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Mary Elle Fanning (born April 9, 1998) is an American actress known for her natural talent, emotional depth, and versatility in both independent films and big studio projects. She started acting as a toddler, often playing younger versions of her sister Dakota Fanning’s characters. Over the years, she has built a strong career with standout roles in films like Somewhere (2010), Super 8 (2011), Maleficent (2014), The Neon Demon (2016), 20th Century Women (2016), The Beguiled (2017), and the series The Great (2020–2023). In 2025, she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. Elle remains one of Hollywood’s most respected young actresses.
As of February 2026, Elle Fanning is 27 and continues to work in film and television. She recently played Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown (2024), Bob Dylan’s early love interest, and starred as android sisters Thia and Tessa in Predator: Badlands (2025). She will appear as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026). Elle has been dating Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner since late 2023, but they are not married. There have been no major health issues, controversies, or new family news reported in late 2025 or early 2026.
Here are some key facts about Elle Fanning:
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1998 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 27 years old |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Husband | None (never married) |
| Current Partner | Gus Wenner (CEO of Rolling Stone; together since late 2023) |
| Children | None |
| Sibling | Older sister Dakota Fanning (actress) |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | Approximately $18–$25 million (from acting, endorsements, and producing) |
| Most Famous Roles | Princess Aurora (Maleficent), Catherine the Great (The Great), Jesse (The Neon Demon) |
Elle Fanning Movies
Elle Fanning has acted in more than 50 films and several TV shows. Here are some highlights:
Major Films
- I Am Sam (2001) – young Lucy (uncredited; younger version of Dakota’s character)
- Daddy Day Care (2003) – small role
- Babel (2006) – Debbie
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – young Daisy
- Somewhere (2010) – Cleo (breakthrough lead role)
- Super 8 (2011) – Alice Dainard
- Maleficent (2014) – Princess Aurora
- The Neon Demon (2016) – Jesse
- 20th Century Women (2016) – Julie
- The Beguiled (2017) – Alicia
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) – Aurora
- A Complete Unknown (2024) – Sylvie Russo
- Predator: Badlands (2025) – Thia/Tessa (android sisters)
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) – Effie Trinket (upcoming)
Other Notable Work
- Ginger & Rosa (2012) – Ginger
- Low Down (2014) – Amy-Jo Albany
- Live by Night (2016) – Loretta Figgis
- The Roads Not Taken (2020) – Molly
- All the Bright Places (2020) – Violet Markey
TV
- The Great (2020–2023) – Catherine the Great (lead, also executive producer)
- The Girl from Plainville (2022) – Michelle Carter (miniseries)
Elle often picks challenging, character-focused roles in both independent and mainstream projects.
Biography Update
Elle Fanning was born Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, near Atlanta. Her mother is Heather Joy Arrington, and her father is Steven J. Fanning, who played minor-league baseball. She has an older sister, Dakota Fanning, born in 1994, who is also an actress. The family practiced Southern Baptist traditions while Elle was growing up.
Elle started acting at age 2, often playing younger versions of Dakota’s characters in projects like I Am Sam and Taken. By age 4, she landed her first independent role in Daddy Day Care. She went to Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles and graduated in 2016. Unlike many child actors, Elle managed to balance her work and education, which helped her avoid burnout.
Her breakthrough came with Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere (2010), in which she played Cleo, a quiet, observant daughter. She gained wider fame as Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014) opposite Angelina Jolie. As an adult, she has excelled in complex roles: a troubled model in The Neon Demon (2016), a thoughtful teen in 20th Century Women (2016), and a seductive patient in The Beguiled (2017). She starred as Catherine the Great in The Great (2020–2023), earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
In 2024, Elle played Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic, and took on the roles of android sisters in Predator: Badlands (2025). She is set to play Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026). Elle has been dating Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner since late 2023. They made their first red-carpet appearance together at the 2024 Golden Globes and have also attended events like the Met Gala.
Age
Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998. As of January 2026, she is 27 years old.
Height
Elle Fanning stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall. Her tall, slender frame and striking features have made her a favourite in both period dramas and modern roles.
Husband
Elle Fanning is not married as of January 2026. She has been dating Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone magazine, since late 2023. They keep their relationship mostly private but have appeared together at public events like the Golden Globes in January 2024 and the Met Gala. There have been no engagement or marriage announcements. Elle has never been married and keeps her dating life low-key.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning is Elle Fanning’s older sister, born on February 23, 1994. She is also a well-known actress, with roles in I Am Sam (2001), War of the Worlds (2005), The Twilight Saga, Ocean’s 8 (2018), and the TV series The Alienist. The sisters have worked together a few times, such as in I Am Sam and The Twilight Saga, but mostly have separate careers. They are close, and Elle often says Dakota is a big influence and role model. Both sisters grew up in the industry, balancing acting, school, and family life.
