Ellen's career began with a chance discovery, when her mother read an article in the newspaper about an open casting call for a film directed by Adrian Lyne. The production was seeking girls aged six to eight, and Ellen, who was just about to turn six, decided to give it a try despite having no prior acting experience. She competed against over a thousand other girls, and her natural talent ultimately won her the part of Michael Douglas and Anne Archer's daughter in Fatal Attraction, released in 1986.
Following the success of Fatal Attraction, Ellen's career took off, with appearances in numerous films, television shows, and even a stint on Broadway. One of her most memorable roles was as Ruby Sue, the daughter of Randy Quaid, in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This iconic holiday film, widely regarded as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, still delights audiences around the world with its humor and heart. Ellen's standout scene in the film, where she mistakes Chevy Chase for Santa Claus and utters the now-famous line "Shittin' bricks", won over audiences and cemented her place in the hearts of many.
At the age of 15, Ellen left her hometown in New York to attend boarding school in Vermont, which marked the end of her acting career. After graduating, she decided to pursue a normal life, moving to the San Francisco Bay Area to attend the California College of Arts and Crafts. She worked in various fields, including hospitality, travel, advertising, publishing, and startups, but her passion for the entertainment industry never faded.
In her later years, Ellen lived in Los Angeles, where she produced a podcast called "Watched" that explored her experiences as a child star and those of her peers. Although the podcast did not gain widespread popularity, Ellen's desire to utilize her creative talents persisted.
Today, Ellen is happily married and expecting her first child, and she chronicles her journey into motherhood on her blog, Road to Momma. This candid blog offers a glimpse into her experiences throughout pregnancy and beyond.
