Hannah Dakota Fanning (born on February 23, 1994) is a celebrated American actress known to audiences worldwide as Dakota Fanning. Her journey into the limelight began at a remarkably young age, showcasing her prodigious talent and captivating audiences with her performances.
Fanning became famous with her breakthrough role as Lucy Dawson in the critically acclaimed film “I Am Sam” (2001), starring alongside Sean Penn. Her portrayal of a young girl with an intellectual disability earned her widespread acclaim and established her as one of the most promising talents in Hollywood.
Since her auspicious debut, Fanning has continued to impress audiences and critics alike with her diverse range of roles and impeccable acting prowess. She has showcased her versatility in various genres, from drama to science fiction, consistently delivering compelling performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Facts & Wiki
- Full name: Hannah Dakota Fanning
- Date of birth: February 23, 1994
- Age: 30 years old
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Place Of Birth: Conyers, Georgia, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Height in feet: 5’4″
- Weight in kilograms: 50
- Hair colour: Blonde
- Eye colour: Blue
- Mother: Heather Joy Arrington
- Father: Steven Fanning
- Siblings: 1 Sister (Elle Fanning)
- Relationship status: Dating
- Partner: Henry Frye
- Profession: Actress
- Instagram: @dakotafanning
Early Life
Dakota Fanning was born in Conyers, Georgia, where she was raised under the care of her parents. Her mother, Heather Joy, excelled as a professional tennis player, while her father, Steven J. Fanning, initially pursued a career as a minor league baseball player before transitioning to electronics sales in Los Angeles.
The esteemed lineage of Dakota’s family extends further, with her maternal grandfather being Rick Arrington, a renowned former American football player. Dakota’s aunt, the accomplished former ESPN reporter Jill Arrington, is adding to the illustrious family tree.
Other notable members include William Farrar, who contributed to a compelling legacy that has undoubtedly influenced Dakota’s journey.
Furthermore, Dakota shares her passion for the arts with her sister, Elle Fanning, who has also made a name for herself as a talented actress in Hollywood.
Education
Hannah Dakota Fanning’s educational journey began at a Montessori School in Covington, where she laid the groundwork for her academic pursuits. This early educational experience instilled in her a love for learning and provided a solid foundation to build her academic career.
Continuing her educational odyssey, Fanning graduated from Campbell Hall School in the vibrant city of Studio City, California. During her time there, she excelled academically and engaged in extracurricular activities, further nurturing her intellectual curiosity and passion for exploration.
In 2011, Fanning embarked on a new chapter of her educational adventure, enrolling at the prestigious Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. Immersed in the dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment of one of the world’s foremost academic institutions, she delved into various subjects and disciplines, honing her intellectual prowess and broadening her understanding of the world.
During her tenure at Gallatin, Fanning embraced the ethos of individualized study, allowing her to tailor her educational experience to her unique interests and aspirations. Through rigorous academic inquiry and meaningful engagement with her peers and professors, she further cultivated her intellect and gained invaluable insights into the complexities of various fields of study.
Career
Dakota Fanning’s illustrious career in entertainment began with humble beginnings, honing her acting skills in small theatrical productions. She quickly transitioned to television commercials, making her debut at the tender age of five in a Tide advertisement. This early exposure laid the groundwork for her eventual ascent to stardom.
Her talent soon caught the attention of television producers, leading to a string of notable appearances in popular series such as “ER,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The Practice,” “Spin City,” “Ally McBeal,” and “The Ellen Show.” These early television roles showcased her versatility and set the stage for her burgeoning career.
However, her breakthrough role in the 2001 film “I Am Sam” opposite Sean Penn propelled her to widespread recognition. At just seven years old, Fanning delivered a performance that captivated audiences and earned her critical acclaim. This pivotal role began her ascent to greatness in the film industry.
Following her success in “I Am Sam,” Fanning continued to impress audiences with her talent and versatility. She caught the eye of acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who personally cast her in the sci-fi miniseries “Taken,” further solidifying her status as a rising star.
Throughout the early 2000s, Fanning secured major roles in a variety of films, including “Trapped,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Despite criticism for certain projects, such as “Man on Fire,” where her performance garnered praise but the film received mixed reviews, Fanning’s talent remained undeniable.
As she transitioned into adolescence, Fanning continued to take on diverse projects, showcasing her range as an actress. From voice acting in animated films like “Coraline” to starring in box office hits such as “War of the Worlds,” she proved her ability to excel in various genres.
