---
name: "Elisabeth Shue"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/elisabeth-shue"
fi1m_id: "elisabeth-shue"
imdb_id: "nm0000223"
tmdb_id: 1951
wikidata_id: "Q207852"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "6 October 1963"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 68
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 8
updated: "2026-10-25T09:54:54.787272+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Elisabeth Shue

## Identity

Elisabeth Shue

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/elisabeth-shue
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** elisabeth-shue
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000223
- **TMDB ID:** 1951
- **Wikidata ID:** Q207852
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Shue, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207852, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000223/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1951

Actor. Born 6 October 1963 in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 6 October 1963, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- **Active:** 1984–present
- **Also known as:** Elisabeth Judson Shue, Lisa Shue, الیزابت شو, الیزابت شوئه
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 9: 8 acting, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Bob Gale](https://film.one/person/bob-gale.md), [Christopher Lloyd](https://film.one/person/christopher-lloyd.md), [Lea Thompson](https://film.one/person/lea-thompson.md), [Michael J. Fox](https://film.one/person/michael-j-fox.md), [Neil Canton](https://film.one/person/neil-canton.md), [Robert Zemeckis](https://film.one/person/robert-zemeckis.md), [Thomas F. Wilson](https://film.one/person/thomas-f-wilson.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar nomination
- **Average Fi1m score:** 68, as actor, over 8 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 64 (3), 1990s 68 (4), 2010s 72 (1), 2020s 66 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 68 to 62 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 6, Comedy 3, Action 2, Romance 2, Action & Adventure 1, Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 12 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $656m across 5 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Shue, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207852, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000223/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1951

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Boys*](https://film.one/tv/the-boys.md) (72), [*Deconstructing Harry*](https://film.one/film/deconstructing-harry.md) (72)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Leaving Las Vegas*](https://film.one/film/leaving-las-vegas.md) (82)
- **Netflix:** [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md) (81)
- **Apple TV:** [*Greyhound*](https://film.one/film/greyhound.md) (66)
- **HBO Max:** [*Cocktail*](https://film.one/film/cocktail.md) (38)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Elisabeth Shue

> Elisabeth Shue can make a patient, sympathetic character feel as complicated as the person causing the trouble. We rate her highest in *Leaving Las Vegas*, where she makes the less showy role matter just as much.

In *Leaving Las Vegas* (1995), Elisabeth Shue makes us believe that Sera wants Ben Sanderson’s company, even when we struggle to understand what she accepts from him. The writing gives Ben the more immediately arresting predicament, and she has to make Sera’s loneliness count alongside it. We were moved by her patience because Shue makes it feel chosen, rather than something the screenplay requires her to supply. Sera needs companionship too, and Shue never lets us forget it.

The early parts made use of a more straightforward, girl-next-door appeal. Ali in *The Karate Kid* (1984) established her in youth films. *Adventures in Babysitting* (1987), *Cocktail* (1988) and Jennifer Parker in *Back to the Future Part II* (1989) followed. Sera marked the decisive move towards darker, more vulnerable characters. It also showed how much her warmth could accomplish when a film asked something difficult of it.

Mike Figgis does not always help: his tendency to make despair look desirable is our chief reservation about *Leaving Las Vegas*. John Smith’s editing, though, gives Nicolas Cage’s humour and Shue’s sympathy time to register. Figgis’s own jazz score lets tenderness into material that could otherwise become numbing, and the actors make their time together feel worth having. Shue gives us reasons to care about Sera even when the film presses too hard for our affection.

Steven Soderbergh’s *The Underneath* (1995) gives her considerably less to work with. As Susan Crenshaw, she plays a woman Michael meets on his way home and then does not know what to do with. We found the film cold because its central man gives it so little to explore. Shue has a supporting part, and little opportunity to change that.

The subsequent career brought fewer leading dramatic opportunities and more supporting and genre parts. Television work included Julie Finlay in *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* from 2012 to 2015 and Madelyn Stillwell in *The Boys* (2019). We would welcome more parts that give her character’s wants the same attention as those of the person beside her. Start with *Leaving Las Vegas*, provided tenderness without reassurance is what the evening calls for.

## Biography

Elisabeth Shue is an American actress. She made her feature film debut in *The Karate Kid* (1984) and appeared in *Adventures in Babysitting* (1987), *Cocktail* (1988), *Back to the Future Part II* (1989) and *Back to the Future Part III* (1990). She played Susan Crenshaw in *The Underneath* (1995).

