Elizabeth Berkley is an American actress who is most recognized for her part in ‘Saved by the Bell’ She began her career as a model before making her acting debut in the television film “Frog.” Later, she was recognized for her work on the television series ‘Saved by the Bell’ Due to its emphasis on problems such as drug abuse, women’s rights, homelessness, and environmental concerns, the series garnered popularity. AOL TV ranked the program among the “20 Greatest School Programs of All Time.” Her debut appearance on the silver screen was in the film Molly & Gina. After starring in the film Showgirls, her popularity grew. The picture was not commercially successful; yet, it gradually achieved cult status. In the comedic picture The First Wives Club, she also played a prominent role. The film was a commercial smash hit. In addition, it earned an Oscar nomination. In addition to her work in cinema, Berkley is an advocate for animal welfare. She has been affiliated with PETA, which promotes vegetarianism.
Youth and Early Life
Elizabeth Berkley Lauren was born in Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, on the 28th of July 1972 to Jere and Fred Berkley. She was born with heterochromia, a condition caused by a deficiency or excess of melanin. Her right eye is partly green and half brown due to this disease, whereas her left eye is entirely green.
She began dancing at an early age. She also tried out unsuccessfully for the lead part in the 1982 picture “Annie.” She later traveled to New York for dance training. Throughout the subsequent years, she performed in ballets and musicals.
Elizabeth Berkley’s Career
Elizabeth Berkley began her professional career as a model. She soon made her acting debut in the television film “Frog.” Over the next two years, she appeared on various television programs as a guest star. She then assumed a leading part in the television series ‘Saved by the Bell,’ which ran from 1989 to 1993.
She subsequently appeared as a guest on various television shows, including ‘Life Goes On,’ ‘Step by Step,’ ‘Baywatch,’ and ‘Diagnosis: Murder.’ Her reputation soared after she performed the major part in the 1995 sensual drama picture Showgirls. Despite the fact that it was a commercial failure, it garnered immense popularity over time, eventually achieving cult status.
She performed a vocal role in the 1996 anime film “Armitage III: Poly-Matrix.” Next, she appeared in the film The First Wives Club. Hugh Wilson directed the film. Commercially, the picture was a success, grossing six times its budget. It was met with mixed reviews.
She then played a significant role in the 1997 film ‘The Real Blonde’, after which she starred in the film ‘Random Encounter’ as the main character (1998). In the years that followed, she also appeared in “Taxman” (1999), “Any Given Sunday” (1999), “The Shipment” (2001), and “Roger Dodger” (2002).
Aside from a few cameo appearances on television, she stayed inactive for several years. She played a role in the popular television series ‘CSI: Miami from 2008 to 2009. 2009 marked her return to the silver screen with a role in the comedy picture “Women in Trouble.”
The same year, she appeared in the psychological science fiction horror film S. Darko. The film was not commercially successful and received harsh criticism.
In 2011, she appeared in the television film “Lucky Christmas.” In 2013, she participated in the popular show “Dancing with the Stars.”
Saved by the Bell, a comedic television series that aired from 1989 to 1993, is one of Elizabeth Berkley’s most significant achievements. The series acquired popularity due to its stance on a variety of social topics, including drug abuse, women’s rights, and environmental concerns. In addition to Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Lark Voorhies, Dustin Diamond, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, and Mario Lopez also starred in the series.
Her role in the sensual drama film ‘Showgirls’ garnered her a great deal of popularity. Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi, and Gina Gershon appeared in the movie, which was directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film received poor reviews from critics and was unsuccessful commercially. Nonetheless, it gradually achieved cult status.
Berkley gained popularity for her appearance in the television series CSI: Miami. The event was an enormous success not only in the United States but also internationally. David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez, Khandi Alexander, and Rory Cochrane were the series’ leading actors. The show received good reviews from reviewers and numerous awards.
Awards & Achievements
Elizabeth Berkley, along with the rest of the ensemble, earned the 1996 National Board of Review Award for Best Cast for the film The First Wives Club.
Her Personal Life
In November 2003, Elizabeth Berkley wed actor and painter Greg Lauren. The birth of their son occurred in 2012.
She is a well-known animal rights activist who works with PETA to encourage vegetarianism.
Estimated Net Worth
Elizabeth Berkley has a net worth of $6 million as an American actress. Berkley is most known for her roles as Jessie Spano on the NBC television series “Saved by the Bell” (1989–1993) and Nomi Malone in the film “Showgirls” (1995).