Elizabeth Burkley is a name that has a history of dizzying rises, crushing falls, and admirable resilience. Today, on her birthday, it’s time to remember the actress who was once on the verge of stardom, but found herself face to face with the harsh reality of Hollywood.
Born in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Elizabeth stood out from her peers as a child. Her passion for ballet led to her participation in such productions as **Swan Lake** and **The Nutcracker**. Later, she combined her modeling career with her acting ambitions, attending auditions and taking ballet lessons.
Her first major success was the role of Jessie Spano in the series **Saved by the Bell**, which opened the doors to the world of cinema.
After filming in the series, Elizabeth found herself at a crossroads, choosing her next role. Her choice fell on the film **”Showgirls**”, which looked promising: director Paul Verhoeven, screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, the largest fee for the script at that time and a high budget.
However, the project was a disappointment. Despite the extensive preparation and ambition of the creators, the film failed at the box office and received devastating reviews from critics. Burkely’s career was practically over before it had begun.
After the film’s failure, Elizabeth switched to the theater, where her talent was appreciated. Productions such as **”Hurlyburly”** brought her praise from critics. At the same time, she tried herself in film and television, although the roles were far from noticeable.
Despite the difficulties in her career, Elizabeth found happiness in her personal life. Her marriage to Gregory Lauren, Ralph Lauren’s nephew, was the beginning of a new stage. Together they are raising a son, and the actress herself is also actively involved in social activities.
Her book, Ask Elizabeth, aimed at teenagers, became a bestseller, and the project based on it helps girls cope with the difficulties of growing up.
What do audiences think today?
Although **Showgirls** was trashed by critics, it has gained cult status over the years. Many viewers re-watch the film, finding hidden meanings and a style that was underappreciated at the time.
Elizabeth Burkley is an example of how to restore yourself after the hard blows of fate. She not only dealt with the label of “loser”, but also found her true calling.
