Dakota Fanning: Age, Height, Family, Movies, TV Shows, Career, Net Worth & Latest News 2026

Dakota Fanning is an American actress and producer and is one of Hollywood’s most iconic child actors who managed to make the transition to adult acting quite successfully. She was best known for I Am Sam, Man on Fire, and War of the Worlds, and later on The Twilight Saga, The Runaways, Ocean’s 8, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Alienist, The First Lady, The Perfect Couple, Ripley, and All Her Fault. This article will provide complete information about Dakota Fanning.

Who is Dakota Fanning?

Hannah Dakota Fanning is better known as Dakota Fanning, an actress and producer in the United States. She began acting professionally shortly after she was born and became one of the best young actors of her day. She made her break with her role as Lucy Diamond Dawson in I Am Sam (2001). Her work got significant critical acclaim and a nomination to the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Eventually, Fanning would make a successful transition into adulthood, starring in dramas, thrillers, big franchises, and TV shows. She has also grown her career into production, which she has done with her younger sister, actress Elle Fanning.

Dakota Fanning Age, DOB and Zodiac Sign

Dakota Fanning was born on February 23, 1994, in Conyers, Georgia. She is 32 years old in 2026. Her zodiac sign is Pisces. 

Physical Appearance

Early Life, Education and Background

Dakota Fanning was born in Conyers, GA, near Atlanta, GA. Her parents are Steven Fanning and Heather Joy Arrington.

Her father was a minor league ballplayer, her mother a professional tennis player, and her mother’s sister was a dancer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. From early on, her parents encouraged Dakota’s love of acting.

Dakota was the little sister of another successful actress, Elle Fanning. They both began performing in entertainment when young and went on to become well-known Hollywood stars. Fanning was both in the school and in the act. She attended Campbell Hall School (2011) in Studio City, CA. Subsequently, she graduated from the Gallatin School of Individual Study at New York University, studying topics related to women in relation to film and culture, as well as women’s studies. A young, successful actress, education was an integral part of her life.

Dakota Fanning Career

Early Acting Career

Dakota Fanning started out performing professionally at a young age. She was featured in TV commercials and shows before she became a big movie star.

She had a number of television appearances in ER, The Practice, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The roles provided her with much experience prior to being offered major film opportunities.

I Am Sam (2001) breakthrough

She played Lucy Diamond Dawson role who was the daughter of Sean Penn’s character. Her work was seen by many and nominated for an SAG Award. It marked the beginning of Fanning’s prolific career in Hollywood as one of the promising young talents.

Man on Fire

Fanning was cast with Denzel Washington in Man on Fire in 2004. She starred as Pita Ramos, a young girl who hangs out with Washington’s character as the emotional linchpin in an action-packed thriller. The film put her name on the map and gave her the opportunity to work with big-name adult actors.

War of the Worlds

In 2005, Fanning played in the Steven Spielberg film War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise. She portrayed the role of Rachel Ferrier, a young child who’s trying to help her family survive an alien invasion. This film went on to become a major hit at the international box office and further catapulted Fanning as one of the brightest young actresses.

Charlotte’s Web

Fanning had a role in Charlotte’s Web in 2006, as Fern Arable. The family movie was her next big role, and a chance to prove her ability to deliver a feature-length film for younger crowds. As an adult, take over adult responsibilities.

The Twilight Saga

Fanning appeared in the hugely successful Twilight series in the role of Jane Volturi.

She starred in New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and Breaking Dawn – Part 2. The franchise exposed her to a whole new audience of international film watchers.

Ocean’s 8

Fanning was among the cast of Ocean’s 8 in 2018, which also featured Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Sarah Paulson. The film was another big-budget production from a Hollywood studio.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

In 2019, Fanning starred in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In the period film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, she starred as Squeaky Fromme, part of the Manson Family.

Dakota Fanning Movies

Dakota Fanning TV Shows

Fanning also has a stellar TV career.

She has worked on such television productions as:

• The Alienist
• The First Lady
• The Perfect Couple
• Ripley
• All Her Fault

Where does Margo get her money from?

She was nominated for an Emmy for her work in Ripley and a large number of other awards for her work in All Her Fault in 2026.

A-Mix and U.S. Directivo Senior de la Liga de Fútbol de Los Ángeles

Dakota Fanning Sister

There’s also a younger sister of Dakota, who’s also the very successful actress Elle Fanning. The sisters started acting at an early age and usually pursued independent careers. Later on, they got together professionally and started a production company called Lewellen Pictures. Together, Dakota and Elle have also been getting more involved in developing and producing TV and film projects through their production company. This is a significant new chapter in Dakota’s career, beyond him playing by himself.

Dakota Fanning Parents 

Steven Fanning and Heather Joy Arrington are Dakota Fanning’s parents.

Her father played minor league ball and worked in sales, and her mother was a pro tennis player. One of her younger sisters is actress Elle Fanning. Former American football player Rick Arrington and sports reporter Jill Arrington are also part of Dakota’s extended family.

Dakota Fanning Personal Life

Generally, Fanning’s personal life is kept secret and is not her main concern in her public presence. She has been spotted with a few people, but she has not yet been officially confirmed to be in a relationship.

She still works as a producer and developer (with Elle Fanning) for her production company and works to accumulate acting experience.

Dakota Fanning Net Worth

Known for her prolific and highly successful acting and producing career, Dakota Fanning’s net worth is estimated at $12 million to $16 million. She was a child prodigy in many major films such as I Am Sam, Man on Fire, and War of the Worlds and has steadily been able to switch into more adult roles with success in high-profile film franchises like The Twilight Saga, as well as acclaimed television series.

Dakota Fanning Awards and Achievements

Some of Dakota Fanning’s notable achievements include:

• Embarking on a career as one of Hollywood’s most popular child stars.
• Being nominated for the SAG Awards for I Am Sam.
• Elected to become the youngest SAG Nominee on the day of her nomination.
• Co-starring with Denzel Washington in Man on Fire.
• Working with Steven Spielberg in War of the Worlds.
• Following The Twilight Saga as Jane Volturi.
• In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
• Being nominated for an Emmy for Ripley.
• The second-biggest Emmy nomination for All Her Fault.
• Growing into film production with Lewellen Pictures.

Dakota Fanning latest news 2026

Dakota Fanning has continued to be active in both film and TV in 2026. One of her most impactful recent projects has been All Her Fault, where she stars as Jenny Kaminski. Her performance has been picked up by award shows and earned her a nomination for another Emmy. She has also appeared in an independent film, The Sun Never Sets, depicting a more serious side to her talents. Fanning is also executive producing Margo’s Got Money Troubles, which is also hitting the screens, as she continues to make significant leaps behind the camera. She is also rapidly establishing herself as a successful producer on Elle Fanning’s projects.

Conclusion

Dakota Fanning has managed to come down from the pedestal of a child star and become a tried-and-true adult performer. Her first roles in I Am Sam, Man on Fire, and War of the Worlds have built her up as an exceptional young talent. Later, she expanded her acting range with The Twilight Saga, The Runaways, Ocean’s 8, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ripley and The Perfect Couple. In 2026, Fanning is actively working on projects like All Her Fault and The Sun Never Sets and is getting more heavily involved in production. Dakota Fanning’s acting career has been full of awards and accolades, while her filmography includes a variety of movies and projects that her career will continue to expand into as a creative producer as well.

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Refresh Date: September 30, 2026