If you grew up in the late 90s, you probably spent a good chunk of your childhood hating Elaine Hendrix. Specifically, you hated Meredith Blake. You know the one—the ice-cold, "4.5-carat" blonde who tried to ship Lindsay Lohan off to boarding school in Switzerland. It’s a classic role. But honestly, looking back from 2026, the internet has basically decided Meredith was a misunderstood girlboss just trying to secure the bag.
Elaine Hendrix movies and shows have this weird, lasting power. She doesn’t just show up; she takes over the screen with a specific kind of sharp, witty energy that’s hard to replicate. Whether she’s playing a literal robot, a rock-and-roll muse, or a high-society villain, she’s always the most interesting person in the room.
That Parent Trap Legacy and the 2025 Reunion
We have to talk about the 1998 The Parent Trap first. It’s the law. For years, people saw Meredith Blake as the ultimate villain. But recently, a massive "Meredith Blake Redemption" movement took over TikTok. Millennials realized that a 26-year-old woman wanting to marry a hot vineyard owner and not deal with his bratty kids is... kinda relatable?
The hype reached a fever pitch in late 2025 when Elaine reunited with Lindsay Lohan for Freakier Friday. Seeing them back together on screen was a total nostalgia bomb. Elaine played Blake Kale, and honestly, the chemistry was still there. She told People that seeing Lindsay as a grown-up was "richer" than she ever expected. It wasn’t just a cameo; it felt like a full-circle moment for two actors who basically shaped a generation’s childhood.
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Beyond the Red Lips: The Shows You Forgot (or Need to See)
Elaine’s resume is massive. We’re talking over 100 credits.
Most people remember her from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion as Lisa Luder—the one member of the "A-Group" who actually had a soul and a fashion career. She was also in Superstar as Evian Graham. She’s great at playing the "mean girl" who is actually just smarter than everyone else.
But if you haven't seen her TV work, you're missing out.
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- Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll: She played Ava, the long-suffering partner to Denis Leary’s washed-up rocker. This show was brilliant. She was tough, funny, and did her own singing.
- Dynasty (The Reboot): When she stepped in as Alexis Carrington Colby in Season 3, she absolutely nailed it. Following in the footsteps of Joan Collins is a nightmare task, but Elaine brought a "vulture in a Chanel suit" energy that saved the show’s later seasons.
- Joan of Arcadia: A lot of people forget she had a recurring role here as a teacher. It showed a much softer, more grounded side than her usual high-glam roles.
- Inspector Gadget 2: Yeah, she played G2. It’s a silly movie, sure, but she committed to the "robotic love interest" bit so well it actually worked.
What is Elaine Hendrix Doing in 2026?
Right now, she is busier than ever. If you’ve been watching Dancing With The Stars Season 34, you’ve seen her crushing it on the ballroom floor with partner Alan Bersten. She made it all the way to the finals! It’s actually a huge deal because she started her career as a dancer but had to quit after a massive bike accident in the early 90s. Seeing her back on stage in 2026 feels like a personal victory.
She’s also hitting the road this year. She is a special guest co-host for the Dancing With The Stars Tour, appearing in cities like St. Louis and Chicago through May 2026.
The Activist Side
When the cameras are off, Elaine is basically a full-time animal hero. This isn't just some "celebrity charity" thing where she signs a check once a year. She’s a hardcore vegan. She’s on the board of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. She founded The Pet Matchmaker.
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Honestly, she’s been known to skip red carpet events if it means she can help transport a dog from a high-kill shelter to a forever home. In late 2025, she was even spotted at a brewery in Knoxville helping the local animal shelter with adoptions. She uses her fame as a tool, not just a trophy.
Notable Roles to Binge-Watch
- The Parent Trap (1998): Obviously. Watch it for the "stick" scene alone.
- Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll: Find it on Hulu. Her dynamic with Liz Gillies is incredible.
- Dynasty: Specifically seasons 3 through 5.
- Freakier Friday (2025): The newest addition to the list and a must-watch for the reunion vibes.
- Spork: An indie gem where she won Best Feature at Tribeca. It shows her range beyond the "glam" roles.
How to Keep Up With Her
If you want the real, unpolished Elaine, follow her on social media. She’s hilarious, very pro-animal, and surprisingly transparent about the industry. She lives in Atlanta now—she calls it her "dream house"—and she’s proved you don’t have to stay in the LA bubble to have a massive, thriving career.
The best way to support her work?
Check out her podcast, The Pet Matchmaker, or look for tickets to the DWTS tour if it's coming to your city this spring. She’s one of the few actors from that 90s era who has managed to stay relevant without losing her soul or her sense of humor.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of her Dynasty performance, go back and watch Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll. The chemistry between Elaine Hendrix and Elizabeth Gillies didn't start in the Carrington manor—it was forged in a fake rock band years earlier, and it's some of the best comedic work of her career.