Blonde sisters are unrecognizable on Vanity Fair cover as the former child stars explain why they aren’t screwed up

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These child stars are famous sisters who have both worked with massive Hollywood legends.

One costarred with Tom Cruise and Sean Penn, the other with Angelina Jolie and Timothee Chalamet.

They recently posed for the October issue of Vanity Fair, but they looked quite different than usual. One held a flower to her mouth, and the other styled her hair much larger than normal.

In the magazine, former child stars discuss how they avoided the pitfalls that often affect veteran actors in Hollywood.

Do you know who these siblings are?

They are Dakota and Elle Fanning.

Now 31 and 27, the Fannings have been famous nearly all their lives.

‘Why aren’t they more…. “F***ed up?” says Elle.

She laughed then said, ‘We’re like, “We’re so f***ed up. You don’t even know the half.”‘

Despite being new to the industry, I don’t regret anything. There’s a tendency for others to suggest we should feel like we’ve missed opportunities, but that’s just a story they like to tell.

Dakota was then asked if she felt competitive with the other person. She responded, ‘Not at all. While we have things in common, we’re very different people. What works for her wouldn’t necessarily work for me, and I don’t feel any competition. Though, I suspect people might not believe that.’

Oh my gosh, you guys, Dakota’s actually starring in this amazing new Peacock series called ‘All Her Fault’! And Elle? She’s *everywhere*! Not only is she in Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ – which I’ve already pre-ordered, obviously – but she’s also in the new ‘Predator’ movie, ‘Badlands’! Seriously, these two are taking over the world and I can’t even handle it!

They are set to produce and star in The Nightingale, their very first time onscreen as costars.

‘We’ve literally never done a scene together, ever,’ Dakota said.

They’ll produce the project alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Elle explained that when they were younger, they both focused on establishing their individual identities and giving each other room to grow. Now, as adults, they’ve found a lot of satisfaction in coming together and combining their lives.

Oh my gosh, can you believe it? Elle’s career started when she was *two* years old! She was absolutely adorable playing young Lucy Diamond in *I Am Sam* alongside Dakota Fanning. Seriously, that movie is iconic, and seeing little Elle in it just makes me love her even more! It was her very first movie role, and she was a natural!

Oh my gosh, Michelle Pfeiffer actually *said* this! She was talking about being on set with Elle and Dakota Fanning when they were little, and it was just the cutest thing. Apparently, Elle was this tiny, blonde kid just running around, totally carefree. And Michelle noticed right away that Elle was already this bubbly, free spirit, while Dakota was a little more serious and reserved, even then! It’s amazing how their personalities were already so defined, even as toddlers. I’ve always sensed that difference in them when I watch their movies, and it’s incredible to know it was visible even back then!

Dakota and I are very close now, and I think we’ve both grown over time. I really want her to be able to achieve all her dreams. I believe in sharing everything I have with her, and thankfully, she feels the same way. That’s just how our family works – when one of us succeeds, we all celebrate because we’ve always supported each other.

Elle explained that Dakota has always been her protector, and this shared dynamic has shaped them both. Dakota carries a sense of responsibility that Elle wasn’t even aware of.

The Fannings have formed a production company called Lewellen Pictures.

In addition to their film, *The Nightingale*, the Fannings are also producing a true crime documentary series for Hulu, set to be released in September.

A24 bought the rights to Paris Hilton’s memoir in 2023 and is now developing it into a TV series.

They’ve met with Hilton at her home to discuss a TV project.

Hilton met Dakota while filming a cameo for The Cat in the Hat back in 2003.  

Hilton explained that because these people have followed her career for a long time, they appreciate not only how she’s influenced popular culture but also the personal experiences that have shaped her. They look past the famous sayings and glamorous image to understand the real person.

Elle and Dakota’s parents Joy and Steven separated in 2016.  

Honestly, I really got the sense Dakota didn’t want us to go. She hinted it was a complicated situation, something she and probably others weren’t ready to talk about, and it made me respect her boundaries even more. It just felt like a story best left untold, at least for now.

I’ve always been struck by how deeply Ell and she understand each other – they share everything, all their secrets. It’s beautiful to see, and I admire how Ell feels so protective of her; he clearly feels she needs someone looking out for her, and he’s that person.

Elle also talked her boyfriend, Rolling Stone executive chairman Gus Wenner. 

She believes a partner not posting about you on Instagram is a warning sign. She expressed her happiness with her boyfriend, adding that her dog, Dakota, also approves of him – which she considers a strong endorsement of the relationship.

Dakota is currently not in a relationship, saying she’s recently dated some challenging people but is hopeful for the future. She briefly tried the dating app Raya, set up by a friend, because she didn’t want to wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t.

‘Maybe my husband is there,’ Elle finished.

‘I can confirm that he is not,’ said Dakota.

‘I haven’t seen a ton of familiar faces yet,’ Dakota said.

Dakota explained that Elle gives her the confidence and stability she needs in life. She added that even if she lost all of her friends,

‘The extremes! Elle shouted, dabbing her eyes with a cloth napkin.

Honestly, hearing Dakota talk about what matters most really hit home for me. She said if she lost everyone she knew, it would be awful, truly devastating. But then she added that if she still had her sister, she’d be okay – like, she’d have what *really* counts. It’s such a simple but powerful sentiment, and it really resonated with me how much family can mean, even when everything else falls apart.

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2025-09-16 20:38