Hailing from Conyers, Georgia, Dakota Fanning began her career at the age of six when she booked her first job on a Tide commercial which opened the gates to her career.   Dakota’s first television appearance was on NBC’s, “ER” which then led to Guest Starring roles on television shows, “The Practice,” “Malcolm In the Middle,” “Spin City,” “Ellen,” where she played ‘Young Ellen,’ “Ally McBeal” where she played ‘Young Ally McBeal’ as well as having a Special Guest Starring role in the final season of “Friends.”

Ms. Fanning’s film debut was made opposite Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer when she played ‘Lucy’ in I AM SAM.  Ms. Fanning was awarded the Critics Choice Award as Best Young Actor and was also the youngest child to have ever been nominated for a SAG Award for her portrayal of ‘Lucy.’  Shortly thereafter, she starred in the Steven Spielberg produced miniseries TAKEN, which not only became the Sci-Fi Channel’s highest rated show, but also won the 2003 Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries.

Dakota Fanning in Hounddog

Ms. Fanning’s career catapulted soon after when she starred in TRAPPED opposite Charlize Theron, DR. SEUSS’ CAT IN THE HAT opposite Mike Myers, UPTOWN GIRLS with Brittany Murphy and played the young Reese Witherspoon in SWEET HOME ALABAMA.

In 2004, Dakota starred opposite Denzel Washington in MAN ON FIRE directed by Tony Scott.  Her performance earned her second nomination for a Critics Choice Award.

Following MAN ON FIRE, Dakota co-starred in HIDE AND SEEK with Robert DeNiro.    Ms. Fanning’s performance in this film earned her the 2005 MTV Movie Award for “Most Frightened Performance.”

Dakota Fanning in Hounddog

In October 2005, Dakota appeared opposite Kurt Russell in DREAMER which made its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.  In addition, DREAMER was awarded the Truly Moving Picture Award at the Heartland Film Festival.  Dakota was also proud to be a part of the remarkable ensemble of women including Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, Sissy Spacek and Robin Wright Penn that appeared in NINE LIVES which had its premiere at the 2005’s Sundance Film Festival. The entire ensemble of women in NINE LIVES was nominated for a Gotham Award in 2005 and the film was nominated for a 2005 Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.

In June 2005, Dakota starred with Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg’s remake of the H.G. Wells classic WAR OF THE WORLDS.  Her performance as ‘Rachel,’ Tom Cruise’s daughter, earned Dakota her second Critics Choice Award.

Dakota recently completed filming the live action version of the beloved E.B. White novel CHARLOTTE’S WEB.  As the live action role of ‘Fern,’ Dakota’s co-stars include Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Robert Redford having voice-overs roles in the film.  CHARLOTTE’S WEB will make its theatrical debut in December 2006.

Dakota Fanning in Hounddog

More recently, Dakota was awarded ShoWest’s Best Supporting Actress of the Year Award. Dakota also does work for charity at the Mattell Children’s hospital in Los Angeles, and appeared in the “RED” Gap Ad’s to benefit Aids in Africa.

Dakota’s voice can be heard in “LILO AND STITCH II,” “MY NEIGHBOR TOTARO” starring alongside her sister Elle, as well as “CORALINE” with her fellow voice-over co-star, Teri Hatcher.  She will also star in the upcoming THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES.

Dakota is an avid reader, plays the piano, knits, collects dolls, rides horses and dances ballet.  She resides in Los Angeles with her parents, Joy and Steve Fanning and her sister, actress Elle Fanning.