Eliza Patricia Dushku was born on December 30, 1980, in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up in nearby Watertown and is the youngest of four siblings. Her mother, Judith Ann Rasmussen, is a professor of political science, while her father, Philip Richard George Dushku, worked as a teacher and school administrator. Eliza has a mixed heritage of Albanian and Danish roots, with her father’s side being Albanian.
Raised in a family that emphasized education and cultural understanding, Eliza was introduced to a broad spectrum of ideas and perspectives from a young age. She attended Beaver Country Day School before graduating from Watertown High School. Although she was raised in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she eventually chose a different spiritual path.
Eliza has also traveled a personal path of perseverance and development. After years in show business, she decided to seek a college education, enrolling at Suffolk University to study sociology. She transferred to Lesley University and earned a degree in holistic psychology.
Biography
Full Name: Eliza Patricia Dushku
Nickname: Duck Shoot
Age: 44 years
Date of Birth: December 30, 1980
Birthplace: Watertown, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality: American and Albanian
Ethnicity: Albanian (father), Danish, Irish, English, and German (mother)
Profession: Actress, Activist, Producer
Height: 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters)
Weight: Approximately 121 pounds (55 kilograms)
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Light Brown
Measurements:
- Bust: 35 inches (89 cm)
- Waist: 24 inches (61 cm)
- Hips: 34 inches (86 cm)
- Bra Size: 32C
- Dress Size: 2 (US)
- Shoe Size: 7.5 (US)
Net Worth: $20 million (estimated)
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Sexuality: Straight
Religion: Raised in LDS Church, not currently active
Instagram Followers: Approximately 717,000
Career
Eliza started acting at a very young age. Casting agents discovered her when she was only ten years old and chose her to play the leading character of Alice in the romantic drama “That Night” in 1992. This was only the starting point of a promising Hollywood career.
In 1993, she appeared alongside Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in “This Boy’s Life,” portraying the character Pearl. The following year, she gained further recognition by playing Dana Tasker, the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, in the action-packed film “True Lies.”
These early performances displayed Eliza’s abilities and versatility and paved the way for an illustrious acting career.
Eliza finally broke into show business in 1998 with a part in the hit TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Eliza was only supposed to be in a few episodes of “Buffy,” but her character, Faith Lehane, became popular with viewers and she became a regular throughout both “Buffy” and its spin-off show “Angel.”
Faith’s multifaceted personality—vulnerability with a tough edge—enabled Eliza to portray a multi-layered character to critical acclaim and a loyal set of followers. Her acting was vital to the show’s success and cemented her position in the entertainment industry.
Eliza continued to play a range of roles to show her acting capabilities after her success on “Buffy.” She played a leading part in the cheerleading film “Bring It On” in 2000, a cult classic. She continued to expand her resume with a selection of films such as “The New Guy” (2002), “Wrong Turn” (2003), and “The Alphabet Killer” (2008).
She returned to TV in 2003 as lead in “Tru Calling,” a supernatural drama in which she played a medical student whose days are relived to avert deaths. The show lasted for two seasons and solidified her position as top TV performer.
Eliza followed up on her work with acclaimed author and director Joss Whedon in the science fiction television series “Dollhouse” (2009–2010), in which she starred in the main character, Echo. The series dealt with ideas of consciousness and identity, enabling Eliza to be involved in complex stories and character development.
Eliza Dushku Movie Highlights
- That Night (1992) – Alice Bloom
- This Boy’s Life (1993) – Pearl
- True Lies (1994) – Dana Tasker
- Bye Bye Love (1995) – Emma Carlson
- Race the Sun (1996) – Cindy Johnson
- Bring It On (2000) – Missy Pantone
- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) – Sissy
- Soul Survivors (2001) – Annabel
- The New Guy (2002) – Danielle
- City by the Sea (2002) – Gina
- Wrong Turn (2003) – Jessie Burlingame
- The Alphabet Killer (2008) – Megan Paige
- Open Graves (2009) – Erica
- Locked In (2010) – Renee
- Batman: Year One (2011) – Selina Kyle / Catwoman (voice)
- The Scribbler (2014) – Jennifer Silk
- Jane Wants a Boyfriend (2015) – Bianca
- Eloise (2016) – Pia Carter
- The Saint (2017) – Patricia Holm
Height & Weight
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
Weight | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
Bust | 34 inches |
Waist | 24 inches |
Hips | 34 inches |
Measurements | 34-24-34 |
Net Worth
Category | Details |
---|---|
Estimated Net Worth | $20 million |
Primary Sources | Acting Career |
Other Sources | Production Ventures, Endorsements |
Photos Of Eliza DushkuÂ


Final Thoughts
Eliza Dushku is recognizable not only for her illustrious acting career but also for her steadfast activism and self-improvement. From cult classic roles to influential activism initiatives, she has continued to transform while remaining authentic. With a powerful voice on and off camera, Eliza inspires audiences around the globe with her talent, perseverance, and drive to effect positive change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of Eliza Dushku’s most notable roles?
Eliza is best known for her roles as Faith Lehane in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” as well as Echo in “Dollhouse.” She also starred in films like “Bring It On,” “The New Guy,” and “Wrong Turn.”
2. Has Eliza Dushku received any awards for her work?
While Eliza has not received major mainstream awards, she has been recognized for her contributions to television and film, as well as her advocacy work, including honors from organizations like the Millennium Campus Network.
3. What inspired Eliza to pursue a degree in holistic psychology?
Eliza’s personal experiences with the challenges of the entertainment industry and her commitment to mental health advocacy motivated her to study holistic psychology, aiming to support others in their healing journeys.
4. Is Eliza Dushku still active in the entertainment industry?
While Eliza has stepped back from acting, she remains involved in the industry through her production company and continues to engage in advocacy and public speaking.
5. How can fans support Eliza Dushku’s advocacy work?
Fans can support Eliza’s initiatives by contributing to organizations she supports, such as THRIVE-Gulu, and by staying informed about the social issues she champions.
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