Sophia Michaels
Elizabeth Berkley holds significance in 1990s pop culture for her roles in “Saved by the Bell” as Jessie Spano and in the notorious film “Showgirls” as Nomi Malone. Her journey from teen sitcom fame to box office infamy is an interesting one, filled with ups and downs.
She reflects on her experience in both the teen sitcom and the erotic drama that shaped her career. Since the end of the defining decade of the 90s, Berkley has kept herself busy in Hollywood with various endeavors, from dancing to acting, and beyond.
Challenges After “Showgirls”
After the failure of “Showgirls,” Elizabeth Berkley faced rejection in Hollywood when her agency dropped her. The film received harsh criticism, leading her agency to distance themselves from the flop. Despite the setback, Berkley was soon signed by a new agency and continued her career in the industry.
Love Through Dance
Elizabeth Berkley’s passion for dance led her to meet her husband at a dance class. Over the years, dancing remained an essential part of their relationship, culminating in a beautiful wedding ceremony that featured choreographed routines and salsa lessons for guests.
Expectations After “Showgirls”
Despite the mixed reception of “Showgirls,” Elizabeth Berkley believed she would receive an Oscar nomination for her performance. While she didn’t get the recognition she expected, the film still left an indelible mark on her career.
### Elizabeth Berkley’s Eventful Journey in Hollywood
Elizabeth Berkley, known for her role in “Saved by the Bell,” experienced a mix of successes and setbacks during her time in Hollywood. Despite her talents, she faced challenges and controversies that shaped her career.
#### A Challenging Award History
In 1995, Berkley received the worst actress award and worst new star award. This recognition continued when she was nominated for worst actress of the century and worst new star of the decade, adding to her struggles in the industry.
#### Missed Opportunities in Filmmaking
Before her role in a cult classic by Paul Verhoeven, Berkley’s mother had high hopes for her daughter’s career, even wondering if an Oscar nod was on the horizon. Berkley candidly shared this anecdote while attending a screening of the film, showing her ability to humorously reflect on her past experiences.
#### Near Misses on Major Film Roles
Berkley almost landed a role in the sci-fi film “The Fifth Element,” alongside notable stars like Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts. Despite a close call, she missed out on the part of Leeloo, eventually played by Milla Jovovich.
#### Legal Troubles and Controversies
In a surprising turn of events, Berkley became involved in a lawsuit with Leonardo DiCaprio. The lawsuit, initiated by screenwriter Roger Wilson, involved allegations surrounding an incident in Manhattan and interactions between Berkley, DiCaprio, and Wilson.
#### Strained Relationships from the Past
After the “Saved by the Bell” series, Berkley faced a rift with castmate Dustin Diamond. Diamond’s controversial tell-all biography further strained their already distant relationship, leading to lost connections among the show’s former stars.# Elizabeth Berkley’s Relationship with Co-star Before All the Trash Talk
Elizabeth Berkley disclosed that she last spoke to her “Saved by the Bell” co-star Dustin Diamond after they finished the show in 1993. She clarified that there was no animosity between them, and he had always been nice to her despite the lack of communication. She also expressed kind words following Diamond’s passing in 2021, appreciating the show’s tribute to him in the reboot.
# Elizabeth Berkley’s Perspective on Her Role in “Showgirls”
Elizabeth Berkley’s role in the notorious “Showgirls” led to two Razzie Awards and criticism from critics, which negatively impacted her acting career. Despite this, Berkley stands by her decision to be part of the box office bomb, stating that every experience is a lesson. She learned from the challenges she faced and became more cautious about her choices post-“Showgirls.”
# Berkley’s Audition for a Different Role Before “Saved by the Bell”
Before landing the role of Jessie Spano in “Saved by the Bell,” Elizabeth Berkley auditioned to play Zack Morris’ love interest in the show’s precursor, “Good Morning, Miss Bliss.” Due to her height compared to Mark-Paul Gosselaar, producers felt she was too tall for the part. However, NBC executives were impressed with Berkley and modified the character of Jessie to fit her, leading to the iconic role in the successful series.
# Elizabeth Berkley’s Past Relationship with Mark-Paul Gosselaar
While Elizabeth Berkley and Mark-Paul Gosselaar never romantically connected on-screen, it was revealed that the two co-stars dated off-screen after “Saved by the Bell” concluded. Their relationship, undisclosed for over two decades, came to light when Gosselaar mentioned it in 2019.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Relationships on Set
During an interview with “Mom” star Anna Faris on her podcast, Mark-Paul Gosselaar revealed that on the set of “Saved by the Bell,” they lived in a bubble in LA without much social interaction, which led to dating co-stars out of convenience rather than choice.
Gosselaar mentioned that he had relationships with several castmates, including Tiffani Thiessen and Lark Voorhies, making the atmosphere “incestuous” at times.
Elizabeth Berkley Rejects Showgirls Sequel
Elizabeth Berkley, known for her role as Nomi Malone in “Showgirls,” has no interest in a sequel despite the film gaining a cult following. Berkley emphasized that a sequel wouldn’t make sense and that the essence of “Showgirls” should remain untouched.
However, she expressed openness to parodying her role on “Saturday Night Live” to demonstrate her ability to laugh at herself and her image in popular culture.
Elizabeth Berkley’s Dislike for Jessie Spano’s Wardrobe
Elizabeth Berkley felt dissatisfied with her character’s wardrobe on “Saved by the Bell,” particularly compared to her co-stars who had more glamorous outfits. She expressed her discomfort with being styled in a way that didn’t align with her feminist beliefs and desired to feel empowered and feminine.
Goldie Hawn’s Support for Elizabeth Berkley
After facing criticism for her role in “Showgirls,” Elizabeth Berkley received encouragement from Goldie Hawn on a subsequent movie set. Hawn’s support helped Berkley regain her confidence after the backlash she experienced.
Elizabeth Berkley’s Journey in Hollywood
Back in 1996, Elizabeth Berkley landed the role of teenage actor Phoebe LaVelle in “The First Wives Club,” a comedy featuring Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn. During the filming, Hawn, a close friend of Princess Diana, took Berkley under her wing to offer support and guidance.
Reflecting on her experience in a 2003 interview while promoting “Rodger Dodger,” Berkley expressed gratitude towards Hawn for her kindness and encouragement. Hawn acknowledged Berkley’s talent and advised her to stay true to herself despite past challenges, like the direction she received in the controversial movie “Showgirls.”
Elizabeth Berkley Tackles Mom Guilt
In 2012, Berkley welcomed her son Sky with husband Greg Lauren, diving into motherhood while maintaining her acting career. Shortly after giving birth, she appeared on “Dancing with the Stars,” followed by roles on shows like “New Girl,” “Melissa and Joey,” and the “Saved by the Bell” reboot.
Despite balancing work and family, Berkley candidly shared her struggles with mom guilt in a 2021 interview with Scary Mommy. She acknowledged the pressure to excel ingrained in society, leading to internal conflicts. Berkley emphasized finding joy in her work and how being a positive role model for Sky by showcasing hard work can inspire children.
