Elle Fanning is one of the most talented actresses of her generation, having transitioned seamlessly from a child star in films like I Am Sam to a critically acclaimed performer in projects like The Great and Margo’s Got Money Troubles. But as her career has matured, so too have the roles she takes on, often involving nudity and intimate scenes.
Unlike many actors who shy away from such scenes, Fanning has been refreshingly open about her approach. She describes herself as “not very modest” and has spoken candidly about why she is “really proud” of how nudity is depicted in her projects. This article explores Elle Fanning’s career, her views on nudity and body image, and the roles that have made her one of the most fearless actresses working today.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Elle Fanning |
| Known For | The Great, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Maleficent, Super 8 |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Conyers, Georgia, USA |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1998 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2026) |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Marital Status | In a relationship |
| Partner | Gus Wenner (since 2023) |
| Children | None |
| Education | Campbell Hall School (Los Angeles) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6 million |
Who Is Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning is an American actress who has been a consistent screen presence since beginning her Hollywood career as a toddler. Born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, she is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning. She started acting before turning three years old, often playing the younger versions of her sister’s characters in films like I Am Sam.
She has since built an impressive career, starring in films such as Maleficent (2014) and its sequel, The Neon Demon (2016), 20th Century Women (2016), and Teen Spirit (2018). On television, she is best known for her lead role as Catherine the Great in the Hulu period comedy The Great and as the titular character in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
The Great: Outrageous Sex Scenes and Intimacy Coordinators
Fanning’s role as Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great brought her widespread critical acclaim and also some of her most talked-about scenes. The show, known for its irreverent take on history, featured numerous sex scenes that Fanning has described as “outrageous”.
In fact, she admitted that some of the intimate moments were so absurd that she and her co-star Nicholas Hoult would “just laugh” while filming them. She told the press that the scenes were so outrageous that the cast and crew were often “dying” over how awkward they were.
To ensure the scenes were handled professionally, an intimacy coordinator was on set to make everyone feel comfortable and to ensure the scenes looked realistic. Fanning explained that the coordinator was present “whenever we had those scenes, to make everyone feel good and make everything look real”.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Nudity as Storytelling
In 2026, Fanning took on perhaps her most challenging role yet in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, the show follows a young mother who starts an OnlyFans account to pay off her debts.
Fanning knew that the role would require nudity before she even signed on. Rather than being deterred, she embraced it. She has been open about her approach to the scenes, stating that she is “someone that’s not very modest when it comes to those things”.
A Non-Sexualized Approach
What makes Fanning most proud of her work on the show is how the nudity is depicted. She told People magazine that she is “really proud of how the nudity is depicted on the show, because it’s not in an overly sexualized way at all”.
She noted that nudity is “never the focal point of the scene,” which she found creatively interesting rather than uncomfortable. The scenes are intended to be grounded in storytelling rather than designed for shock value or sexualisation.
The Reality of Motherhood
In the series, Fanning’s character is a new mother, and the nudity reflects the often unglamorous realities of postpartum life. She lies in bed in her underwear while pregnant, accidentally squirts breast milk in her eye while trying to get her infant son to latch, and takes unflattering topless pictures of herself.
To make the scenes authentic, Fanning wore prosthetic breasts that could “squirt milk out”. She sought advice from actress Margaret Qualley, who had worn similar prosthetics for her role in The Substance.
Creating an OnlyFans Account for Research
To prepare for the role, Fanning took an unconventional step: she created a real OnlyFans account. She told People that she used the account as part of her research, exploring the platform to better understand her character.
Elle Fanning’s Views on Body Image and Privacy
Fanning has been remarkably candid about her comfort with her own body. She told ELLE UK that body image is not something she has struggled with, saying: “I’ve never been self-conscious about my body. As a kid, I was always running around with no clothes on”.
While she is open about nudity on screen, she is more guarded about her personal life. She maintains a private Instagram account for close friends and family. She has admitted that she has never had a Facebook account and that Twitter “scares” her.
Elle Fanning’s Personal Life
Fanning has been dating Gus Wenner since 2023. Wenner is the executive chairman of Rolling Stone magazine and the son of its co-founder, Jann Wenner. The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Fanning has spoken warmly about her relationship, telling People that her “future looks bright” with Wenner and that she definitely wants to have children one day. Her sister Dakota has reportedly given her approval to the relationship.
Key Takeaways
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Elle Fanning is not modest about nudity: She has described herself as “not very modest” when it comes to on-screen nudity.
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Her nudity is about storytelling: In Margo’s Got Money Troubles, she is “really proud” of how nudity is depicted because it is not sexualized.
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She wore prosthetics for authenticity: To portray a new mother, she wore prosthetic breasts that could squirt milk.
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She created an OnlyFans account for research: Fanning created a real OnlyFans account to prepare for her role.
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Body image has never been a struggle: She has said she has “never been self-conscious” about her body.
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She values her privacy: She keeps a private Instagram and avoids other social media platforms.
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She is dating Gus Wenner: She has been in a relationship with the Rolling Stone executive since 2023.
FAQ Section
Does Elle Fanning do nude scenes?
Yes, Elle Fanning has performed nude scenes in both The Great and Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
Why is Elle Fanning comfortable with nudity?
Fanning has said she is “not very modest” and has “never been self-conscious” about her body.
Did Elle Fanning use a body double for nude scenes?
No, she did not use a body double for Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
What did Elle Fanning say about her nude scenes in The Great?
She described the sex scenes as “outrageous” and said she often laughed while filming them.
What is Elle Fanning’s role in Margo’s Got Money Troubles?
She plays a young mother who starts an OnlyFans account to pay off her debts.
Did Elle Fanning create an OnlyFans account?
Yes, she created a real OnlyFans account to research her role.
Who is Elle Fanning’s boyfriend?
She has been dating Gus Wenner, executive chairman of Rolling Stone, since 2023.
Is Elle Fanning related to Dakota Fanning?
Yes, Dakota Fanning is her older sister.
How old is Elle Fanning?
She was born on April 9, 1998, making her 28 years old as of 2026.
What is Elle Fanning’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.
Final Thoughts
Elle Fanning’s approach to nudity in her acting roles is a reflection of her maturity as an artist and her comfort with her own body. She has taken on roles that challenge conventional portrayals of women on screen, using nudity not for shock value but as a tool for storytelling. From the outrageous sex scenes in The Great to the raw, unglamorous depictions of motherhood in Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Fanning has proven that she is unafraid to push boundaries.
Her openness about her craft, her body, and her personal life has made her one of the most relatable and respected actresses of her generation. As she continues to take on bold roles, Elle Fanning remains a powerful voice for authenticity in Hollywood.
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