Elle Fanning: Early Life, Career, Family, Fashion, and More in 2025

Elle Fanning, born Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actresses, known for her ethereal beauty, bold fashion choices, and critically acclaimed performances. From her childhood roles alongside sister Dakota Fanning to her starring turns in films like A Complete Unknown and Sentimental Value, Elle has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry. At 27 years old, she continues to shine on screen and red carpets, balancing a thriving career with a private personal life.

This blog explores Elle Fanning’s early life, education, family, career, relationships, net worth, fashion, social media presence, and recent news in 2025, answering your most pressing questions about this multifaceted star.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in Georgia

Elle Fanning was born in Conyers, Georgia, to Heather Joy Arrington, a former tennis player, and Steven J. Fanning, a minor league baseball player turned electronics salesman. Raised in a Southern household with strong family values, Elle’s childhood was steeped in Georgia traditions, from sweet tea to Waffle House visits, which she described as “the best restaurant in the world” in a 2020 Vanity Fair interview. Her Southern roots remain a core part of her identity, with phrases like “pretty as a peach” reflecting her upbringing.

Elle’s exposure to acting came early, thanks to her older sister, Dakota Fanning, who began her career at age six. Elle often accompanied Dakota on set, sparking her own interest in performing. By age three, she made her film debut in I Am Sam (2001), playing the younger version of Dakota’s character, Lucy Diamond Dawson. This early start set the stage for a lifelong passion for acting.

Education

Elle’s education was shaped by her acting career, which began in childhood. She was homeschooled to accommodate her filming schedules, a common practice for child actors. While specific details about her formal education are scarce, Elle has spoken about her love for learning and intellectual stimulation, traits that align with her Aries-Leo personality, described as “restless” and craving “inspiring conversations” by the AstroTwins for ELLE.com.

Unlike many child stars, Elle avoided the pitfalls of early fame, crediting her family’s support and her own grounded nature. In a 2025 interview with The Age, she reflected on escaping the “child star curse,” noting that her sister’s fame initially drew attention but allowed her to carve her own path. She attended occasional acting workshops and leaned on on-set experiences for her craft, learning from directors like J.J. Abrams and Sofia Coppola.

Family and Siblings

Parents: Heather Joy Arrington and Steven J. Fanning

Elle’s parents, both former athletes, played a pivotal role in nurturing her and Dakota’s talents. Heather, a tennis player, and Steven, a baseball player, divorced in 2018 but remained supportive of their daughters’ careers. Elle has spoken fondly of her parents’ encouragement, noting they allowed her to pursue acting without pressure. Her grandmother, Mary Jane Odum, is a beloved figure in her life, often accompanying Elle and Dakota to events like the 2025 Golden Globes.

Sister: Dakota Fanning

Elle’s relationship with her sister, Dakota Fanning, born February 23, 1994, is one of Hollywood’s most heartwarming sibling bonds. The sisters, four years apart, share a close friendship, often appearing together at red carpet events like the 2025 Golden Globes, Chanel’s pre-Oscars dinner, and the Met Gala. They first acted together in I Am Sam, with Elle playing a younger Lucy. Despite early comparisons, Elle established her own identity with roles in Super 8 (2011), which she called a “profound moment” for being recognized as herself, not “Dakota’s sister.”

Their dynamic is playful yet supportive. In a 2025 Yahoo article, Elle admitted to “maniacal” childhood pranks, like telling fans Dakota was at Citywalk to draw crowds, a classic younger-sibling move. Dakota, in turn, has celebrated Elle’s milestones, sharing a throwback photo for Elle’s 27th birthday on April 9, 2025, captioned with love and nostalgia. The sisters have plans to reunite onscreen, with Elle confirming at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, “We have plans for sure,” following their I Am Sam collaboration.

No Brothers or Other Siblings

Elle and Dakota are the only children of Heather and Steven Fanning, with no brothers or other siblings. Their tight-knit family dynamic has been a cornerstone of their success, with Elle describing Dakota as her “best friend” who knows her personality better than anyone.

Physical Stats: Height and Weight

Elle Fanning stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, a statuesque presence that enhances her red carpet allure. Her weight is estimated at around 130 pounds (59 kg), though she has never publicly confirmed this, focusing instead on her health and confidence. Her slender frame and graceful posture make her a favorite for designers, as seen in her iconic fashion moments at Cannes and the Met Gala.

