Elle Fanning has been a familiar face on screen since she was a toddler. Now 27, the American actress has built a career that includes blockbuster films, critically acclaimed independent projects, and a standout television role that earned her an Emmy nomination. For those looking for a quick summary: she was born on April 9, 1998, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, and is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning.
Her journey from playing the younger version of her sister’s characters to leading her own series is a story of steady growth and careful choices. Along the way, she has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry and become a recognized name in Hollywood fashion circles. The following sections provide a complete overview of her life, career, and public presence.
Whether you are here for biographical facts, film recommendations, or to understand the relationship between the Fanning sisters, this article gathers the key details in one place. All information is drawn from publicly available sources, including official databases and verified interviews.
How Old Is Elle Fanning? Biography, Age, and Height
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1998 (age 27 as of June 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Number of Film/TV Credits | Over 50 acting credits |
| Sister | Dakota Fanning (born 1994) |
| Instagram Handle | @ellefanning |
- Elle Fanning, born April 9, 1998, is an American actress known for her roles in The Great and Maleficent.
- She is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning; both started acting as children.
- At 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), Elle Fanning is taller than her sister and many contemporaries.
- Her Instagram (@ellefanning) has over 6 million followers, used for personal and promotional content.
- She has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy, and four Golden Globe Awards.
- Her first role came at age three, playing the younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | April 9, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Conyers, Georgia, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Occupations | Actress, Model, Singer |
| Years Active | 2001–present |
| Siblings | Dakota Fanning (sister) |
| Notable Awards | Nominated for Oscar, Emmy, 4 Golden Globes |
| Instagram Handle | @ellefanning |
Full Name and Date of Birth
Elle Fanning’s full name is Mary Elle Fanning. She was born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia. Her parents are Heather Joy Arrington, a former professional tennis player, and Steven J. Fanning. Her older sister, Dakota Fanning, was born on April 23, 1994, making them four years apart.
Height and Physical Stats
Elle Fanning is consistently reported at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall. This is notably taller than her sister Dakota, who is 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m). Her height attracted public attention at the Golden Globes in 2026, where she stood next to her partner, Gus Wenner.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing up in Georgia, Elle was introduced to acting through her sister. Her first on-screen appearance was at age three (or two, according to some sources) in I Am Sam (2001), where she played the younger version of Dakota’s character. She followed that with a similar role in the miniseries Taken (2002) and her first independent role in Daddy Day Care (2003). Guest appearances on shows like Judging Amy and CSI: Miami came soon after, along with film roles in The Door in the Floor (2004), Because of Winn-Dixie (2005), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008).
Elle Fanning Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography
Early Roles and Breakthrough (Super 8, Maleficent)
Elle Fanning’s early filmography includes a mix of small and supporting roles. Her breakthrough came in 2011 with Super 8, directed by J.J. Abrams, where she played Alice Dainard. The performance earned widespread recognition. In 2014, she starred as the young Princess Aurora in Maleficent, a role that introduced her to a global audience.
Key Film Performances (The Neon Demon, The Great)
Fanning continued to choose diverse projects. She starred in Somewhere (2010) directed by Sofia Coppola, The Neon Demon (2016) directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, and The Beguiled (2017) also directed by Coppola. Her most acclaimed role to date is Catherine the Great in the Hulu series The Great (2020–2023), for which she received an Emmy nomination. The show ran for three seasons.
For her portrayal of Catherine II in The Great, Elle Fanning earned an Emmy nomination and multiple Golden Globe nominations. The series is available on Hulu.
Upcoming Projects
In 2025, Fanning appeared in Sentimental Value, a film that earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She is also cast in Predator: Badlands, expected to release in 2025. Additional announced projects include The Nightingale and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
Is Elle Fanning Related to Dakota Fanning? Sisterly Connection
The Fanning Sisters: Age Gap and Bond
Yes, Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning are full biological sisters. Dakota, whose full name is Heather Naomi Dakota Fanning, is four years older. Both were born in Conyers, Georgia, to the same parents. Elle has described Dakota as her role model and best friend in interviews.
Have They Acted Together?
They have not appeared on screen together as adults, but they did share a unique connection early in their careers. Elle played the younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001) and again in Taken (2002). Their parents, Heather and Steven, have supported both daughters’ acting careers from a young age.
Elle Fanning is 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) while her sister Dakota is 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m). The 5-inch difference has been a frequent topic of discussion among fans.
Comparing Their Careers
Dakota Fanning rose to fame earlier, with a major role in I Am Sam (2001) that earned her an Academy Award nomination at age seven. She has since starred in films like Hounddog, At Eternity’s Gate, and the series The One. Elle, meanwhile, has built a reputation for selecting bold independent projects alongside blockbusters. Both sisters have maintained steady careers and are considered among the most successful sibling actors in Hollywood.
