early performances showcased her natural talent and emotional maturity beyond her years.
Her breakthrough into wider recognition came with Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere (2010), where she played the daughter of a Hollywood actor. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. She followed this with standout roles in J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 (2011), earning a Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival, and Sally Potter’s Ginger & Rosa (2012), which drew critical acclaim for her luminous performance.
International fame arrived with her portrayal of Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent (2014) opposite Angelina Jolie, a role she reprised in the 2019 sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Other notable films include The Neon Demon (2016), 20th Century Women (2016), The Beguiled (2017), Mary Shelley (2017), and A Complete Unknown (2024) as Sylvie Russo.
On television, Elle Fanning shone as Empress Catherine II in the Hulu series The Great (2020–2023), earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and multiple Golden Globe nominations. She also starred in The Girl from Plainville (2022) and made her Broadway debut in Appropriate (2023).
In 2025, her performance in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, along with other accolades. She has also ventured into producing through Lewellen Pictures, co-founded with Dakota Fanning, and has directed short films.
Her achievements include numerous Young Artist Awards nominations and wins, Critics’ Choice nods, and recognition as the youngest jury member at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. With over 19 wins and dozens of nominations, Elle Fanning’s career reflects consistent excellence.
Physical Appearance, Fitness, Personal Life, Lifestyle, and Family Details
Elle Fanning stands at an elegant 5’9″ (1.75 m) with a slender, graceful build often estimated around 59 kg. Her long limbs, fair complexion, and expressive features contribute to her ethereal, versatile screen presence. She maintains her fitness through a mix of boxing, cardio, ballet, and yoga, which help her prepare for demanding roles and manage the stresses of filming.
In her personal life, Elle values privacy but has been open about her close bond with her sister Dakota. She was in a relationship with actor Max Minghella from 2018 to 2023 and has been dating Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner since late 2023. The couple splits time between Los Angeles and New York City. She moved into her own Los Angeles home around 2025.
Her lifestyle reflects a balance of Hollywood commitments and personal interests, including fashion design and modeling for brands like Tiffany & Co., Miu Miu, and Cartier. She enjoys vintage clothing and has directed projects for Gucci.
Breakdown of Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2026, Elle Fanning’s estimated net worth is approximately $8 million. This wealth primarily stems from her acting roles in major films and TV series, including salaries from Disney projects and Hulu productions. Additional income comes from producing ventures via Lewellen Pictures, brand endorsements, modeling campaigns, and potential residuals from her extensive filmography.
Her growing influence as a producer and director positions her for increased earnings in the future.
Interesting Facts About Elle Fanning
- She began acting at age two and credits dance training with preparing her for the physical demands of performance.
- Elle and Dakota Fanning voiced sisters in the English dub of My Neighbor Totoro.
- She became the youngest jury member in Cannes Film Festival history in 2019.
- Elle is passionate about fashion and has explored directing.
- She has voiced characters in animated projects and appeared in video games, including Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (2025).
- Despite her fame, she values normalcy and has spoken about the importance of family support.
FAQ
How old is Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning is 28 years old, born on April 9, 1998.
What is Elle Fanning’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $8 million, accumulated through acting, producing, and endorsements.
What are Elle Fanning’s most famous works?
Key roles include Maleficent, Super 8, The Great (as Catherine the Great), Somewhere, and Sentimental Value.
What is Elle Fanning’s family background?
She is the daughter of Heather Joy Arrington and Steven J. Fanning, and the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning. The family moved to Los Angeles to support the sisters’ careers.
Conclusion
Elle Fanning’s journey from a precocious child actress to an Oscar-nominated star exemplifies talent, resilience, and artistic growth. Her impactful performances have enriched cinema and television, inspiring a new generation of performers while earning the respect of industry veterans. As she continues to take on challenging roles in projects like The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and beyond, Elle Fanning’s future in Hollywood looks exceptionally bright. Her story reminds us that authentic passion and dedication can lead to enduring success.
