Most Famous Elizabeths in the World

The name Elizabeth has traveled through centuries and cultures, and it shows up everywhere across entertainment. From global box-office stars and prestige-TV leads to visionary documentarians and influential musicians, Elizabeths have left a mark in almost every corner of pop culture. Many are known for roles in long-running franchises, headlining festival films, or building production companies that shape what we watch.

Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour of well-known Elizabeths from film, television, and music. Each entry highlights key roles, awards, and career milestones so you can quickly place the face, the voice, or the filmography. Whenever you see a movie or TV title, it’s in single quotes for easy scanning.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011) was a British-American actor widely recognized for classic roles in films such as ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and received multiple lifetime honors for a body of work that spanned child stardom to mature, dramatic leads.

Beyond acting, Taylor became a prominent humanitarian, co-founding amfAR and launching the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to fund research, education, and direct patient services. Her business ventures included successful fragrance lines, and she authored books that chronicled her career and philanthropic efforts.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen is an American actor known globally for portraying Wanda Maximoff in Marvel projects including ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ and the series ‘WandaVision’. Earlier acclaim came from her breakout in the independent film ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’, which established her as a serious dramatic talent.

Her work spans film and prestige television, and she has received major award nominations for performances in both formats. Trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Atlantic Theater Company, she balances franchise roles with smaller, character-driven projects.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks is an American actor, producer, and director recognized for roles in ‘The Hunger Games’ series and ‘Pitch Perfect’. As a filmmaker, she directed ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ and later helmed the genre-bending hit ‘Cocaine Bear’, expanding her portfolio across comedy and action.

Banks co-founded the production company Brownstone Productions, developing film and television projects with a focus on female-led stories. She has hosted high-profile events, served as a game-show presenter, and advocates for industry inclusion and voter participation initiatives.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki is an Australian actor acclaimed for her portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales, in ‘The Crown’. Her film credits include major titles such as ‘Tenet’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, pairing blockbuster visibility with auteur-driven work.

Debicki trained at the Victorian College of the Arts and has performed on stage in productions with leading theater companies. She frequently collaborates with acclaimed directors and has earned international awards and nominations for roles across film and television.

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth Hurley is an English actor and model known for star turns in ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ and ‘Bedazzled’. She has appeared in television dramas and comedies, broadening her screen presence beyond feature films.

Hurley launched a successful swimwear line and has served as a spokesperson for major fashion and beauty brands. She also supports medical research and wildlife conservation causes through fundraising, public appearances, and ambassador roles.

Elizabeth McGovern

Elizabeth McGovern is an American actor celebrated for her work in ‘Ragtime’ and for her portrayal of Cora Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’. Her career includes collaborations with prominent directors and appearances in stage productions in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition to acting, McGovern is a singer-songwriter who has performed and recorded with the band Sadie and the Hotheads. She has been nominated for major awards in film and television and continues to appear in period dramas and contemporary projects.

Elizabeth Perkins

Elizabeth Perkins is an American actor best known for roles in ‘Big’ and the series ‘Weeds’. Her filmography ranges from family favorites to dark comedies and dramas, demonstrating a long-running versatility on screen.

Perkins has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, along with Screen Actors Guild recognition for ensemble work. She has also appeared on stage and in voice roles, building a diverse resume across formats.

Elizabeth Reaser

Elizabeth Reaser is an American actor who reached a wide audience through ‘The Twilight Saga’. She later earned critical praise for television performances in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and the horror series ‘The Haunting of Hill House’.

Reaser trained at the Juilliard School and has appeared in independent films and limited series that highlight character-driven storytelling. Her work often centers on complex, emotionally layered roles across genres.

Elizabeth Gillies

Elizabeth Gillies is an American actor and singer known for the Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious’ and for leading the ‘Dynasty’ reboot. Her early television work established her as a multi-talented performer with both comedic and dramatic range.

Gillies has released original music and contributed vocals to cast recordings and collaborations. She has also performed on stage and continues to work in television, voice acting, and recording projects.

Elizabeth Mitchell

Elizabeth Mitchell is an American actor recognized for central roles in ‘Lost’ and for appearances in holiday favorites such as ‘The Santa Clause 2’ and ‘The Santa Clause 3’. She has also starred in science-fiction and thriller series including ‘V’ and ‘The Expanse’.

Mitchell trained at Stephens College and worked in regional theater before building a steady television and film career. She frequently portrays strong, analytical characters and has earned critics’ nominations for ensemble and lead performances.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña (1959–2014) was a Cuban-American actor acclaimed for her role in ‘Lone Star’ and known to many audiences from films like ‘La Bamba’. She also voiced Mirage in ‘The Incredibles’, adding a memorable performance in animation to her live-action work.

Peña directed television episodes and helped expand Latino representation on screen through a diverse set of characters. She received Independent Spirit Award recognition and left a lasting influence through mentorship and advocacy.

Elizabeth Fraser

Elizabeth Fraser is a Scottish singer best known as the voice of Cocteau Twins and for the signature sound that shaped the band’s dream-pop style. Her guest vocals on Massive Attack’s track ‘Teardrop’ brought her distinctive tone to a global audience.

Fraser has released solo material and performed at select festivals and special events. Her work has influenced a wide range of contemporary artists, and her recordings continue to appear in film and television soundtracks.

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi is an American documentary filmmaker who co-directed ‘Free Solo’, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Her earlier climbing film ‘Meru’ and the later rescue chronicle ‘The Rescue’ cemented a reputation for immersive, high-stakes nonfiction storytelling.

Working frequently with co-director Jimmy Chin, Vasarhelyi combines verité footage with meticulous research and interviews. Her production company develops documentary features and series that focus on human resilience, exploration, and complex problem-solving.

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is an American director known for the romantic drama ‘Purple Hearts’ and the family musical ‘Sneakerella’. She has also directed episodes of high-profile television series across drama and comedy.

Allen Rosenbaum’s feature and TV work often blends music, romance, and character-driven storytelling. She has collaborated with streamers and major studios, building a cross-platform career that spans films, pilots, and episodic television.

Elizabeth Berkley

Elizabeth Berkley is an American actor who first became widely known from the teen sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. She later returned to the franchise in renewal projects and has appeared in various television dramas and competition-style programs.

Beyond acting, Berkley founded a mentoring program focused on confidence and communication for young women. She has performed on stage and participated in philanthropic initiatives connected to education and the arts.

Elizabeth Henstridge

Elizabeth Henstridge is an English actor best known for playing Jemma Simmons in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. Her portrayal combined science-driven storylines with action and character development over multiple seasons.

Henstridge has moved into directing, helming episodes of television across genres. She continues to appear in series and films produced in both the United States and the United Kingdom, expanding her work behind the camera.

Elizabeth Cotten

Elizabeth Cotten (1893–1987) was an American folk and blues musician celebrated for her distinctive left-handed guitar style. Her composition Freight Train became a folk standard and was recorded by numerous artists.

Cotten received the National Medal of Arts and a Grammy Award for her contributions to American music. Her recordings and performances influenced generations of guitarists and songwriters in the folk revival and beyond.

Share your favorite Elizabeths from film, TV, and music in the comments!