Elle Fanning on Instagram: Social Media Presence
Official Instagram Account (@ellefanning)
Elle Fanning’s official Instagram handle is @ellefanning. The account is verified and has over 6 million followers. She uses it to share personal photos, promotional content for her projects, and glimpses into her everyday life.
Content Style and Engagement
Her posts often include behind-the-scenes images from film sets, red carpet looks, and casual moments with friends and family. She also promotes causes she supports, including environmental and social issues. Engagement is high, with millions of likes per post.
Other Social Channels
Elle Fanning does not have a public TikTok account that is officially confirmed. She maintains a presence on Facebook through verified fan pages, but her primary platform for direct interaction remains Instagram.
As of mid-2025, Elle Fanning has not verified a TikTok account. Any accounts claiming to be her on that platform should be treated as unofficial.
What Are Elle Fanning’s Key Career Milestones?
- 1998 – Born in Conyers, Georgia.
- 2001 – First acting role at age 3 in I Am Sam (playing younger version of sister’s character).
- 2008 – Breakthrough in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- 2011 – Lead role in Super 8 gains widespread recognition.
- 2014 – Plays Princess Aurora in Maleficent.
- 2016 – Stars in The Neon Demon and The Beguiled.
- 2020–2023 – Lead role as Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
- 2025 – Receives Golden Globe nomination for Sentimental Value; cast in Predator: Badlands.
How Much Do We Really Know About Elle Fanning?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height is consistently reported as 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) by multiple sources such as Wikipedia and IMDb. | Net worth estimates vary widely — reported between $4–6 million by some outlets, and $15–20 million by others. No official disclosure exists. |
| Relationship with sister Dakota Fanning is confirmed; both have publicly acknowledged being full siblings. | Romantic relationship details (e.g., dating history) are not officially confirmed beyond media reports. Her relationship with Gus Wenner is sourced to entertainment news. |
| Birthplace and date are verified through several biographical databases. | Exact number of Instagram followers fluctuates and is not publicly tracked by the platform in real time; estimates are approximate. |
What Shaped Elle Fanning’s Career Path?
Elle Fanning’s trajectory from child actress to critically acclaimed leading lady is marked by careful project selection. She has worked with directors such as Sofia Coppola, Nicolas Winding Refn, and David Lowery, balancing independent films with major studio releases. Her decision to take on the role of Catherine the Great in The Great demonstrated a willingness to tackle complex, comedic, and dramatic material in long-form television.
Her sister Dakota, though older and established earlier, followed a similar path of acting from childhood. The two have been compared frequently, but Elle has carved out a distinct identity through her choice of roles and public persona. She is also recognized as a fashion icon, frequently attending major fashion events and appearing on magazine covers.
Comparing her filmography with Dakota’s reveals different emphases: Dakota has leaned more toward period dramas and psychological thrillers, while Elle has mixed horror (The Neon Demon), comedy (The Great), and fantasy (Maleficent). Both maintain close family ties and have spoken about supporting each other’s careers.
Where Does the Information About Elle Fanning Come From?
“Dakota is my role model and best friend.” — Elle Fanning, in a Variety interview (via Britannica)
“Elle Fanning is one of the most fearless actresses of her generation.” — Critic David Ehrlich, writing for IndieWire
The biographical and career facts in this article draw from reliable sources including Wikipedia, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Golden Globes database. Her social media presence is verified through her official Instagram account. Additional context on her height and public appearances comes from BuzzFeed and Yahoo Entertainment.
Is There More to Know About Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning remains an active and evolving talent in Hollywood. With upcoming projects like Predator: Badlands and continued recognition for her work in Sentimental Value, her career shows no signs of slowing. For the most current updates, her Elle Fanning IMDb page is a reliable hub for filmography and news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elle Fanning’s net worth?
Elle Fanning’s net worth is not publicly confirmed. Estimates from industry sources range from $4 million to $20 million, but no official figure has been disclosed.
Who is Elle Fanning dating?
Elle Fanning has been in a relationship with Gus Wenner, a magazine executive, since 2023. This is based on widely reported media coverage.
Does Elle Fanning have a TikTok?
Elle Fanning does not have a verified TikTok account as of mid-2025. Any accounts using her name on the platform are unofficial.
What is Elle Fanning’s ethnicity?
Elle Fanning is of English, German, and Irish descent, according to publicly available biographical information.
Has Elle Fanning won an Oscar?
No, Elle Fanning has not won an Academy Award. She has been nominated for an Oscar (category not specified in sources).
How many Golden Globes has Elle Fanning won?
Elle Fanning has been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards but has not won one as of 2025.
What was Elle Fanning’s first movie?
Her first movie role was in I Am Sam (2001), where she played the younger version of her sister’s character.
Does Elle Fanning have children?
No, Elle Fanning does not have children.
What is Elle Fanning’s nickname?
Her nickname is “Elbow,” according to her IMDb biography.
Is Elle Fanning taller than Dakota Fanning?
Yes, Elle is 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) while Dakota is 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m), making Elle 5 inches taller.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.