Career: From Child Star to Leading Lady

Early Roles

Elle’s acting career began at age three with I Am Sam (2001), followed by roles in Daddy Day Care (2003) and Because of Winn-Dixie (2005), often playing younger versions of Dakota’s characters. Her breakout came with J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 (2011), where she portrayed Alice Dainard, earning praise for her emotional depth. She told The Age, “That was the first time people recognized me for me,” marking a turning point.

Rise to Prominence

Elle’s career flourished with diverse roles in films like We Bought a Zoo (2011), Maleficent (2014) opposite Angelina Jolie, and The Neon Demon (2016), where she embraced darker, edgier characters. Her portrayal of Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great (2020–2023) earned three Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, showcasing her comedic and dramatic range. In 2024, she starred as Bob Dylan’s muse in A Complete Unknown alongside Timothée Chalamet, a role that solidified her as a leading lady.

2025 Projects

In 2025, Elle starred in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, which premiered at Cannes, fulfilling a “bucket list” dream to work with the Norwegian director. She described the script as captivating, reading it in one sitting, a sign of her passion for unique storytelling. The film’s “meta-ness” and her chemistry with co-stars made it a festival highlight. She also attended the 2025 AFI Life Achievement Award for Francis Ford Coppola, wearing a custom orange Coach dress, and supported Dakota’s Emmy-nominated role in Ripley at the Golden Globes.

Upcoming Collaborations

Elle and Dakota are planning a future onscreen reunion, though details remain under wraps. Her recent work with Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown and past collaborations with actors like Michelle Pfeiffer (I Am Sam), Angelina Jolie, and Nicole Kidman (The Beguiled) highlight her ability to shine alongside industry giants.

Relationships and Personal Life

Boyfriend: Gus Wenner

Elle Fanning has been in a relationship with Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone, since at least fall 2023. The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Golden Globes, where Elle called Wenner her “funny Valentine” in a February 2024 Instagram post. They were spotted together in New York City on March 26, 2024, at a Ripley screening with Dakota, and again in Aspen for New Year’s 2025, sharing a snowy kiss in photos Elle captioned, “Skiing into 2025.” Their appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, where Elle wore a glass-like Balmain gown, was a standout moment. Wenner, a Leo, complements Elle’s Aries fire sign, creating a “passionate duo” per ELLE.com.

Friends and Social Circle

Elle’s close friends include singer Lorde and actress Annabelle Dexter-Jones, with whom she and Wenner dined in New York in November 2024. Her bond with Dakota remains her strongest connection, with the sisters often seen together at fashion shows and award ceremonies. Elle’s Southern charm and “free-spirited” nature, as she described to Us Magazine, make her a beloved figure among peers, though she keeps her circle small and private.

No Wife or Kids

As of 2025, Elle Fanning is not married and has no children. Her relationship with Wenner appears serious, but no engagement or wedding plans have been confirmed. She focuses on her career and personal growth, balancing her public persona with a low-key lifestyle.

Net Worth and Brand Contracts

Net Worth

Elle Fanning’s net worth is estimated at $7 million in 2025, per CAknowledge.com. Her earnings stem primarily from acting in films and TV shows, with an annual income of approximately $500,000. Additional revenue comes from brand endorsements and social media promotions, leveraging her 6.5 million Instagram followers. Her long career, starting at age three, has built a solid financial foundation, though she remains less ostentatious than some peers.

Brand Endorsements

Elle is a fashion darling, frequently collaborating with luxury brands. She’s a regular at Miu Miu fashion shows, wearing their designs at Paris Fashion Week, and has donned Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and Coach for high-profile events. Her 2025 AFI Awards appearance in a custom Coach dress and her Met Gala Balmain gown were widely praised. She also wore Cartier jewelry at the 2025 Golden Globes, aligning with her “retro-inspired” aesthetic curated by stylist Samantha McMillen. These partnerships, while not explicitly detailed as contracts, reflect her status as a brand ambassador.

House and Car

Details about Elle Fanning’s residence and vehicles are private, reflecting her low-key lifestyle. She splits time between Los Angeles and New York City, often spotted in Manhattan with Wenner. While no specific house or car details are confirmed, her frequent travel for film projects and fashion events suggests a comfortable but not overly lavish lifestyle. She’s been seen in practical yet stylish outfits during casual outings, hinting at a preference for understated elegance over flashy displays.

