Elisabeth Shue is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile actresses. Rising to fame in the 1980s, she quickly became a household name thanks to her charm, talent, and memorable roles in some of the decade’s biggest films. Over the years, she has successfully transitioned from teen star to respected dramatic actress.
In this blog post, we’ll explore her wiki-style biography, age, career highlights, net worth, and more.
Elisabeth Shue Wiki & Early Life
- Full Name: Elisabeth Judson Shue
- Date of Birth: October 6, 1963
- Birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actress
- Years Active: 1982–present
Elisabeth Shue was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. She grew up in a well-educated family—her father was a lawyer and her mother worked in banking. Shue attended Wellesley College and later transferred to Harvard University, where she eventually completed her degree in political science years after starting her acting career.
How Old Is Elisabeth Shue?
As of 2026, Elisabeth Shue is 62 years old. Despite being in the industry for over four decades, she continues to work steadily in both film and television.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough in the 1980s
Shue gained widespread recognition for her role as Ali Mills in The Karate Kid (1984). The film became a cultural phenomenon and helped launch her career.
She followed up with starring roles in:
- Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
- Cocktail (1988), opposite Tom Cruise
- Back to the Future Part II (1989), where she replaced Claudia Wells as Jennifer Parker
These roles established her as a leading actress in Hollywood during the late 1980s.
Critical Acclaim & Oscar Nomination
In 1995, Shue delivered one of her most powerful performances in Leaving Las Vegas, starring alongside Nicolas Cage.
Her role as Sera, a Las Vegas prostitute, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation as a serious dramatic performer.
Television & Recent Work
In later years, Shue expanded into television. She starred in:
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Cobra Kai (reprising her role as Ali Mills)
- The Boys
Her appearance in Cobra Kai was especially celebrated by fans of The Karate Kid, bringing nostalgia and renewed attention to her iconic character.
Elisabeth Shue’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Elisabeth Shue’s estimated net worth is around $20–25 million.
Her wealth comes from:
- Major box office films
- Long-running television roles
- Brand endorsements and commercial work
- Consistent acting work over four decades
Her financial success reflects both her longevity and smart career choices.
Personal Life
Elisabeth Shue has been married to film director Davis Guggenheim since 1994. The couple has three children and has largely maintained a private family life despite her fame.
She is also known for valuing education—famously returning to Harvard to complete her degree years after becoming a Hollywood star.
Awards & Recognition
- Academy Award nomination for Leaving Las Vegas
- Golden Globe nomination
- BAFTA nomination
- Screen Actors Guild nomination
While she has not won an Oscar, her nomination remains one of the defining achievements of her career.
Fun Facts About Elisabeth Shue
- She started her career in television commercials.
- She replaced Claudia Wells in Back to the Future sequels.
- She took a break from acting to focus on family and education.
- She remains a beloved figure in 1980s pop culture history.
Final Thoughts
Elisabeth Shue’s career is a testament to longevity, talent, and adaptability. From 1980s teen icon to Oscar-nominated actress and respected television star, she has built an impressive legacy in Hollywood.
At 62 years old, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances—proving that true talent never fades.
FAQs About Elisabeth Shue
1. How old is Elisabeth Shue?
Elisabeth Shue was born on October 6, 1963. As of 2026, she is 62 years old.
2. What is Elisabeth Shue best known for?
She is best known for her roles in:
- The Karate Kid
- Adventures in Babysitting
- Cocktail
- Leaving Las Vegas
- Cobra Kai
3. Did Elisabeth Shue win an Oscar?
No, she did not win an Academy Award. However, she received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Leaving Las Vegas (1995).
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4. What is Elisabeth Shue’s net worth?
As of 2026, her estimated net worth is between $20–25 million, earned through her long and successful career in film and television.
5. Is Elisabeth Shue married?
Yes, she has been married to filmmaker Davis Guggenheim since 1994. The couple has three children.
6. Did Elisabeth Shue return for Cobra Kai?
Yes, she reprised her role as Ali Mills in Cobra Kai, delighting longtime fans of The Karate Kid franchise.
7. Where was Elisabeth Shue born?
She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, United States.
8. Did Elisabeth Shue attend Harvard?
Yes. She studied at Harvard University and later returned to complete her degree in political science after beginning her acting career.