Beanie Feldstein
Beanie Feldstein (born June 24, 1993) is an American actress and stage performer known for Booksmart, Lady Bird, and her Broadway roles. Discover her biography, key works, personal journey, and inspiring quotes.
Introduction
Elizabeth Greer “Beanie” Feldstein (born June 24, 1993) is a versatile American actress and singer whose performances across film, stage, and television have earned her acclaim and a distinctive presence. She combines comedic timing, emotional honesty, and musical talent, and has taken on roles from indie films to Broadway musicals. Her journey weaves between supporting roles and leading parts, and she continues to expand her repertoire.
Let’s explore her background, career highlights, style, notable quotes, and the lessons her path offers.
Early Life & Family
Beanie Feldstein was born in Los Angeles, California.
She is the youngest sibling. Her older brother is actor Jonah Hill, and another brother, Jordan Feldstein, was the longtime manager of Maroon 5 before his sudden passing in 2017.
Growing up, she attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. Stagedoor Manor in New York. Wesleyan University, graduating with a degree in sociology in 2015.
“Beanie” began as a nickname. Her birth name is Elizabeth, but her family and nanny called her “Beanie” early on, and the name stuck.
Her early environment was steeped in creative and artistic influence — with a parent in the fashion/costume world and exposure to performance early on.
Career & Key Works
Beginnings & Early Roles
Feldstein’s first credited role dates to 2002, when she appeared in an episode of the TV comedy My Wife & Kids.
She gained wider attention with her role in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016). Lady Bird (2017) in a supporting role. That film was critically lauded and helped boost her profile.
Breakout: Booksmart & Beyond
In 2019, Beanie starred in Booksmart (directed by Olivia Wilde), playing Molly Davidson. Her performance earned widespread critical praise and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
She also starred in How to Build a Girl (2019), an adaptation of Caitlin Moran’s novel, playing the lead role of Johanna Morrigan.
On television, she took on the role of Monica Lewinsky in American Crime Story: Impeachment.
Broadway & Stage Work
Beanie has also had notable theater credits:
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She made her Broadway debut as Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! (2017–2018).
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She starred as Fanny Brice in the 2022 revival of Funny Girl. While her performance was ambitious, reviews were mixed, and she ultimately departed the production.
Recent & Upcoming Projects
More recently, she was cast in Drive-Away Dolls (directed by Ethan Coen), which blends crime, comedy, and queer themes.
Her portfolio is eclectic, spanning film, television, theater, and musical roles — and she continues to push into new territories.
Style, Themes & Artistic Identity
Supportive & Ensemble Roots
Beanie often speaks about her long experience in supporting roles. As she has said, “My whole life … I played the supporting role.” This grounding in ensemble work gave her a depth of character understanding and humility.
Musical & Stage Ambitions
She has long had a love for theater and musicals. Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl reflect that ambition to combine acting and singing.
Honesty & Body Image
Feldstein has been outspoken about body image and societal pressures. She has said things like:
“My family, doctors, and society at large were constantly telling me that I was too heavy, that I needed to exercise more, that I should be smaller.”
She also celebrated being shorter, and embraced the uniqueness of her name:
“I have always been short … but I love being short.” “Sometimes I introduce myself to people, and their reaction reminds me that it’s insane that my name is Beanie.”
Her authenticity around identity and body image has endeared her to many who feel underrepresented in the spotlight.
Friendship, Support & Community
Beanie often expresses deep dedication to friendship and connection. For instance:
“The expression that friends are the family you choose … the fact you’re actively choosing each other is so beautiful at its core.”
Also:
“I love to be the best friend. It’s like my dream in life to be everybody’s best friend.”
Her public persona often leans warm, empathetic, open, and relational.
Selected Quotes
Here are some memorable and meaningful quotes by Beanie Feldstein:
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“My real name is Elizabeth, but I had a nanny … called me ‘Elizabeanie.’ … So from 4 months old … the name Beanie.”
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“My whole life, not just in my professional career but in community theater, I played the supporting role.”
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“The expression that friends are the family you choose, is so powerful … the fact you’re actively choosing each other is so beautiful at its core.”
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“I have always been short … I love being short.”
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“My family, doctors, and society at large … constantly telling me … I was too heavy … should be smaller.”
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“I love to be the best friend. It’s like my dream in life to be everybody’s best friend.”
These reflect her sense of identity, relationships, self-acceptance, and commitment to connection.
Personal & Private Life
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Sexuality & Relationship
Feldstein identifies as queer. Bonnie-Chance Roberts on the set of How to Build a Girl. -
Faith & Identity
She is Jewish by heritage. -
Support & Family Ties
She shares a close bond with her brother Jonah Hill, supporting each other’s work publicly.
Beanie is open about using her platform to advocate for inclusion, representation, and authenticity.
Lessons & Inspirations
From Beanie Feldstein’s journey, we can draw several lessons:
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Small roles can build foundation
Starting in supporting roles can build craft, humility, and insight into ensemble dynamics. -
Authenticity resonates
Speaking openly about body image, name, identity, and challenges allows others to see themselves. -
Embrace multi-faceted ambitions
She hasn’t limited herself — she blends theater, film, television, and musical performance. -
Relationships matter
Her emphasis on friendship, community, and love shows how interpersonal supports are central to longevity. -
Keep evolving
She hasn’t rested on early success; instead, she’s pursued new challenges (e.g. leading roles, Broadway, more complex characters).
Conclusion
Beanie Feldstein is an actress whose path bridges supporting and leading, film and stage, humor and depth, vulnerability and strength. Her rich blend of warmth, honesty, and ambition makes her a modern and relatable talent in entertainment.