Despite occasional challenges, such as the controversy surrounding the reception of “Hounddog,” Fanning persevered in her career. She solidified her place in popular culture with her role in the “Twilight Saga,” further cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents.
In March 2023, Dakota Fanning secured a prominent role in the Netflix miniseries “The Perfect Couple,” showcasing her versatility and talent in the streaming platform’s production. Following this success, she reunited with Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer 3,” marking another milestone in her illustrious career. Fanning’s continued presence in film and television demonstrates her enduring appeal and ability to excel in various roles across different mediums.
Personal Life
In 2009, rumours swirled about a potential romance between Dakota Fanning and English actor Freddie Highmore, known for his role as Peter Llewelyn Davies in “Finding Neverland.” Despite their on-screen chemistry, details about their alleged relationship are scarce, with reports suggesting they enjoyed several dinners together before parting ways.
Fanning was also linked to Canadian actor Cameron Bright, who starred alongside her in “The Twilight Saga” movies during the same period. However, these rumours lacked concrete evidence and remained speculative from 2009 to 2012.
In 2013, Fanning sparked dating rumours with British model Jamie Strachan, known for his collaborations with top fashion designers. The couple was spotted together in New York, fueling speculation about their relationship, reportedly ending in 2016.
Following her split with Strachan, Fanning was reportedly involved with Logan Markey, director of New York Multifamily. The pair were seen strolling in New York, briefly confirming their relationship before parting ways in 2017.
Later, in 2017, Fanning’s relationship with Henry Frye came into the public eye. The couple occasionally showcased their romance through social media posts, with Fanning officially declaring Frye as her valentine in a February 2018 Instagram post, solidifying their relationship status.
Filmography
- Father Xmas
- Tomcats
- Little Girl
- I Am Sam
- Trapped
- Sweet Home Alabama
- Hansel and Gretel
- Uptown Girls
- The Cat in the Hat
- Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time
- Man on Fire
- My Neighbor
- In the Realms of the Unreal
- Hide and Seek
- Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch
- Nine Lives
- War of the Worlds
- Dreamer
- Charlotte’s Web
- Hounddog
- Cutlass
- The Secret Life of Bees
- Coraline
- Push
- Fragments – Winged Creatures
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon
- The Runaways
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
- Celia (Hannah Jones Short Film)
- The Motel Life
- Now Is Good
- Tessa Scott
- Night Moves
- The Last of Robin Hood
- Very Good Girls
- Effie Gray
- Every Secret Thing
- Yellowbird
- The Benefactor
- Brimstone
- American Pastoral
- The Escape
- Zygote
- Barklay
- Please Stand
- Ocean’s 8
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- Sweetness in the Belly
- Viena and the Fantomes
- The Equalizer 3
- The Watchers
Awards & Nominations
- 2001: Broadcast Film Critics Association – Best Young Performer
- 2002: Las Vegas Film Critics Society
- 2002: Screen Actors Guild – Outstanding Performance
- 2002: Satellite Awards – Outstanding New Talent
- 2002: Chicago Film Critics Association – Most Promising Performer
- 2002: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Feature Film
- 2003: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a TV Movie
- 2003: Saturn Awards – Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series
- 2004: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Feature Film
- 2005: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Feature Film
- 2005: Gotham Awards – Best Ensemble Cast
- 2005: Locarno International Film Festival – Best Actress
- 2005: MTV Movie Awards – Best Frightened Performance
- 2005: Irish Film and Television Awards
- 2005: Broadcast Film Critics Association
- 2006: MTV Movie Awards – Best Frightened Performance
- 2006: Saturn Awards – Best Performance
- 2006: National Association of Theatre Owners
- 2006: Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
- 2006: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Feature Film
- 2006: Fangoria Chainsaw Awards – Best Actress
- 2006: Broadcast Film Critics Association
- 2007: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance
- 2007: Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
- 2008: Black Reel Awards
- 2008: Broadcast Film Critics Association
- 2008: Hollywood Film Festival
- 2009: Broadcast Film Critics Association
- 2009: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Feature Film
- 2009: Palm Springs International Film Festival
- 2010: Young Artist Awards – Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role
- 2010: MTV Movie Awards – Best Kiss
- 2010: Teen Choice Awards
- 2013: National Arts Awards
- 2018: Saturn Awards – Best Supporting Actress on Television
- 2018: Satellite Awards – Best Actress
- 2020: Screen Actors Guild
Social Media
- Instagram: @dakotafanning
- Facebook: @Dakota Fanning
Net Worth
Dakota Fanning is listed among the top American actresses and has accumulated an estimated net worth of about US$12 million.
