Elisa Donovan Now: 5 Shocking Details About The Clueless Star’s Directorial Debut And Life In San Francisco

Elisa Donovan, the actress best known for her iconic role as the fashion-obsessed, perpetually irritated Amber Mariens in the 1995 classic Clueless, is currently experiencing a massive career shift. As of late 2024, the star is transitioning from being an established on-screen presence to stepping behind the camera for a deeply personal project, marking her debut as both a screenwriter and director. This new chapter follows the success of her candid memoir and highlights a life now firmly rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area, far from the Hollywood spotlight.

The actress, who has maintained a steady career across film and television, including beloved roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is generating buzz for her upcoming film adaptation. This project is based on her 2021 book, *Wake Me When You Leave*, which explores a challenging period in her life involving grief and unexpected spiritual guidance. Fans tracking the Clueless 30th-anniversary celebrations in 2025 are getting a fresh look at a multi-talented artist who is far from clueless about her next career move.

Elisa Donovan: Full Biography and Profile

Elisa Donovan has built a respected career spanning three decades, moving seamlessly between iconic teen comedies, dramatic television, and holiday films. Her personal life, including her marriage and move to San Francisco, has played a significant role in her recent creative endeavors.

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• Full Name: Elisa Donovan
• Date of Birth: February 3, 1971
• Age (as of December 2025): 54
• Place of Birth: Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
• Raised In: Northport, Long Island, New York
• Spouse: Charlie Bigelow (m. October 13, 2012)
• Daughter: Scarlett Bigelow (Born 2013)
• Key Roles: Amber Mariens in Clueless (1995 film & 1996-1999 TV Series), Ginger LaMonica in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1999-2000), Morgan Cavanaugh in Sabrina the Teenage Witch (2000-2003), Annabella Morris in Wolves of Wall Street (2002).
• Other Notable Work: Author of the memoir Wake Me When You Leave (2021).
• Current Residence: San Francisco, California.

The Shocking Career Pivot: Director and Screenwriter Debut

The most significant and current news surrounding Elisa Donovan is her transition into a hyphenate role: screenwriter and director. This move is not for a typical Hollywood project but for a deeply personal story that she penned herself.

The Film Adaptation of 'Wake Me When You Leave'

Elisa Donovan's 2021 memoir, Wake Me When You Leave: Love and Encouragement Via Dreams From the Other Side, is being developed into a motion picture.

• Dual Role: Donovan is not only writing the screenplay but is also attached to direct the film, marking her directorial debut.
• The Story: The memoir chronicles the most challenging year of her life, which involved the death of her father and her struggle with bulimia, all while receiving what she believes were messages and guidance from her father through her dreams.
• Production Status: The project is currently in development, with Richard J. Bosner attached as the producer. The actress has been actively involved in raising funds for the film, indicating its current, ongoing status in the pre-production pipeline.

This shift demonstrates a bold new direction for the actress, moving from performing roles to taking full creative control over a narrative that is intensely personal and emotionally complex. The film promises to offer a raw and honest look at grief, recovery, and the spiritual connections that helped her through her darkest times, showcasing a depth that fans of her comedic roles might find surprising.

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Life Beyond Hollywood: Family, Marriage, and The Bay Area

While many of her contemporaries have remained in Los Angeles, Elisa Donovan made a conscious decision to relocate and build a life in San Francisco. This geographical shift reflects a prioritization of family and a desire for a different pace of life.

The Marriage to Charlie Bigelow

Elisa Donovan married her husband, Charlie Bigelow, a director at Deutsche Bank, in a beautiful ceremony in Carmel, California, on October 13, 2012.

• How They Met: The couple's love story began three years prior to their wedding in the unlikely setting of Sayulita, Mexico.
• Family Life: The couple has one daughter, Scarlett Bigelow, born in 2013.
• San Francisco Resident: Donovan relocated from Hollywood to the Bay Area while dating Bigelow, and they now reside there with their daughter. She has been vocal about the supportive and non-Hollywood environment the city provides for her family life.

This stable family life is a cornerstone of her current happiness and creative output. The move allowed her to focus on her writing and the emotional journey detailed in her memoir, which she has called an "emotional book."

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The Enduring Legacy of 'Clueless' and Upcoming Anniversaries

Despite her current focus on directing and writing, Elisa Donovan remains inextricably linked to her most famous role: Amber Mariens. The character, known for her sharp one-liners and extravagant fashion, continues to resonate with new generations.

30 Years of 'Clueless'

The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Clueless, and Donovan has been actively participating in various retrospective events and interviews leading up to the milestone.

• Amber's Impact: Donovan often reflects on the enduring appeal of the film and her character, Amber, Cher Horowitz's chief fashion rival. Amber's memorable lines and her iconic fashion sense, which included a memorable scene with "balls flying at my head," continue to be pop culture touchstones.
• The Pop Culture Trifecta: Beyond *Clueless*, Donovan is a fixture in 90s and early 2000s pop culture for her major recurring roles as Ginger LaMonica on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Morgan Cavanaugh on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, cementing her status as a nostalgic favorite for millions.

These anniversary events not only celebrate the past but also serve to highlight her current projects, allowing her to connect with a broad audience as she embarks on her new career path. Her ability to leverage her celebrity status from these beloved shows is crucial as she seeks funding and support for her directorial debut.

What's Next for Elisa Donovan?

Looking ahead, Elisa Donovan is focused on the successful production of the *Wake Me When You Leave* film. Her ambition to debut as a director and screenwriter is a testament to her evolution as an artist. She has shared words of encouragement for young women in Hollywood, advocating for self-belief and perseverance in the industry.

Her career trajectory—from a comedic actress in a cult classic to a serious author, screenwriter, and director—shows a commitment to creative growth and vulnerability. As the 30th anniversary of *Clueless* approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating not only the nostalgic celebrations but also the arrival of her powerful and personal new film.