From Bayside To Body Horror: 7 Shocking Revelations About Elizabeth Berkley's 2024 Comeback

Elizabeth Berkley is currently experiencing one of the most intriguing career resurgences of her decades-long career, with a slate of 2024 and 2025 projects that completely redefine her public image. The actress, forever etched in pop culture history as the ambitious Jessie Spano from *Saved by the Bell* and the controversial Nomi Malone from *Showgirls*, is embracing dark, unexpected roles in the current landscape of Hollywood. As of December 2025, Berkley is generating significant buzz for her appearance in the black comedy body horror film *Shell*, where she plays an "overwrought disfigured actress," and a high-profile guest role in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming legal drama *All’s Fair*. These projects, coupled with candid 2024 interviews about the industry's reaction to the *Showgirls* fallout, reveal an artist who has masterfully navigated the challenges of fame to emerge stronger and more versatile than ever.

Elizabeth Berkley: Complete Biography and Profile

Elizabeth Berkley Lauren is an American actress, producer, and former model known for her iconic roles that span television and film. Her career has been marked by both immense teen popularity and a controversial, yet enduring, adult film legacy.

• Full Name: Elizabeth Berkley Lauren
• Date of Birth: July 28, 1972
• Age (as of 2025): 53
• Place of Birth: Farmington Hills, Michigan, U.S.
• Education: Cranbrook Kingswood School, The Professional Children's School (graduated 1990)
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Author (Ask Elizabeth)
• Spouse: Greg Lauren (m. 2003)
• Child: Sky Cole Lauren (b. July 20, 2012)
• Notable Roles: Jessie Spano (*Saved by the Bell*), Nomi Malone (*Showgirls*), Julia Winston (*CSI: Miami*)
• Net Worth (Combined with Husband): Approximately $10 Million

Berkley began her career as a model before landing the role of Jessie Spano in the teen sitcom *Saved by the Bell* in 1989. She famously opted out of the spin-off, *Saved by the Bell: The College Years*, to pursue a film career, a decision that led directly to the 1995 cult classic, *Showgirls*.

The Shocking 2024 Career Pivot: From Teen Idol to Body Horror

The most compelling aspect of Elizabeth Berkley's recent work is her fearless embrace of dark and unconventional material, a stark contrast to her Bayside High persona. This career pivot demonstrates a willingness to push creative boundaries and challenge audience expectations in the current decade.

The Near-Unrecognizable Role in 'Shell' (2024)

In 2024, Berkley appeared in the black comedy body horror film *Shell*, directed by Max Minghella and written by Jack Stanley. The film, which also stars Elisabeth Moss, Kate Hudson, and Kaia Gerber, is a satirical look at the beauty and wellness industry. Berkley's role is particularly notable because it is a significant departure from her previous work. She plays Jenna Janero, a famed actress who appears in the film’s prologue. Reviewers described her character as "near-unrecognizable" and an "overwrought disfigured actress" covered in "gnarly spore." This brief but intense performance has been highlighted as a key moment in the campy thriller. It marks a powerful artistic choice, using the genre of body horror to comment on the pressures faced by women in Hollywood—a theme that deeply resonates with her own career history.

Joining the Ryan Murphy Universe in 'All's Fair' (2025)

Looking ahead to 2025, Berkley is set for a high-profile guest-starring role in the Hulu legal drama *All's Fair*. The series, helmed by TV mogul Ryan Murphy, is set to premiere on November 4, 2025, and boasts an all-star cast. She will appear alongside the show's leads, including Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close. The ensemble cast also features names like Sarah Paulson, Judith Light, and Niecy Nash. Working with a powerhouse producer like Ryan Murphy, known for creating cultural phenomena like *American Horror Story* and *Glee*, signals Berkley's re-entry into the prestige television landscape. Her inclusion in such a star-studded, talked-about project ensures maximum exposure and solidifies her current relevance.

The Enduring 'Showgirls' Legacy and 2024 Candid Interviews

Elizabeth Berkley’s career narrative is inextricably linked to Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 film *Showgirls*. While initially a critical and commercial failure, the movie has since been re-evaluated as a cult classic and a piece of high-camp satire. Recent interviews from 2024 reveal the personal cost of that early failure and her current perspective on the film's enduring power.

The 'Locked Out' Aftermath

In a candid 2024 interview, Berkley recounted the devastating professional fallout she experienced after *Showgirls* bombed. She revealed that the industry essentially "shut doors" on her, leading to a period where she was "locked out" of acting. Agents dropped her, and projects evaporated. This period of professional isolation forced her to redefine her path. She credits her perseverance and refusal to give up as the driving force behind her eventual comeback. This story of resilience is a powerful LSI keyword and an essential part of her current narrative.

The Possibility of 'Showgirls 2'

The enduring fascination with *Showgirls* has led to continuous speculation about a sequel. In a 2024 chat, Berkley was asked about the possibility of *Showgirls 2*. While she did not confirm any active development, her willingness to discuss the legacy of Nomi Malone, and the film's 30th anniversary, keeps the conversation alive. The film's transition from a box-office bomb to a celebrated midnight-movie phenomenon is a testament to Berkley's unforgettable performance and the film’s unique place in cinema history.

Family Life and Personal Endeavors: Greg Lauren and Sky Cole

Beyond her professional comeback, Elizabeth Berkley has maintained a grounded personal life, focusing on her family and passion projects. She married artist and designer Greg Lauren, the nephew of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, in 2003. The couple welcomed their son, Sky Cole Lauren, on July 20, 2012. Berkley has also channeled her personal experiences into her non-profit work and authorship. She founded the self-help program and website Ask Elizabeth, which was designed to help teenage girls navigate the pressures of adolescence. This initiative later became a best-selling book, further cementing her role as an advocate and mentor, a theme that echoes her famous *Saved by the Bell* character, Jessie Spano. Her marriage to Greg Lauren, a successful actor and painter in his own right, has provided a stable foundation. Their combined net worth of $10 million reflects a successful dual-career household. The balance of a high-profile career, challenging new roles, and a dedicated family life positions Elizabeth Berkley as a compelling figure in contemporary Hollywood.