If you just saw a clip of the new Ryan Murphy legal drama All’s Fair or caught a glimpse of those recent Paris Fashion Week photos, you probably did a double-take. It’s a common reaction. Honestly, looking at her right now, it’s hard to believe how much time has actually passed since she was the "I'm so excited!" girl on Saturday morning television.
So, let's get right to it. How old is Elizabeth Berkley? As of today, January 16, 2026, Elizabeth Berkley is 53 years old.
She was born on July 28, 1972. While some stars seem to fade into the background or get lost in the "where are they now" loops of cable TV, Berkley is currently having a massive career moment that has everyone Googling her age again. She isn't just "still around"—she's thriving in a way that makes her age feel like a footnote rather than a defining trait.
The Reality of Elizabeth Berkley’s Age and Career Timeline
Time in Hollywood moves differently. For those of us who grew up watching Saved by the Bell, Elizabeth will always be Jessie Spano, the high-achieving, caffeine-pill-popping feminist of Bayside High. She landed that role when she was just a teenager, roughly 17 years old, and played it until 1993.
When you do the math, it’s wild. That was over three decades ago.
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Most people don't realize that she actually started even younger. She was a professional dancer and model in Michigan before she ever stepped foot in California. By the time she was 15, she was already booking guest spots on shows like Silver Spoons and Gimme a Break!. She’s been a working professional for nearly 40 years. That’s a lot of life lived in front of a camera.
The Showgirls Impact
Then came 1995. Elizabeth was 23. That was the year Showgirls hit theaters.
If you weren't there, it’s hard to describe the level of vitriol directed at her. The movie was a massive flop at the time, and the industry treated a 23-year-old woman with a level of cruelty that wouldn't fly today. She was basically blacklisted from major auditions for two years. Think about that: from age 23 to 25, when most actresses are hitting their stride, she was being told she was "done."
But she wasn't. She took roles in The First Wives Club and worked with legendary directors like Oliver Stone and Woody Allen. She pivoted to the stage, earning critical acclaim on Broadway and in London's West End. She didn't let a bad year at 23 define her at 53.
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Why Everyone Is Talking About Her in 2026
The reason how old is Elizabeth Berkley has become such a trending search lately isn't just nostalgia. It’s because she’s currently starring in All’s Fair alongside heavyweights like Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson.
Seeing her hold her own with Oscar winners proves that the "teen star" label is long gone.
A Quick Snapshot of Her Current Life:
- Husband: She has been married to Greg Lauren (yes, of the Ralph Lauren family) since 2003. They’ve been together for over 22 years—an eternity by Hollywood standards.
- Son: Her son, Sky Cole Lauren, was born in 2012. She often talks about how motherhood changed her perspective on the industry.
- Activism: She spent years running "Ask-Elizabeth," a self-help program for teen girls. She used her own trauma from the Showgirls era to help young women navigate self-esteem issues.
- Current Aesthetic: She’s often praised for "aging gracefully." In 2026, she’s become a bit of a style icon, appearing at Mugler shows and embracing a sophisticated, high-fashion look that leans into her 50s rather than trying to hide them.
Misconceptions About Her Age and Status
There’s this weird thing that happens with 90s icons. People either think they are 70 or still 25. There is no in-between.
Because she started so young, some people assume she’s much older than 53. Conversely, because she stayed so fit (she’s a lifelong dancer, which explains a lot), others are shocked she isn't in her 30s. She’s also been very vocal about the "invisible" feeling actresses often report once they hit 50.
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"I'm not a victim," she told reporters recently. "I never have been."
She’s actually part of a growing group of actresses—alongside the likes of Jennifer Aniston or Naomi Watts—who are proving that the "expiration date" for women in entertainment is a total myth.
What You Can Learn From Her Journey
Elizabeth Berkley’s story is less about a number and more about resilience. If you’re looking at her age and wondering how she’s managed to stay relevant, look at her choices.
- She leaned into her past. Instead of running from the Showgirls disaster, she eventually embraced the film’s cult status.
- She diversified. When film roles dried up, she went to the theater. When she wanted to give back, she wrote a book (Ask-Elizabeth).
- She prioritized her health. You don't look like that at 53 without a serious commitment to wellness and dance.
If you're curious about where she's headed next, keep an eye on her production credits. She’s moved behind the camera more frequently, producing the Saved by the Bell reboot and taking a more active role in the development of her current projects.
Elizabeth Berkley is 53, and quite frankly, she’s never looked better or been more respected in the industry than she is right now in 2026. If you want to see more of her current work, check out her recent guest appearances or her fashion collaborations, which are redefining what "middle age" looks like in the spotlight.