Elizabeth Berkley was born on July 28, 1972 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She took an early interest in dancing, and practiced everyday in a small studio her parents built for her. At age 8, she was turned down for the lead role in the film Annie because of her height. Nevertheless she decided to pursue a professional dancing career, even traveling to New York to train under top choreographers, before appearing in several ballets and musicals.
Berkley started her acting career in 1986, in a minor role in the television series Gimme a Break! After appearances in other television shows, she auditioned for the role of Kelly in the comedy series Saved by the Bell. The show’s producers could not decide whether they would cast her or Tiffany Thiessen, so they instead created the character of Jessie, the smart high school girl who is a committed feminist. She played the role throughout the show’s run, from 1988 to 1993, as well as in the television movie offshoots.
Berkley then starred in the 1995 film Showgirls, where she played the lead role—a drifter who ends up in Las Vegas and goes from being a stripper to a showgirl. The film, which is controversial for its large amounts of sex and nudity, failed spectacularly at the box office, and was widely panned by critics. The film is considered a reason for the failure of Berkley’s movie career.
The film’s reputation did not stop her, however, from appearing in films such as The First Wives Club, The Real Blonde, Moving Malcolm and Any Given Sunday. After appearances on stage—including her acclaimed performance in the off-Broadway play Hurlyburly—Berkley guest-starred in series such as CSI, NYPD Blue and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She also had a major role in the dark sitcom Titus, as well as a recurring role in CSI: Miami. She is also the host of the reality show Step It Up and Dance.