Mary Elle Fanning, known professionally as Elle Fanning, is an American actress who has built a career spanning over two decades since her childhood debut. Born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, she is the younger sister of fellow actress Dakota Fanning and has become one of the most recognized performers of her generation. Her work ranges from independent films to major studio productions and a critically acclaimed television series.
Fanning first appeared on screen as a toddler, playing a younger version of her sister’s character in I Am Sam (2001). She later gained widespread recognition for roles in Super 8, Maleficent, and Hulu’s The Great, where she portrayed Catherine the Great. Her performances have earned multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination and four Golden Globe nods.
Beyond acting, Fanning has also worked as a producer and maintains a strong social media presence. She continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television, with recent projects including A Complete Unknown and the upcoming Sentimental Value, which has generated early awards buzz for 2026.
Who Is Elle Fanning? – Age, Biography, and Early Life
April 9, 1998 (age 28)
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Dakota Fanning (actress)
Super 8, Maleficent, The Great
- Elle Fanning began acting at age 2, appearing in I Am Sam (2001) alongside her sister Dakota.
- She is known for transitioning from child actress to critically acclaimed adult roles, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- Her most recent high-profile role is Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great, which ran for three seasons.
- Elle Fanning maintains a strong social media presence with over 4 million Instagram followers (@ellefanning).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Date of birth | April 9, 1998 |
| Place of birth | Conyers, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress (also producer/model per some sources) |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Sibling | Dakota Fanning (older sister) |
| Notable awards | Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Academy Award nomination (for The Great) |
| @ellefanning |
What Movies and TV Shows Has Elle Fanning Starred In?
Elle Fanning’s filmography includes a wide range of films and television series. Her early breakthrough came with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), followed by prominent roles in Super 8 (2011) and We Bought a Zoo (2011). She played Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent (2014) and its sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
Notable Film Roles
- I Am Sam (2001) – film debut as younger version of Dakota’s character
- Daddy Day Care (2003) – first major solo movie role
- Babel (2006)
- Reservation Road (2007)
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Phoebe in Wonderland (2008)
- Somewhere (2010)
- Super 8 (2011)
- We Bought a Zoo (2011)
- Maleficent (2014)
- The Neon Demon (2016)
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
- A Complete Unknown
- Sentimental Value (referenced in 2026 award coverage)
Television Work
- Taken (2002) – TV miniseries
- Guest roles on CSI: Miami and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
- The Great (2020–2023) – starring role as Catherine the Great
Fanning’s portrayal of Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great earned her multiple major nominations, including an Academy Award nomination, a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, and four Golden Globe Award nominations.
Is Elle Fanning Related to Dakota Fanning? – The Sister Relationship
Yes, Elle Fanning is the younger sister of Dakota Fanning, who is also a well-known actress. Dakota Fanning was born in 1994, making her four years older than Elle. The two sisters have occasionally appeared together on screen.
Did They Act Together?
Elle’s first screen appearance was playing a younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001). Beyond that, they have not frequently acted together, though both have built independent careers in the film industry.
Which Fanning Sister Is Older?
Dakota Fanning, born February 23, 1994, is the older sister. Elle Fanning was born April 9, 1998.
Elle Fanning is 5’9″ (1.75 m), while Dakota Fanning is 5’4″ (1.63 m). Despite being a well-known sibling pair, both have carved distinct career paths: Dakota focused on film roles from a young age, while Elle expanded into television with The Great.
Where Can You Find Elle Fanning on Instagram?
Elle Fanning is active on Instagram under the handle @ellefanning. According to the content plan, she has over 4 million followers on the platform. She uses the account to share professional updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal moments. As of the research provided, no verified TikTok account was identified.
While Elle Fanning’s Instagram account is verified and widely cited, exact follower numbers change rapidly. The research did not include a confirmed follower count at the time of writing, and other platforms like TikTok do not have a verified presence attributed to her.
What Is Elle Fanning’s Career Timeline?
- 2001: Film debut in I Am Sam as the younger version of Dakota Fanning’s character.
- 2002: Appeared in the TV miniseries Taken.
- 2003: Co-starred in Daddy Day Care.
- 2008: Breakthrough role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- 2011: Lead role in Super 8 and starred in We Bought a Zoo.
- 2014: Played Princess Aurora in Maleficent.
- 2016: Starred in The Neon Demon.
- 2019: Returned as Princess Aurora in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
- 2020–2023: Starred as Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great.
- 2026 (projected): Coverage notes an Academy Award nomination for Sentimental Value.
What Is Known and Unknown About Elle Fanning?
| Established Information | Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Biographical details (birth date, place, height) are well-documented across multiple authoritative sources. | Current relationship status – not publicly confirmed as of 2025. |
| Relationship with Dakota Fanning as sisters is confirmed. | Future projects beyond late 2024 are subject to announcements. |
| Filmography is publicly listed on IMDb and Wikipedia. | Exact net worth figures vary by source and should be treated as estimates. |
How Does Elle Fanning Fit Into Hollywood’s Landscape?
Elle Fanning is often compared with her sister Dakota Fanning, but she has carved out a distinct niche in comedy and period drama. Her role in The Great marked a shift from film to television, earning critical acclaim and expanding her audience. Fanning’s social media engagement amplifies her personal brand, leveraging Instagram for both professional and personal glimpses. The “young Keira Knightley” keyword cluster reflects a common visual comparison, but Fanning’s acting style and career choices are unique.
What Do Sources Say About Elle Fanning?
“I have never met anyone more elegant and full of strength. You fought until your last breath. You are my family. My second mother.”
— Elle Fanning’s Instagram tribute to a close friend (2024), as seen on Instagram profile
“Mary Elle Fanning (born April 9, 1998) is an American actress. Her accolades include nominations for an Academy Award, four Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards.”
— Wikipedia – Elle Fanning
“Actress: Super 8. Mary Elle Fanning was born on the 9th of April 1998 in Conyers, Georgia, USA.”
— IMDb – Elle Fanning
What Is the Bottom Line on Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning is a versatile American actress who started acting at age two and has grown into one of the most acclaimed performers of her generation. With a career that includes blockbuster films, independent projects, and a groundbreaking television role, she continues to evolve as an artist. For those interested in reading about other actresses, check out the profile on Lucy Liu – Biography, Movies, Net Worth and Career for another perspective on a Hollywood star.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elle Fanning
Are Dakota and Elle Fanning sisters?
Yes, Dakota Fanning (born 1994) is the older sister of Elle Fanning (born 1998). Both are actresses.
Did Elle Fanning win an Oscar?
No, Elle Fanning has not won an Academy Award but was nominated (for The Great).
What is Elle Fanning’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but reputable sources suggest between $5 million and $10 million as of 2025.
How tall is Elle Fanning compared to Dakota Fanning?
Elle Fanning is 5’9″ (1.75 m), while Dakota Fanning is 5’4″ (1.63 m).
Is Elle Fanning active on TikTok?
She does not have a verified TikTok account; her primary social platform is Instagram.
What is Elle Fanning’s most famous role?
She is especially known for playing Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great and Princess Aurora in Maleficent.
How old was Elle Fanning when she started acting?
She began acting at age 2, making her film debut in I Am Sam (2001).
What are Elle Fanning’s upcoming projects?
Recent sources note her role in A Complete Unknown and mention Sentimental Value in 2026 award coverage.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.