Fashion and Style

Red Carpet Icon

Elle Fanning is a red carpet standout, known for blending classic elegance with bold twists. Her 2025 style highlights include:

2025 Golden Globes: A leopard-print gown with a high slit and matching cape, paired with Cartier jewelry, showcasing her “wild side.”
Met Gala 2024: A glass-like Balmain gown for the “Garden of Time” theme, described as “intricately sculpted” by ELLE.com.
AFI Life Achievement Award 2025: A custom orange fit-and-flare Coach dress with Larroude silver heels, earning best-dressed nods.
National Board of Review Gala 2025: A pastel babydoll maxi dress with a pink fur coat, blending “girlhood” and “mob wife” aesthetics.

Her collaboration with stylist Samantha McMillen emphasizes retro and regal looks, from archival Balmain at the 2024 Golden Globes to Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week. Elle’s fashion differs from Dakota’s “classic” style, as she told Harper’s Bazaar, “I’m classic too, but with a twist.”

Everyday Style

Off the red carpet, Elle favors ethereal pastels and sleek designs, like the black Toteme maxi dress worn to honor Michelle Pfeiffer in April 2025. Her ability to mix feminine and edgy elements, like pairing a babydoll dress with a fur coat, has made her a fashion chameleon.

Social Media Presence and Followers

Elle Fanning maintains a strong but selective social media presence, with 6.5 million Instagram followers as of May 2025. Her posts blend professional highlights, like Sentimental Value promotions, with rare personal glimpses, such as her New Year’s 2025 photos with Gus Wenner in Aspen. She captioned a snowy kiss photo, “Skiing into 2025,” delighting fans with her low-key romance. Elle avoids oversharing, telling Us Magazine, “You don’t air your dirty laundry to people that aren’t your family or friends.” Her curated feed, featuring fashion, film stills, and occasional family moments, resonates with fans for its authenticity.

Top Moments and Events in 2025

Elle’s 2025 has been packed with high-profile appearances:

Golden Globes (January 5, 2025): Elle and Dakota attended together, with Elle in a leopard-print gown and Dakota nominated for Ripley. They partied at Netflix’s Spago after-party with their grandmother.
National Board of Review Gala (January 8, 2025): Elle’s pastel babydoll dress and pink fur coat stole the show in New York.
Cannes Film Festival (May 2025): Elle promoted Sentimental Value, discussing future projects with Dakota and her admiration for Joachim Trier.
AFI Life Achievement Award (April 26, 2025): Elle honored Francis Ford Coppola in a custom Coach dress, joined by Ron Howard and Spike Lee.
Michelle Pfeiffer Tribute (April 2025): Elle and Dakota celebrated their I Am Sam co-star at the TCL Chinese Theatre, with Elle in a black Toteme dress.

Movies and Co-Actors

Elle’s filmography spans over 40 films, showcasing her versatility:

I Am Sam (2001): With Dakota Fanning and Sean Penn, her debut at age three.
Super 8 (2011): Opposite Joel Courtney, directed by J.J. Abrams.
Maleficent (2014): As Aurora, with Angelina Jolie.
The Neon Demon (2016): A daring role with Jena Malone, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
The Beguiled (2017): With Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell, under Sofia Coppola’s direction.
A Complete Unknown (2024): Playing Bob Dylan’s muse opposite Timothée Chalamet.
Sentimental Value (2025): A Cannes standout directed by Joachim Trier.

Her ability to work with directors like Coppola, Abrams, and Trier and actors like Jolie, Kidman, and Chalamet highlights her range and industry respect.

Hobbies, Lifestyle, and Passions

Elle’s hobbies reflect her free-spirited personality. She loves dancing, a trait she displayed as a child in grocery stores, per Us Magazine. Her passion for fashion is evident in her red carpet choices and front-row appearances at Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton shows. She enjoys reading scripts quickly when inspired, as with Sentimental Value, and values intellectual stimulation, often engaging in “inspiring conversations” with peers. Elle is also a Waffle House enthusiast, a nod to her Georgia roots, and enjoys skiing, as seen in her 2025 Aspen trip.

Her lifestyle balances Hollywood glamour with Southern simplicity. She avoids the spotlight’s excesses, focusing on meaningful projects and close relationships. Elle is a passionate advocate for social causes, though specific details are private, per UCI.edu. Her Aries energy drives her to seek “drama, passion, and extreme adventure,” making her a dynamic presence on and off screen.

Political Views and Controversies

Elle Fanning keeps her political views private, avoiding public statements on polarizing issues. Unlike some peers, she has not been linked to major controversies or rumors in 2025. Her focus remains on her craft and personal life, with no reported scandals. This low-key approach aligns with her philosophy of keeping “dirty laundry” private, ensuring her reputation remains untarnished.