---
name: "Selma Blair"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/selma-blair"
fi1m_id: "selma-blair"
imdb_id: "nm0004757"
tmdb_id: 11826
wikidata_id: "Q264748"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "23 June 1972"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 5
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 5
updated: "2026-09-19T15:49:00.658049+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."
---

# Selma Blair

## Identity

Selma Blair

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/selma-blair
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** selma-blair
- **IMDb ID:** nm0004757
- **TMDB ID:** 11826
- **Wikidata ID:** Q264748
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selma_Blair, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q264748, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004757/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11826

Actor. Born 23 June 1972 in Southfield, Michigan. USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 23 June 1972, Southfield, Michigan. USA
- **Active:** 1994–2004
- **Also known as:** Selma Blair Beitner
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 5 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 75 (3), 2000s 74 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 75 to 70 across 4 titles
- **Score spread:** 0 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 2 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 2, Action 1, Action & Adventure 1, Drama 1, Fantasy 1, Horror 1
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $413m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selma_Blair, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q264748, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004757/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11826

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Legally Blonde*](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md) (78)

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

## Fi1m on Selma Blair

> Selma Blair gives brighter co-stars something useful to work against: a sleepy presence and dry, hesitant comic timing. We rate that restraint, though her awkwardness becomes less persuasive when a performance pushes it too hard.

Selma Blair can make hesitation do the work of a joke, letting a more energetic co-star set the pace without trying to match it. Her sleepy screen presence suits the preppy, awkward and snobbish supporting parts that recur in her work. In *Legally Blonde* (2001), where she plays Vivian Kensington opposite Reese Witherspoon, that contrast is part of the comedy's pleasure. We like her best when a scene gives that hesitation room, rather than pushing her to insist on the joke.

*Cruel Intentions* (1999) brought her breakthrough as Cecile Caldwell, alongside Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar. It also shows the risk in her comic awkwardness: played too broadly, it can become more effortful than funny. The early work was not confined to those ensembles, however, and *Storytelling* (2001) put her in Todd Solondz's more uncomfortable territory as Vi. That choice offered something beyond another variation on the preppy supporting player. There is room for emotional complexity in Blair's understatement, even if the comedies made her easier to categorise.

*Legally Blonde* is worth an evening for its ensemble, though Witherspoon's Elle Woods is its chief pleasure. We warmed to it because she makes Elle's determination persuasive even when the jokes are indifferent. Blair's contribution is the supporting kind, giving that more energetic performance a contrasting presence rather than competing for the same laughs. The ensemble rapport works better than some of the comic timing, which we found could be sharper. Our affection for the cast does not make every joke land.

Guillermo del Toro's *Hellboy* (2004) and *Hellboy II: The Golden Army* (2008) give Blair a different use for that reserve as Liz Sherman. Playing a pyrokinetic superhero, she brings emotional weight to material that could easily invite overacting. These remain supporting parts, but they ask more of her than the familiar social awkwardness. We would welcome more roles that make use of her restraint without turning it into another comic mannerism. Try *Hellboy* if the preppy comedies have persuaded you she can only do one thing.

## Biography

Selma Blair is an American actress. Born Selma Blair Beitner on 23 June 1972 in Southfield, Michigan, she is known for her roles in *Cruel Intentions* (1999) as Cecile Caldwell, *Legally Blonde* (2001) as Vivian Kensington, and the *Hellboy* films (2004 and 2008) as Liz Sherman.

She graduated from the University of Michigan and began her career in the mid-1990s with small roles and guest appearances in television series. Other credits include *The Sweetest Thing* (2002) and *Storytelling* (2001).

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

## On Fi1m (5)

- *Hellboy* (2004), Fi1m 71, as Elizabeth 'Liz' Sherman — [page](https://film.one/film/hellboy.md)
- *Legally Blonde* (2001), Fi1m 78, as Vivian Kensington — [page](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md)
- *Scream 2* (1997), Fi1m 74, as Cici's Friend on Phone — [page](https://film.one/film/scream-2.md)
- *Xena: Warrior Princess* (1995), Fi1m 74, as Cyane — [page](https://film.one/tv/xena-warrior-princess.md)
- *Friends* (1994), Fi1m 78, as Wendy — [page](https://film.one/tv/friends.md)

