More than two decades after its controversial release, Elizabeth Berkley continues to open up about the profound personal and professional impact of her starring role in 1995’s Showgirls, revealing the intense criticism and isolation she endured, and how the film’s transformation into a cult classic has brought a measure of vindication.
Before she was Nomi Malone, the ambitious Las Vegas dancer in Paul Verhoeven’s provocative 1995 film Showgirls, Elizabeth Berkley was a household name to a generation of viewers as the brainy feminist Jessie Spano on the beloved teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. Her transition from the wholesome halls of Bayside High to the glittering, gritty world of the Vegas strip was a deliberate artistic choice, yet one that unexpectedly left her feeling like a “pariah” in Hollywood.
“Saved by the Bell was a beautiful first rite of passage for me,” Berkley stated, reflecting on her early career. “But as an artist, I was excited to dive a little deeper and explore.” This ambition led her to pursue Showgirls, a film that would make history as the first and only wide release to receive an NC-17 rating. Berkley maintains that her intention was not “shock value,” but a visceral connection to the role of Nomi Malone, compelling her to exclaim, “that’s mine.”
The Immediate Aftermath: A ‘Pariah’ in Hollywood
The film, released in 1995, did not perform well at the box office and was met with scathing reviews. The criticism was particularly harsh on Berkley. “Of course it was disappointing that it didn’t do well, but there was so much cruelty around it,” she recalled to People. “I was bullied. 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.”
Berkley described feeling profoundly isolated in the wake of the backlash. “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.” This sentiment of abandonment and professional ostracization was further emphasized at a recent 30th-anniversary screening in Austin, TX, where she told fans, “I took a beating, guys. It was not fun for a little while. I’m not going to lie. It was painful. I was isolated. I felt abandoned by the very people I collaborated with,” according to People.
A Profound Personal Transformation
Despite the immense challenges, Berkley views the experience as a pivotal moment of growth. “It changed me,” she reflected. “It was a life moment, and I cannot help but say I would be a different person had I not gone through the depths of what it taught me.”
Rather than succumbing to the negativity, Berkley decided to “reframe” her approach to her career. This involved prioritizing the people she worked with and seeking out different kinds of roles. Following Showgirls, she took on smaller but critically acclaimed parts in films such as The First Wives Club (1996) and The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001), showcasing her versatility and resilience. “It was a vulnerable time,” she admitted, “but it made me stronger.”
From Scorned to Supported: The Rise of a Cult Classic
What was once a source of intense criticism has gradually evolved into a beloved cult classic, embraced by film enthusiasts who appreciate its unique vision and audacious storytelling. Berkley herself has witnessed this transformation firsthand, especially at fan events like the recent 30th-anniversary screening.
She powerfully articulated the shift in perception: “because of your love and your embrace of this film, in the face of that vitriolic cruelty from journalists and industry people, but because of you, we’re standing here sharing a meaningful evening together.” This fan-driven re-evaluation has provided Berkley with a profound sense of validation, turning a painful professional experience into an unexpected source of connection with a dedicated audience.
Beyond the Screen: Advocacy and New Beginnings
Berkley’s journey through the challenges of Showgirls also inspired her to give back. In 2006, she launched Ask Elizabeth, an online advice resource for adolescents, followed by a book of the same name five years later. “I decided to be of service to others because of what I’d been through,” she explained. “I walked through fire, but I came out the other side.”
Her commitment to advocacy extends to animal rights, as detailed in her biography. In 1997, she notably donned a gown made of collard greens for PETA’s “Lettuce Be Lean” campaign, promoting vegetarianism. Furthermore, her former Saved by the Bell castmates, whom she considers “like siblings,” were supportive of her artistic venture into Showgirls, highlighting the strong bond they shared.
More recently, Berkley returned to the role that first made her famous, reprising her character Jessie Spano in the critically acclaimed reboot of Saved by the Bell (2020-2021) on Peacock. This return showcased her enduring appeal and resilience, bringing her career full circle.
Elizabeth Berkley’s experience with Showgirls is a powerful testament to the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the enduring impact of both criticism and passionate fan support. Her journey, from feeling like a professional outcast to witnessing her controversial film celebrated as a cult classic, embodies resilience and an unwavering commitment to artistic expression, ultimately shaping her into the multifaceted advocate and actress she is today.