Shue received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in *Leaving Las Vegas* (1995), along with nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. She has also appeared in *The Saint* (1997), *Hollow Man* (2000), *Piranha 3D* (2010), *Battle of the Sexes* (2017), *Death Wish* (2018) and *Greyhound* (2020). On television she played Julie Finlay in *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2012–2015) and Madelyn Stillwell in *The Boys* (2019).

Shue attended Wellesley College and graduated from Harvard University with a degree in government. Her brother Andrew Shue is also an actor.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (9)

### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these

- *Greyhound* (2020), Fi1m 66, as Evelyn — [page](https://film.one/film/greyhound.md)
- *The Boys* (2019), Fi1m 72, as Madelyn Stillwell — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boys.md)
- *Deconstructing Harry* (1997), Fi1m 72, as Fay Sexton — [page](https://film.one/film/deconstructing-harry.md)
- *Leaving Las Vegas* (1995), Fi1m 82, as Sera — [page](https://film.one/film/leaving-las-vegas.md)
- *The Underneath* (1995), Fi1m 62, as Susan Crenshaw — [page](https://film.one/film/the-underneath.md)
- *Back to the Future Part II* (1989), Fi1m 74, as Jennifer — [page](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future-part-ii.md)
- *Cocktail* (1988), Fi1m 38, as Jordan Mooney — [page](https://film.one/film/cocktail.md)
- *The Karate Kid* (1984), Fi1m 81, as Ali — [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *City of Angels* (1998), Fi1m 55, as Pregnant Woman (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/city-of-angels.md)

## Complete filmography (65)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Whalefall* (2026), as Zara Gardiner — coming soon, [page](https://film.one/film/whalefall.md)
- *The Good Half* (2024), as Lily Wheeland
- *Gen V* (2023), series, as Madelyn Stillwell
- *The Boys Presents: Diabolical* (2022), series, as Madelyn Stillwell (voice)
- *Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber* (2022), series, as Bonnie Kalanick
- *Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber* (2022), as Bonnie Kalanick
- *On the Verge* (2021), series, as Anne · Executive Producer
- *Greyhound* (2020), as Evelyn — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/greyhound.md)
- *The Boys* (2019), series, as Madelyn Stillwell — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boys.md)
- *Cobra Kai* (2018), series, as Ali Mills (archive footage), Ali Mills — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/cobra-kai.md)
- *Death Wish* (2018), as Lucy Kersey
- *Back to the Future: The Hill Valley Chronicles* (2018), series, as Jennifer Parker
- *Battle of the Sexes* (2017), as Priscilla Riggs
- *Blunt Talk* (2015), series, as Suzanne Mayview
- *Behaving Badly* (2014), as Pamela Bender
- *Chasing Mavericks* (2012), as Christy Moriarity
- *House at the End of the Street* (2012), as Dr. Sarah Cassidy
- *Hope Springs* (2012), as Karen, The Bartender
- *Waking Madison* (2011), as Dr. Elizabeth Barnes
- *Janie Jones* (2010), as Mary Ann Jones
- *Piranha 3D* (2010), as Julie Forester
- *Don McKay* (2009), as Sonny
- *Hamlet 2* (2008), as Elisabeth Shue
- *Gracie* (2007), as Lindsay Bowen · Producer
- *First Born* (2007), as Laura
- *Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story* (2005), as Lily
- *Mysterious Skin* (2005), as Mrs. McCormick
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Female Detective (voice)
- *Hide and Seek* (2005), as Elizabeth
- *Tuck Everlasting* (2002), as Narrator (voice)
- *Leo* (2002), as Mary Bloom
- *The First Year* (2001), as Narrator
- *Amy & Isabelle* (2001), as Isabelle Goodrow
- *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000), series, as Virginia — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/curb-your-enthusiasm.md)
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Julie Finlay
- *Hollow Man* (2000), as Linda McKay
- *Molly* (1999), as Molly McKay
- *Cousin Bette* (1998), as Jenny Cadine
- *City of Angels* (1998), as Pregnant Woman (uncredited) — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/city-of-angels.md)
- *Palmetto* (1998), as Rhea Malroux
- *Deconstructing Harry* (1997), as Fay Sexton — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/deconstructing-harry.md)
- *The Saint* (1997), as Emma Russell
- *The Trigger Effect* (1996), as Annie
- *Leaving Las Vegas* (1995), as Sera — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/leaving-las-vegas.md)
- *The Underneath* (1995), as Susan Crenshaw — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/the-underneath.md)
- *Blind Justice* (1994), as Caroline
- *Radio Inside* (1994), as Natalie
- *Twenty Bucks* (1993), as Emily Adams
- *Heart and Souls* (1993), as Anne
- *Soapdish* (1991), as Lori Craven
- *The Marrying Man* (1991), as Adele Horner
- *The General Motors Playwrights Theater* (1991), series, as Alice Adams
- *Dream On* (1990), series, as Maura Barish
- *Back to the Future Part III* (1990), as Jennifer
- *Back to the Future Part II* (1989), as Jennifer — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future-part-ii.md)
- *Cocktail* (1988), as Jordan Mooney — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/cocktail.md)
- *Adventures in Babysitting* (1987), as Chris
- *Double Switch* (1987), as Kathy
- *Link* (1986), as Jane Chase
- *Call to Glory* (1984), series, as Jackie Sarnac
- *Call to Glory* (1984), as Jackie Sarnac
- *The Karate Kid* (1984), as Ali — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md)
- *Somewhere, Tomorrow* (1983), as Margie
- *The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana* (1982), as Lynn Osborne (as Lisa Shue)
- *Greyhound 2*, as Evelyn

