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Elisabeth Shue

What's After the Movie

Elisabeth Shue

Elisabeth Shue, born October 6, 1963, is an acclaimed American actress who has graced both the big screen and television with her exceptional acting prowess. Her career, spanning from 1982 to the present, has seen her star in numerous successful films and shows. Notable among those are The Karate Kid (1984), Back to the Future Part II (1989), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), and Greyhound (2020). Shue's remarkable performance in Leaving Las Vegas earned her nominations for an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Award. On television, Shue delighted audiences with her roles in the CBS procedural crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Shue was raised in South Orange, New Jersey in a family of four children. She pursued acting after attending Wellesley College and then Harvard University. She started her acting journey appearing in commercials and securing small parts before landing her breakout role in The Karate Kid. Shue continued to refine her craft over the years, taking on roles that showcased her versatility across different genres — from the girl-next-door to a film noir-ish femme fatale. In 1995, she starred as a prostitute in Leaving Las Vegas, a role that pivoted her career, earning her multiple prestigious award nominations. In the ensuing years, she landed diverse roles in films like Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry (1996), The Saint (1997), and Hollow Man (2000). In addition to her film career, Shue also found success on television, notably her roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Boys.

37 movies
5 nominations

Explore the best of Elisabeth Shue – top movies, iconic roles, and must-see performances!

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Elisabeth Shue, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Elisabeth Shue rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Elisabeth Shue

Born: Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.

Citizenship: American

Birthday: October 6, 1963

Occupations: Actress

Years Active: 1982-present

Children: 3

Spouses: Davis Guggenheim

Awards and Nominations Received by Elisabeth Shue

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Elisabeth Shue has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


68th Academy Awards 1996

Nomination

Actress in a Leading Role

Leaving Las Vegas

49th British Academy Film Awards 1996

Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Leaving Las Vegas

2nd Screen Actors Guild Awards 1996

Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Leaving Las Vegas

53rd Golden Globe Awards 1996

Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress)

Leaving Las Vegas

11th Independent Spirit Awards 1996

Win

Best Female Lead

Leaving Las Vegas
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