ELLE > WHO'S THAT GIRL?

If you're new to Elle's world, read through this page to learn more about her. Click on the links if you're interested in seeing more!

Who's that girl?
Elle is a bright and talented nine-year-old American actress. She was born Mary Elle Fanning, although she is known by her middle name, and has been all her life. Elle started acting when her big sister landed a lead role in I Am Sam, and decided she wanted to have a go too. To read more about Elle's life, check here.

Where have I seen her before?
Many people may recognize Elle as being the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning. The sisters look so alike that they have twice played the same character at different ages. They are also the best of friends, and often accompany each other as they travel the world filming different projects. Dakota and Elle will work with each other for the first time on the upcoming film My Sister's Keeper, in which Dakota will play a young girl battling cancer, and Elle the sister born to help save her. The film, based on the book of the same name, tells the story of Elle's character suing her parents for the right to her own body. They will also co-star in Hurricane Mary, which is based on the true story of twin sisters with cerebral palsy. In this film, Dakota will provide the voice over for one twin, while Elle will play the other.

You probably also recognize Elle from her career as an actress. Her biggest movie to date is Reservation Road, and her most acclaimed role is in Babel as the daughter of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. She has also appeared in The Door in the Floor, and Because of Winn Dixie. Most recently she made a guest appearance on Law and Order: SVU, and appeared as a the mute child of Ryan Reynolds in the independent film The Nines.

Where will I see her next?
Elle will next appear in the feature film Phoebe in Wonderland, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008 and will hopefully reach cinemas by the end of the year. She plays the titular character, Phoebe, in a challenging role that explores a child's battle with mental illness, and what it means to be different. This year will also mark the release of her second lead role, this time in an adaption of the fabled classic The Nutcracker, in which she plays Mary. Filming for this special story took Elle all the way to Budapest, Hungary. The film is slated for release in November, in time for the holiday season. To see her full filmography, check here.

How old was she when...
Elle appeared in her first photoshoot when she was one year old. She appeared in her first movie at age 2. She attended her first red carpet premiere at age 3. She made her first TV appearance at age 4. She appeared on her first magazine cover at age 5. She began writing in cursive at age 6. She had her first tooth pulled at age 7. She landed her first lead role at age 8. For her full life timeline, click here.

What happened to...
Elle has had her fair share of rumoured roles, some of which never see the light of day. When she was six years old, the rumor mill abounded with news Elle had been cast as young Barbara Gordon in the upcoming epic Batman Begins, but the rumour proved to be false. Another role that turned to smoke was Once In A Lifetime, in which she would have played Molly, a young girl with cancer. The movie fell through shortly after she was cast, but has recently been resurrected, with another actress in the role. Most recently, Elle was reported to be involved in an adaptation of the book Gideon's Gift, but unfortunately it seems that this movie has been put on hold.

How can I get Elle's autograph?
Write her a letter. Elle is extremely generous in making time for her fans. Learn more about sending a letter here.

How can I meet more Elle fans?
Join Delicate Duo, our forum especially dedicated to Dakota and Elle or Enchanting Starz, a forum dedicated to Elle, Dakota, as well as young actresses Skye McCole Bartusiak and Abigail Breslin.

Where can I see more?
Visit Elle's IMDB.com page.
Look through our image gallery.
Watch online video clips.
Check out links to other fan sites.

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