Mary Elle Fanning (born April 9, 1998) is an American actress. She was born in Conyers, Georgia, to Heather Joy (Arrington), who played tennis professionally, and Steven J. Fanning, who worked in electronics sales. Her older sister is actress Dakota Fanning.
Fanning began her acting career playing younger versions of her sister Dakota in several projects. These early roles provided valuable on-set experience and helped establish her as a child actress.
Elle Fanning gained recognition for her independent roles in films such as Phoebe in Wonderland (2008) and Somewhere (2010). Her performance in Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, significantly boosted her profile.
Elle Fanning has built a diverse filmography, working with acclaimed directors and showcasing her versatility across various genres. Some of her notable films include:
Fanning has also ventured into television, most notably starring as Catherine the Great in the Hulu series The Great (2020-2023). Her performance in this role has been critically acclaimed.