Elizabeth Berkley had fans buzzing as she stepped out for a rare outing in on Friday.
The Saved by the Bell bombshell first captured hearts as the smart and outspoken Jessie Spano on the hit ’90s sitcom - a role she later reprised and executive produced for the Peacock reboot.
She proved her range with a daring turn in the cult classic Showgirls (1995), sizzling as a stripper alongside Gina Gershon.
Although the film was widely panned at the time, it has since become a cult favorite, and Berkley bounced back with a string of acclaimed roles.
She shone in supporting parts in hits including The First Wives Club (1996) and Any Given Sunday (1999).
On Friday, the actress looked as radiant as ever, seemingly untouched by time, while enjoying a dinner in Beverly Hills with her family.
Elizabeth Berkley had fans buzzing as she stepped out for a rare outing in Los Angeles on Friday; (pictured in 1990)
She proved her range with a daring turn in the cult classic Showgirls (1995), sizzling as a stripper alongside Gina Gershon
Although the film was widely panned at the time, it has since become a cult favorite, and Berkley bounced back with a string of acclaimed roles
Dressed in a simple yet chic light blue jacket and black pants, Berkley appeared in high spirits as she enjoyed the evening with her fashion designer husband, Greg Lauren, and their son Sky.
The couple have been married since November 1, 2003, and welcomed their only child on July 20, 2012.
'And I didn't understand why I was being blamed. The job as an actor is to fulfill the vision of the director. And I did everything I was supposed to do.'
She noted 'no one associated with the film spoke up on my behalf to protect me. I was left out in the cold and I was a pariah in the industry I had worked so hard for.'
In a later interview she revealed that, after taking the daring part, she was 'locked out' of auditions and struggled to find work for years, a painful reminder of how brutal Tinseltown can be when you step out of line.
'I wasn’t looking for shock value,' she has said about her decision to take on the role. 'That wasn’t my intention.'
Yet time has a way of rewriting narratives. What was once derided as one of Hollywood’s worst movies is now embraced as a cult classic.
Beyond Showgirls, Berkley showed she was more than just a flash in the pan.
She also proved her resilience on television, with guest spots on NYPD Blue, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The L Word, and later reality competition Dancing With the Stars.
Off‑screen, Berkley has channeled her voice into advocacy and mentorship.
Her advice platform Ask Elizabeth evolved into a book and lecture series devoted to building confidence in teen girls - a mission she calls deeply personal and meaningful.
'My mission is to give girls the tools to be able to blossom into their best selves,' she's said.
