Elisabeth Shue at 62: A Look Back at Her Career, Tragedy and Hollywood Comeback
Happy birthday, Elizabeth Shue! 'The Karate Kid' to 'CSI,' we check in with the star today
In some ways, the drama of Elisabeth Shue’s personal life has been reflective of her acting career. Born on October 6, 1963, she got her start in a Burger King commercial that subsequently went viral, struggled with too many supporting roles on her way to stardom and suffered through her brother William’s death. Yet despite the tragedy of the latter, she’s found happiness in her marriage to David Guggenheim and in the fact that she was nominated for an Academy Award. Below, we look back at the actress’ career from the 1980s to now, including her most well-known roles in films like Back to the Future. Keep scrolling for more.
‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)
What it’s about: Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to California and discovers a love for karate. Shue plays his love interest in the film.
Her role: Ali Mills
Her thoughts: Shue recently reprised her role as Ali in the spin-off show Cobra Kai, saying, “My chemistry with Ralph was the same. It was literally like a high school reunion; it felt like no time had passed, like none at all. We kept reminiscing and laughing, constantly reliving the first Karate Kid every minute between takes. Non-stop reminiscing about our experience and laughing about what a great movie it turned out to be.”
Fun fact: Shue put her Harvard plans on hold for this film.
Where to watch it: Hulu.
‘Cocktail’ (1988)
What it’s about: Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) works as a bartender to try and pay for college, but soon begins to fall in love with local artist Jordan Mooney (Shue).
Her role: Jordan Mooney
Her thoughts: “The silliest rumor they put out was that I had an affair with Tom Cruise while filming Cocktail, but I laughed at that. I’m not laughing as much now.”
Fun fact: Shue and Cruise had to film in extremely hot weather while in Jamaica.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video.
‘Adventures in Babysitting’ (1987)
What it’s about: A high schooler spends her night babysitting a chaotic group of kids.
Her role: Chris Parker.
Her thoughts: “That was probably one of my favorite experiences in film. I think you can see it in my performance. I probably had way too much fun.”
Fun fact: Despite her character being 17 years old, Shue was actually 24 during filming.
Where to watch it: Disney+.
‘Back to the Future Part II’ (1989) and ‘Back to the Future Part III’ (1990)
What it’s about: Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) teams up with Dr. Emmet Brown (Christopher Lloyd) to travel through time in a DeLorean.
Her role: Jennifer Parker.
Fun fact: Shue was not in the first film.
Where to watch it: Netflix.
‘Leaving Las Vegas’ (1995)
What it’s about: An alcoholic screenwriter named Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) forms an unlikely bond with a prostitute named Sera (Shue).
Her role: Sera
Her thoughts: “I was emotionally drained. That was kind of given because of the work we were doing, but there was also a sort of calmness I felt each day, because if you are that close to your emotions, there’s a certain honesty that you’re living. I kind of miss that everyday feeling.”
Fun fact: Shue was nominated for an Academy Award in the best actress category for her work in this film.
Where to watch it: Max.
‘The Saint’ (1997)
What it’s about: An international thief named Simon Templar (Val Kilmer) tries to steal a formula for cold fusion.
Her role: Dr. Emma Russell
Her thoughts: “I was friendly with Val, nothing else. I had heard the rumors that he was uncooperative on sets, but they didn’t prove to be true. Sometimes the actors who are branded as `difficult’ are the actors who really care.”
Fun fact: This film was based on the popular Roger Moore spy series from the 1960s.
Where to watch it: Hulu.
‘Deconstructing Harry’ (1997)
What it’s about: Author Harry Block (Woody Allen) goes on a road trip and encounters all of his characters along the way,
Her role: Fay
Fun fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Robin Williams and Billy Crystal also appear.
Where to watch it: Peacock
‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ (2012 to 2015)
What it’s about: Shue joined the crime drama in season 12 and starred in 71 episodes in which she tried to help solve crimes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Her role: CSI Julie Finlay
Her thoughts: “I was always a little worried about the procedural, that you’d do the same scene over and over again. [On CSI] the storylines are so different—and they’re making this season more personal—there is more character work than I thought, and more to stimulate me creatively.”
Fun fact: Shue left the show in Season 15, which was the show’s final season.
Where to watch it: Hulu.
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