Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family Ancestry

Elisabeth Shue: My 11th Paternal Cousin and Accomplished Actress

Elisabeth Judson Shue, the sister of actor Andrew Shue, is my 11th paternal cousin. We share common 10th great-grandparents, Henry Burt and Eulalia Marche. Interestingly, Elisabeth’s mother, Anne Brewster, is also my 10th cousin on another family line.

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Early Life and Family

Elisabeth Shue was born on October 6, 1963, in Wilmington, Delaware. She grew up in a close-knit family and eventually entered the world of acting, where she quickly rose to prominence.

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Career Highlights

Elisabeth Shue is a highly accomplished film and television actress, known for her diverse roles across multiple decades. Some of her most memorable performances include:

• Adventures in Babysitting (1987) – Lead role in this cult classic teen adventure.

• The Karate Kid (1984) – Co-starring role that brought her into the spotlight.

• Cocktail (1988) – Played opposite Tom Cruise.

• Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Part III (1990) – Portrayed Marty McFly’s girlfriend, Jennifer.

• Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – Starred alongside Nicolas Cage. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

• Hollow Man (2000) – Co-starred with Kevin Bacon, another distant cousin of mine.

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2012–2015) – Played Julie Finlay ("Fin") in one of my favorite TV dramas.

 

In total, Elisabeth has appeared in 39 films and 10 television series, receiving numerous awards and nominations for her work.

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A Surprising Family Discovery

Until recently, I had no idea that Elisabeth Shue and her brother Andrew were related to me. It’s a surreal experience to discover that people you've watched on screen for years are actually your cousins. Though we’ve never met, I find Elisabeth to be a fascinating and inspiring member of our extended family.

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Personal Life

Elisabeth is married to film director Davis Guggenheim (not David Guggenheim, often confused). Together, they have three children:

• Miles William (born 1997)

• Stella Street (born 2001)

• Agnes Charles (born 2006)

 

Final Thoughts

Elisabeth Shue is not only a critically acclaimed actress, but also a member of my family with a rich legacy in film and television. I’m proud to share a lineage with someone whose work has touched millions and continues to resonate across generations.