Elizabeth Berkley marks the 30th anniversary of “Showgirls” with candor and renewed confidence, looking back on a career that saw both intense criticism and lasting fandom. In a new interview, Berkley reflects on how the 1995 film nearly derailed her life in Hollywood, only for its cult status to inspire a global comeback and roles in projects like Ryan Murphy’s “All’s Fair”.
“Showgirls” to Second Chances
Initially lauded as a bold step beyond her wholesome “Saved by the Bell” persona, Berkley’s performance as Nomi Malone was met with harsh reviews and Hollywood backlash. She describes feeling “locked out” after the movie’s release, bearing the brunt of critical and industry disdain while few came to her defense. Despite this, Berkley credits the experience with shaping her resilience and empathy: “It changed me… I would be a different person had I not gone through what it taught me,” she told Hollywood Reporter.
Embracing Legacy and New Roles
In recent years, Elizabeth Berkley has embraced the “Showgirls” legacy openly, attending special screenings and meeting fans for whom the film is an empowering touchstone. At the Los Angeles premiere of Hulu’s “All’s Fair,” she described acting with fellow powerhouse women as a “supportive environment,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reinvent her public image. Berkley’s story now resonates as an emblem of artistic risk, perseverance, and the power of Hollywood redemption.
Fans and critics alike are celebrating Berkley’s journey as she continues to find new success, turning what once felt like failure into a refreshed chapter and a source of inspiration for others facing adversity.