Elle Fanning first captured the hearts of audiences as a child, stepping out from under the wing of her older sister Dakota and confidently carving out her own space in Hollywood. She started acting at the tender age of three, but her breakout role really came with J.J. Abrams’ “Super 8” in 2011, where her performance was so natural and affecting that it became clear she was destined for more than just kiddie cameos.
What sets Elle Fanning apart isn’t just her luminous screen presence – it’s her knack for choosing unexpected, challenging roles. From Sofia Coppola’s dreamy “Somewhere” to the edgy, unsettling “The Neon Demon,” she’s never been one to play it safe, establishing herself as an actress willing to take creative leaps. These choices haven’t just broadened her range but have helped reshape the image of what a former child star can be.
More recently, she’s dazzled audiences with her portrayal of Catherine the Great in Hulu’s witty and wild series “The Great.” The role called for everything from razor-sharp comedic timing to genuine moments of vulnerability, and Elle delivered on all counts, earning Golden Globe and SAG nominations. It’s pretty remarkable to witness her have so much fun with a historical figure, all while pulling off the emotional depth the part demands.
Behind all the accolades, Elle has managed to stay surprisingly down-to-earth. Despite growing up in the glare of the media, she attended a regular high school in Los Angeles, determined to keep at least one foot in the “real world.” Friends, castmates, and even interviewers often remark on how grounded and self-aware she seems – a rare feat in a business notorious for turning childhood fame into chaos.
“I try to separate work and personal life,” she once told Vanity Fair, echoing an attitude that’s helped her sidestep many of the pitfalls that young stars face. “When I’m not filming, I’m just a regular person trying to figure things out like everyone else.”
Elle’s approach to romance is equally thoughtful – intensely private, yet authentic. Currently, she’s dating Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone and son of the magazine’s famous founder, Jann Wenner. They quietly began seeing each other in 2023 and have been spotted together in New York and Los Angeles, but you won’t find Elle opening up about the relationship on social media or in interviews. She clearly values keeping those details to herself, a refreshing contrast to the over-sharing that often comes with modern celebrity.
Before Gus, Elle’s most public relationship was with director Max Minghella, whom she met while filming “Teen Spirit” in 2018. They dated for several years, and by all accounts, theirs was a relationship built on mutual creative respect, despite the noticeable age difference. Their split in early 2023 was low-key and drama-free, much like the rest of Elle’s personal life. There have been a few other rumored romances over the years – briefly with Dylan Beck in 2015, and whispers about possible chemistry with co-star Justice Smith – but she has always kept any dating details under wraps.
What’s perhaps most impressive about Elle Fanning is the way she manages to find balance – a word that gets thrown around a lot in Hollywood, but for her, seems genuinely earned. Unlike so many young stars who end up defined by their controversies, Elle is carving out her own path by focusing on the work, seeking out meaning in her relationships, and keeping her private life private.
Past Relationships
Gus Wenner
Max Minghella
Zalman Band
Dylan Beck
At just 26, she’s already a veteran of the business but still manages to approach her career – and her life – with curiosity, humility, and plenty of enthusiasm. Whether she’s playing a Russian empress, attending a glamorous film festival, or grabbing coffee with friends, Elle Fanning brings sincerity and thoughtfulness to everything she does. In an industry obsessed with spectacle, her quiet authenticity feels like a breath of fresh air.