Beanie Feldstein
- Graduated from Wesleyan University in 2015
- Attended Stagedoor Manor, a theatre camp in New York
Elizabeth Greer "Beanie" Feldstein emerged as a distinctive and celebrated voice in contemporary American film and theater, known for her sharp comedic timing and poignant dramatic performances. Born on June 24, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, she is the daughter of costume designer Sharon Lyn and financial tour accountant Richard Feldstein. Her upbringing in a creative environment was shared with her older brothers, music manager Jordan Feldstein and actor Jonah Hill, the latter of whom would become a well-known figure in Hollywood. Feldstein attended the Harvard-Westlake School and later graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in sociology.
Feldstein's professional acting career began with a small role in the crime drama The Governor's Wife in 2013. She first gained wider recognition for her supporting part in the 2016 comedy sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. Her breakthrough, however, arrived in quick succession with two critically acclaimed films. She delivered a memorable performance as the earnest best friend Julie Steffans in Greta Gerwig's directorial debut Lady Bird (2017), which showcased her ability to balance humor and heart. This was swiftly followed by her starring role as Molly Davidson in Olivia Wilde's directorial debut, the coming-of-age comedy Booksmart (2019). Her portrayal of an overachieving high school senior earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical and solidified her status as a leading talent.
Parallel to her screen success, Feldstein established a notable stage career. She made her Broadway debut in 2017, originating the role of Minnie Fay in the acclaimed revival of Bernadette Peters in Hello, Dolly!. Her theater work reached a new pinnacle when she was cast as Fanny Brice in the first Broadway revival of Funny Girl in 2022, a performance that earned her a Drama League Award nomination for Distinguished Performance. On television, she took on one of her most challenging roles, portraying Monica Lewinsky in the third season of the FX anthology series Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021), a performance praised for its empathy and nuance.
Feldstein continues to work across mediums, selecting roles that often explore complex young women with intelligence and depth. Her career trajectory, marked by collaborations with esteemed directors and writers, demonstrates a commitment to both blockbuster comedy and intimate character study. She remains a prominent figure whose work is defined by its authenticity and emotional resonance.