In the pantheon of Hollywood icons who seamlessly transitioned from the “girl next door” of the 1980s to a formidable dramatic powerhouse, Elisabeth Shue stands in a league of her own. Whether you know her as the babysitter who could handle anything or the soul-stirring Sera in Leaving Las Vegas, Shue’s career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention.
As of early 2026, Elisabeth is currently enjoying a high-profile resurgence, moving between the gritty superhero world of The Boys franchise and highly anticipated cinematic thrillers.
Elisabeth Shue Biography
Born Elisabeth Judson Shue on October 6, 1963, in Wilmington, Delaware, “Lisa” was raised in an achieving, athletic family. Growing up in New Jersey with three brothers, she was often the only girl on the soccer field, a grit that would later define her screen presence.
While she began her journey at Wellesley College and later Harvard University, Hollywood called before she could finish her degree. She famously returned to Harvard over a decade later, in 2000, to complete her B.A. in Political Science, proving that she is as intellectually rigorous as she is creatively gifted.
ALSO READ: David Beckham: Football & Global Icon, Life With Victoria Beckham
Career
Shue’s career is a fascinating timeline of American cinema:
- The 80s Sweetheart: She became a household name with a trifecta of hits: The Karate Kid (1984), Adventures in Babysitting (1987), and Cocktail (1988).
- The Oscar Turn (1995): Shue shattered her “wholesome” image with her role in Leaving Las Vegas. Her raw, heartbreaking performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- The Streaming Queen (2019–Present): She terrified and thrilled audiences as Madelyn Stillwell in the first season of The Boys.
- 2026 Update: Shue is currently set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller Whalefall (scheduled for late 2026) and recently made a guest appearance in The Boys spin-off, Gen V.
Elisabeth Shue Movies
- The Karate Kid (1984): Playing Ali Mills, the role that started it all.
- Adventures in Babysitting (1987): A cult classic that proved her leading-lady charisma.
- Back to the Future Part II & III (1989/1990): Stepping into the role of Jennifer Parker.
- Leaving Las Vegas (1995): The career-defining dramatic performance.
- Hollow Man (2000): A high-octane sci-fi thriller alongside Kevin Bacon.
- Battle of the Sexes (2017): Playing Priscilla Wheelan.
- Greyhound (2020): Starring opposite Tom Hanks.
Elisabeth Shue Net Worth
As of early 2026, Elisabeth Shue’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. This is a combined net worth with her husband, Davis Guggenheim. Her wealth is a result of four decades of consistent work in blockbuster films, high-paying TV roles like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and savvy real estate investments in Los Angeles.
Family
The Shue family is practically Hollywood royalty. Her younger brother, Andrew Shue, was a star on Melrose Place and co-founded CafeMom. Tragedy struck the family early on when her older brother, William, died in a swimming accident in 1988, an event Elisabeth credits with deepening her emotional range as an actress.
She is a mother of three: Miles William, Stella Street, and Agnes Charles, all of whom she has raised largely out of the intense Hollywood spotlight.
ALSO READ: Nick Bosa: NFL Defensive Star, Awards & Rising Legacy
Elisabeth Shue and Davis Guggenheim
Married since 1994, Elisabeth and Davis Guggenheim represent one of the industry’s most enduring power couples. Guggenheim is a heavy-hitter in his own right, having directed the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. In 2026, the couple remains a fixture at high-profile social and environmental galas, maintaining a private but supportive partnership that has lasted over 30 years.
Controversies
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Shue has navigated Hollywood with almost zero scandal. The “controversies” surrounding her are mostly professional debates, such as her decision to step back from acting in the late 90s to raise her children, a move some critics at the time suggested “stalled” her post-Oscar momentum. She has also been vocal about the gender pay gap in Hollywood, noting in recent interviews that even at the height of her fame, she often struggled to reach the same salary levels as her male counterparts.
Elisabeth Shue Age
As of early 2026, Elisabeth Shue is 62 years old. She will celebrate her 63rd birthday on October 6, 2026.
Elisabeth Shue Now
Now, Elisabeth is embracing the “prestige TV” era. She splits her time between her home in Los Angeles and various film sets. She has recently become a vocal advocate for environmental causes alongside her husband and continues to play competitive tennis, a hobby that keeps her in the same incredible shape she was in during her Karate Kid days.
Conclusion
Elisabeth Shue has proven that you can be a movie star, a Harvard graduate, and a devoted mother without losing your soul to the Hollywood machine. As she moves into 2026, her “Lisa-ssance” shows no signs of slowing down.
ALSO READ: Trevor Noah: Comedy Star, Minka Kelly & Dua Lipa Romances