## Gallery

- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-ea7689c03853.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Elisabeth_Shue_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival.jpg/1280px-Elisabeth_Shue_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Bettina Neuefeind, Lisa Shue and Andrew Shue (2007)](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-4c162cb73cda.jpg) Bettina Neuefeind, Lisa Shue and Andrew Shue (2007) — Joi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Bettina_Neuefeind%2C_Lisa_Shue_and_Andrew_Shue.jpg/1280px-Bettina_Neuefeind%2C_Lisa_Shue_and_Andrew_Shue.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Clare Stewart and Billie Jean King high-five with the Battle of the Sexes cast and crew (2017)](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-fbfde6c263b8.jpg) Clare Stewart and Billie Jean King high-five with the Battle of the Sexes cast and crew (2017) — Bex Walton from London, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Clare_Stewart_and_Billie_Jean_King_high-five_with_the_Battle_of_the_Sexes_cast_and_crew_%2837509908276%29.jpg/1280px-Clare_Stewart_and_Billie_Jean_King_high-five_with_the_Battle_of_the_Sexes_cast_and_crew_%2837509908276%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy, Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton, Elisabeth Shue, Andrea Riseborough, Emma Stone and Billie Jean King at Battle of the Sexes, London (2017)](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-6e1228e2294d.jpg) Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy, Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton, Elisabeth Shue, Andrea Riseborough, Emma Stone and Billie Jean King at Battle of the Sexes, London (2017) — Bex Walton from London, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Danny_Boyle%2C_Simon_Beaufoy%2C_Valerie_Faris%2C_Jonathan_Dayton%2C_Elisabeth_Shue%2C_Andrea_Riseborough%2C_Emma_Stone_and_Billie_Jean_King_at_Battle_of_the_Sexes%2C_London_%2836847677594%29.jpg/1280px-thumbnail.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-473b899a3b37.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-20522d422654.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-f8f10ae8a016.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB
- ![Elisabeth Shue at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-e3523ba45ac6.jpg) Elisabeth Shue at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Elisabeth_Shue_2009_portrait.jpg/1280px-Elisabeth_Shue_2009_portrait.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Elizabeth Shue Dining inside the Four Seasons hotel on Day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival 2008 Check out even more great Tiff Photos and Videos at](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-ead1a9aa31d8.jpg) Elizabeth Shue Dining inside the Four Seasons hotel on Day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival 2008 Check out even more great Tiff Photos and Videos at — Christopher Harte from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Elisabeth_Shue_Dining_inside_the_Four_Seasons_hotel_on_Day_2_of_the_Toronto_International_Film_Festival_2008.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-9c879eb891a6.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-1f0e481c2c34.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB
- ![Elisabeth Shue](https://film.one/media/person/9920/gallery-7f87af68e90e.jpg) Elisabeth Shue — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1996: Best Actress (nominated), for *Leaving Las Vegas*

### Other awards — 3 won

- Independent Spirit Awards 1995: Best Female Lead (won), for *Leaving Las Vegas*
- Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress 1995: Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress (won), for *Leaving Las Vegas*
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress 1995: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress (won), for *Leaving Las Vegas*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/elisabeth-shue