Elisabeth Shue is an American actress known for her memorable performances in The Karate Kid, Adventures in Babysitting, Back to the Future Part II, and Leaving Las Vegas. With a career spanning several decades, she has moved comfortably between popular films and challenging dramatic roles. Her performance in Leaving Las Vegas earned her an Academy Award nomination, further establishing her reputation in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Shue is a Harvard graduate, a wife, and a mother of three.
Elisabeth Shue Quick Bio
Detail
Information
Full Name
Elisabeth Judson Shue
Nickname
Lisa
Date of Birth
October 6, 1963
Height
5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m)
Age
63 years old (as of November 2026)
Birthplace
Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Hometown
South Orange, New Jersey, United States
Nationality
American
Profession
Actress, producer
Zodiac Sign
Libra
Ethnicity
German and English ancestry
Religion
Not publicly established
Famous For
The Karate Kid, Adventures in Babysitting, Leaving Las Vegas, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Education
Columbia High School, Wellesley College, Harvard University
College Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University, completed in 2000
Father
James William Shue
Mother
Anne Brewster Shue
Siblings
Andrew Shue, William Shue, and John Shue
Marital Status
Married
Husband
Davis Guggenheim, film director and producer
Marriage Year
1994
Children
Three: Miles William Guggenheim, Stella Street Guggenheim, and Agnes Charles Guggenheim
Hair Color
Blonde
Eye Color
Light brown
Hobbies and Interests
Tennis and sports
Years Active
1982–present
Film Debut
The Karate Kid (1984)
Breakthrough Dramatic Role
Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Notable Television Role
Julie Finlay in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Other Notable Role
Madelyn Stillwell in The Boys
Awards and Recognition
Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead; Academy Award nomination for Best Actress
Estimated Net Worth
Approximately $20 million, a published estimate that also includes her husband’s wealth
Elisabeth Shue Images
A Timeline Elisabeth Shue
Year
Event
1963
Born on October 6 in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
1980s
Began appearing in television commercials while studying.
1984
Made her feature-film debut as Ali Mills in The Karate Kid.
1987
Starred in Adventures in Babysitting.
1988
Appeared alongside Tom Cruise in Cocktail.
1989–1990
Played Jennifer Parker in Back to the Future Part II and Part III.
1995
Delivered an acclaimed dramatic performance in Leaving Las Vegas.
1996
Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Leaving Las Vegas.
1997
Starred in The Saint.
2000
Completed her bachelor’s degree at Harvard University.
2007
Worked with family members on the film Gracie.
2012–2015
Played Julie Finlay in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
2017
Appeared in Battle of the Sexes.
2019–2020
Played Madelyn Stillwell in The Boys.
2021
Reprised her role as Ali Mills in Cobra Kai.
2021
Appeared in the Netflix series On the Verge.
Elisabeth Shue Family
Family Member
Details
Father
James William Shue, a lawyer and real-estate developer
Mother
Anne Brewster Shue, a former banking executive
Brother
Andrew Shue, actor and entrepreneur
Brother
John Shue, involved in film production
Brother
William Shue, who died in a swimming accident in 1988
Husband
Davis Guggenheim, film director and producer
Marriage
Married in 1994
Son
Miles William Guggenheim
Daughter
Stella Street Guggenheim
Daughter
Agnes Charles Guggenheim
Elisabeth Shue Awards and Nominations
Year
Award Organization
Category
Work
Result
1985
Young Artist Awards
Best Young Supporting Actress
The Karate Kid
Won
1987
Saturn Awards
Best Actress
Link
Nominated
1988
Paris Film Festival
Best Actress
Adventures in Babysitting
Won
1995
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Best Actress
Leaving Las Vegas
Won
1995
Independent Spirit Awards
Best Female Lead
Leaving Las Vegas
Won
1995
National Society of Film Critics
Best Actress
Leaving Las Vegas
Won
1995
Chicago Film Critics Association
Best Actress
Leaving Las Vegas
Won
1996
Academy Awards
Best Actress
Leaving Las Vegas
Nominated
1996
Golden Globe Awards
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Leaving Las Vegas
Nominated
1996
BAFTA Awards
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Leaving Las Vegas
Nominated
1996
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Leaving Las Vegas
Nominated
1998
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
Favorite Actress – Suspense
The Saint
Nominated
2001
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
Favorite Actress – Science Fiction
Hollow Man
Nominated
2005
Teen Choice Awards
Choice Movie Scream Scene
Hide and Seek
Nominated
Elisabeth Shue Dress Collection
Dress Detail
Information
Red-carpet dresses
Documented through public event photographs
Evening gowns
Worn for film premieres and award ceremonies
Casual outfits
Seen in interviews and everyday public appearances
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