Elizabeth Berkley is a name that resonates with fans of '90s pop culture, iconic teen television, and controversial film history. Whether you remember her as Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell or from her bold performance in Showgirls, Berkley has had a fascinating career. In this blog post, we’ll explore her journey through Hollywood, highlight notable roles in Elizabeth Berkley movies and TV shows, discuss her current life, and answer popular questions like “how old is Elizabeth Berkley” and “what happened to Elizabeth Berkley.”
Who Is Elizabeth Berkley?
Born on July 28, 1972, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Elizabeth Berkley is an American actress and activist who rose to fame in the early 1990s. She began her career as a model before landing her breakout role as the high-strung yet lovable Jessie Spano on the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell.
How Old Is Elizabeth Berkley?
As of 2025, Elizabeth Berkley is 52 years old. Despite the passing years, she remains active in entertainment and advocacy, proving her staying power in a tough industry.
Elizabeth Berkley Movies and TV Shows: A Diverse Career
Berkley has had an eclectic filmography that spans both television and film. Let’s take a look at some of her most notable projects.
Saved by the Bell (1989–1993)
This iconic NBC teen sitcom is where Elizabeth Berkley first won hearts. Playing Jessie Spano, a feminist with strong academic drive, she tackled topics from drug use to peer pressure — including the memorable “I’m so excited!” caffeine pill episode.
Showgirls (1995)
In a bold move that shocked fans of her wholesome Jessie image, Berkley starred as Nomi Malone in Showgirls. The film, directed by Paul Verhoeven, was initially a critical and commercial flop but has since gained cult status. While controversial, the role demonstrated Berkley’s dedication to her craft and willingness to take risks.
The First Wives Club (1996)
In this comedy starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler, Berkley played a supporting role as a young trophy wife — again showcasing her range beyond teen roles.
CSI: Miami and Law & Order
Berkley also made guest appearances in procedural dramas like CSI: Miami and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, where she often portrayed strong-willed women involved in complex legal or emotional storylines.
The New Saved by the Bell (2020–2021)
In a nostalgic treat for fans, Elizabeth Berkley reprised her role as Jessie Spano in the reboot of Saved by the Bell on Peacock. This modern iteration allowed her to evolve her character into a guidance counselor and single mother — a beautiful nod to her roots and personal growth.
What Happened to Elizabeth Berkley?
Following the controversy around Showgirls, many wondered what happened to Elizabeth Berkley and why her movie career slowed down. Hollywood was not kind to her in the aftermath of the film’s release, which unfortunately impacted her casting opportunities. However, Berkley remained active in the industry through television and stage roles and found a new purpose in personal development and wellness.
Activism and Coaching
Beyond acting, Berkley founded Ask Elizabeth, a nonprofit and book that aims to help teenage girls navigate self-esteem, relationships, and body image issues. Her real-world experience and Hollywood lessons have allowed her to mentor thousands of young women.
Elizabeth Berkley Now: Life Beyond the Spotlight
Today, Elizabeth Berkley lives a balanced life between acting, writing, and family. She is married to artist Greg Lauren, nephew of fashion mogul Ralph Lauren. The couple shares a son, Sky Cole Lauren, and resides in California.
She continues to act occasionally but focuses largely on advocacy and family. Her recent appearance in the Saved by the Bell reboot showed that she’s still got the charisma and screen presence fans fell in love with decades ago.
Where to Watch Elizabeth Berkley’s Work
If you’re looking to catch up on Elizabeth Berkley movies and TV shows, here are some great places to start:
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Saved by the Bell (Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime)
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Showgirls (Available on digital rental platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV)
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The First Wives Club (Paramount+, Amazon)
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Saved by the Bell Reboot (Streaming on Peacock)
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, there’s plenty of content to enjoy and rediscover.
Elizabeth Berkley is more than just Jessie Spano or the star of a controversial film. She is a dynamic actress, dedicated activist, and empowering voice for young women. From her early success on Saved by the Bell to her bold choices in film and beyond, Berkley has continually evolved — embracing each chapter with grace and grit.
For those wondering “how old is Elizabeth Berkley” or “what happened to Elizabeth Berkley,” the answer is that she’s still here, still thriving, and still inspiring fans new and old alike.