## Complete filmography (72)

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

- *Stay Forte* (2025), Actor
- *Slasher: Ripper* (2023), series, as Regina's Maid
- *Far More* (2021), as Glenn McAllister
- *A Dark Foe* (2021), as Dr. Doris Baxter
- *After We Collided* (2020), as Carol Young
- *Another Life* (2019), series, as Harper Glass
- *After* (2019), as Carol Young
- *Heathers* (2018), series, as Jade
- *Liverspots and Astronots* (2018), series, as Dr. Phish
- *Lost in Space* (2018), series, as Jessica Harris
- *Mom and Dad* (2018), as Kendall Ryan
- *DuckTales* (2017), series, as Witch Hazel (voice)
- *Ordinary World* (2016), as Karen
- *Mothers and Daughters* (2016), as Rigby
- *Eva Hesse* (2016), as Eva Hesse (voice)
- *American Crime Story* (2016), series, as Kris Jenner — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/american-crime-story.md)
- *Sex, Death and Bowling* (2015), as Glenn McAllister
- *Really* (2014), series, as Joanna
- *In Their Skin* (2012), as Mary
- *Anger Management* (2012), series, as Kate Wales
- *Dark Horse* (2012), as Miranda
- *Columbus Circle* (2012), as Abigail
- *The Family Tree* (2011), as Ms. Delbo
- *Web Therapy* (2011), series, as Tammy Hines
- *Animal Love* (2011), as Sorrel
- *Portlandia* (2011), series, as Frannie Walker
- *Kath & Kim* (2008), series, as Kim Baker
- *Web Therapy* (2008), series, as Tammy Hines
- *Hellboy II: The Golden Army* (2008), as Liz Sherman
- *The Poker House* (2008), as Sarah
- *My Mom's New Boyfriend* (2008), as Agent Emily Lott
- *Feast of Love* (2007), as Kathryn Smith
- *WΔZ* (2007), as Jean Lerner
- *Purple Violets* (2007), as Patti Petalson
- *Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron* (2007), as Liz Sherman (voice)
- *Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms* (2006), as Liz Sherman (voice)
- *The Night of the White Pants* (2006), as Beth Hagan
- *The Alibi* (2006), as Adelle
- *The Fog* (2005), as Stevie Wayne
- *The Big Empty* (2005), as Alice
- *The Deal* (2005), as Abbey Gallagher
- *Dallas 362* (2005), as Peg
- *Pretty Persuasion* (2005), as Grace Anderson
- *Demarco Affairs* (2004), as Kate DeMarco
- *In Good Company* (2004), as Kimberly
- *A Dirty Shame* (2004), as Caprice Stickles
- *Coast to Coast* (2004), as Stacey Pierce
- *Hellboy* (2004), as Elizabeth 'Liz' Sherman — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/hellboy.md)
- *A Guy Thing* (2003), as Karen Cooper
- *The Sweetest Thing* (2002), as Jane
- *Highway* (2002), as Cassie
- *Storytelling* (2001), as Vi
- *Kill Me Later* (2001), as Shawn Holloway
- *Legally Blonde* (2001), as Vivian Kensington — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md)
- *Down to You* (2000), as Cyrus
- *Cruel Intentions* (1999), as Cecile Caldwell
- *Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane* (1999), series, as Zoe Bean
- *Girl* (1998), as Darcy
- *Brown's Requiem* (1998), as Jane
- *Debutante* (1998), as Nan
- *Can't Hardly Wait* (1998), as Girl Mike Hits On #1
- *No Laughing Matter* (1998), as Lauren Winslow
- *Scream 2* (1997), as Cici's Friend on Phone — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/scream-2.md)
- *Strong Island Boys* (1997), as Tara
- *In & Out* (1997), as Cousin Linda
- *Amazon High* (1997), as Cyanne
- *The Broccoli Theory* (1996), as Pretzel Cart Lesbian
- *Xena: Warrior Princess* (1995), series, as Cyane — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/xena-warrior-princess.md)
- *Friends* (1994), series, as Wendy — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/friends.md)
- *There There*, Actor
- *Ethan Almighty*, as Claire Patterson
- *Silent*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-befad4e2478e.jpg) Selma Blair — Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Selma_Blair_Photo_Op_GalaxyCon_Raleigh_2024.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Selma Blair and fans on 27 July 2024](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-8c8d3937a93e.jpg) Selma Blair and fans on 27 July 2024 — Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/2024_Selma_Blair_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![A picture I took in New York. I kinda like the blue and the color for this picture (2007)](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-599a873dc5da.jpg) A picture I took in New York. I kinda like the blue and the color for this picture (2007) — Jacky W. from Hong Kong, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Blue_Gap_7-365_Days.jpg/1280px-Blue_Gap_7-365_Days.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![President Joe Biden and actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair walk through the Rose Garden to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reception, M (2023)](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-344240df0411.jpg) President Joe Biden and actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair walk through the Rose Garden to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reception, M (2023) — The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/P20230920AS-0437_%2853238935000%29.jpg/1280px-P20230920AS-0437_%2853238935000%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-d22cc0939e65.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-23656535deb2.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-bb4a26585648.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB
- ![President Joe Biden greets actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair and her manager Troy Nankin in the Palm Room, Monday, October 2, 2023, before atte](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-18b7a007e10e.jpg) President Joe Biden greets actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair and her manager Troy Nankin in the Palm Room, Monday, October 2, 2023, before atte — The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/P20231002AS-0271_%2853235187535%29.jpg/1280px-P20231002AS-0271_%2853235187535%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![President Joe Biden and actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair arrive to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reception on the South Lawn, Monda (2023)](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-0b4641ca64ba.jpg) President Joe Biden and actress and disability rights activist Selma Blair arrive to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reception on the South Lawn, Monda (2023) — The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/P20231002CF-0051_%2853234688561%29.jpg/1280px-P20231002CF-0051_%2853234688561%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-aaad73fc9510.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-4219339b342f.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB
- ![Selma Blair](https://film.one/media/person/97500/gallery-139b4fd41da6.jpg) Selma Blair — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Other awards — 1 won

- BBC 100 Women 2022: BBC 100 Women (won)

*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/selma-blair