Mary Elle Fanning (born April 9, 1998) is an American performer recognized for her innate ability, emotional richness, and adaptability in both indie films and major studio projects. She embarked on her acting journey as a toddler, frequently portraying younger iterations of her sister Dakota Fanning’s characters. Throughout the years, she has cultivated a robust career with prominent roles in movies such as 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 garnered her first Academy Award nod for Best Supporting Actress for Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. Elle continues to be one of Hollywood’s most esteemed young performers.
As of February 2026, Elle Fanning is 27 and persists in her endeavors in film and television. She recently portrayed Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown (2024), Bob Dylan’s early romantic interest, and starred as the android sisters Thia and Tessa in Predator: Badlands (2025). She is set to feature as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026). Elle has been in a relationship with Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner since late 2023, though they remain unmarried. No significant health concerns, controversies, or new family updates have surfaced in late 2025 or early 2026.
Below are some key details 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 appeared in over 50 films and numerous TV shows. Here are some significant highlights:
Major Films
- I Am Sam (2001) – young Lucy (uncredited; younger version of Dakota’s character)
- Daddy Day Care (2003) – minor 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 frequently selects demanding, character-driven roles in both independent and mainstream productions.
Biography Update
Elle Fanning was welcomed into the world as Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, close to Atlanta. Her mother is Heather Joy Arrington, and her father is Steven J. Fanning, who played minor-league baseball. She has an older sibling, Dakota Fanning, born in 1994, who is likewise an actress. The family adhered to Southern Baptist customs while Elle was growing up.
Elle began performing at age 2, frequently portraying younger variants of Dakota’s characters in productions like I Am Sam and Taken. By age 4, she secured her initial independent role in Daddy Day Care. She attended Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles, graduating in 2016. Unlike many child actors, Elle was able to balance her work and education, enabling her to evade burnout.
Her breakthrough arrived with Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere (2010), where she portrayed Cleo, a quiet, perceptive daughter. She gained broader recognition as Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014) alongside Angelina Jolie. In adulthood, she has thrived in intricate roles: a troubled model in The Neon Demon (2016), a contemplative teenager in 20th Century Women (2016), and a captivating patient in The Beguiled (2017). She starred as Catherine the Great in The Great (2020–2023), receiving Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
In 2024, Elle took on the role of Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic, and portrayed android sisters in Predator: Badlands (2025). She is slated to portray Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026). Elle has been in a relationship with Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner since late 2023. They made their debut red-carpet appearance together at the 2024 Golden Globes and have also participated in events like the Met Gala.
Age
Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998. As of January 2026, she is 27 years of age.
Height
Elle Fanning measures approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) in height. Her tall, slender physique and striking features have made her a favourite in both historical dramas and contemporary roles.
Husband
Elle Fanning is not wed as of January 2026. She has been in a relationship with Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone magazine, since late 2023. They maintain their relationship largely private but have been seen together at public events such as the Golden Globes in January 2024 and the Met Gala. No announcements of engagement or marriage have been made. Elle has never been married and keeps her romantic life discreet.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning is the elder sister of Elle Fanning, born on February 23, 1994. She is also a prominent actress, known for 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 siblings have collaborated a few times, such as in I Am Sam and The Twilight Saga, but mainly pursue separate careers. They share a close bond, and Elle often states that Dakota is a significant influence and role model. Both sisters grew up within the industry, balancing acting, education, and family life.
