Cailee Spaeny is a rising Hollywood actress and singer who has quickly captured the attention of audiences and critics alike with her talent, charm, and versatility. Known for her roles in Pacific Rim: Uprising, On the Basis of Sex, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Priscilla, Spaeny’s career has blossomed into one of the most promising among the new generation of stars. In this detailed biography, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Cailee Spaeny including her age, height, early life, career milestones, and personal achievements.
Early Life and Background
Cailee Spaeny was born on July 24, 1998, in Springfield, Missouri, United States. Growing up in the Midwest, she developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age. Spaeny showed early interest in singing, acting, and theater, participating in local plays and community performances.
She attended Springfield Little Theatre, one of Missouri’s most respected community theaters, where she honed her craft and performed in numerous productions. This foundation in live theater not only strengthened her acting skills but also gave her the confidence and stage presence that would later define her film career.
Her upbringing in Springfield also helped her stay grounded, something she often mentions in interviews. Despite her growing fame, Spaeny maintains a humble attitude and deep appreciation for her roots.
Age and Height
As of 2025, Cailee Spaeny height is 27 years old. She stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm). Though she may be petite in stature, her powerful performances and screen presence more than make up for it. Her expressive eyes, unique voice, and ability to embody complex emotions have made her stand out among her peers.
Career Beginnings
Cailee Spaeny’s journey into professional acting began with short films and smaller projects. Her first notable acting work was in a short film titled “Counting to 1000” (2016), where she played the lead role of Erica. This performance drew attention to her natural talent and emotional depth.
Shortly afterward, she started auditioning for bigger projects in Hollywood. Her determination and unique look quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to her breakthrough opportunity just a couple of years later.
Breakthrough Role Pacific Rim Uprising 2018
Cailee Spaeny’s big Hollywood break came in 2018 when she starred in the sci-fi blockbuster Pacific Rim: Uprising, directed by Steven S. DeKnight. In the film, she played Amara Namani, a brilliant young engineer who builds her own mini Jaeger robot and later joins the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps.
Sharing the screen with stars like John Boyega and Scott Eastwood, Spaeny’s performance was praised for its energy and emotional intensity. Despite it being her major film debut, she held her own among a seasoned cast and impressed both audiences and critics.
This role established her as a fresh face in the science fiction genre and opened doors to more dramatic and high-profile roles.
Career Growth and Major Roles
After her success in Pacific Rim: Uprising, Cailee Spaeny continued to build an impressive portfolio across different genres.
- 1. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Later in 2018, she appeared in Drew Goddard’s neo-noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale, alongside Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson, Chris Hemsworth, and Cynthia Erivo. She played Emily Summerspring’s sister, Rose, a mysterious and troubled young woman. Her performance, though in a supporting role, added depth and intrigue to the film.
- 2. On the Basis of Sex (2018)
In the same year, she portrayed Jane Ginsburg, the daughter of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in the biographical drama On the Basis of Sex, starring Felicity Jones. The film explored Ginsburg’s early career and fight for gender equality, and Spaeny’s portrayal added a heartfelt family dimension to the story.
- 3. The Craft: Legacy (2020)
In 2020, Spaeny took on another leading role in The Craft: Legacy, a supernatural horror film that served as a sequel to the 1996 cult classic The Craft. She played Lily Schechner, a new girl in school who discovers she has magical powers and joins a coven of teenage witches. While the film received mixed reviews, Spaeny’s performance was widely recognized as one of its strongest aspects.
- 4. Mare of Easttown (2021)
In 2021, Cailee Spaeny joined the cast of HBO’s award-winning crime drama Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet. She played Erin McMenamin, a teenage mother whose tragic story becomes central to the series’ mystery. Her performance was haunting, raw, and emotionally powerful earning her critical acclaim and introducing her to a wider television audience.
- 5. Priscilla (2023)
Perhaps one of her most career-defining roles came in 2023 when she portrayed Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s biographical drama Priscilla. The film, based on the memoir Elvis and Me, explores Priscilla’s relationship with the legendary musician Elvis Presley.
Spaeny’s performance was praised for its subtlety, emotional intelligence, and depth. She beautifully captured Priscilla’s transformation from a teenage girl into a woman navigating fame, love, and independence. Her portrayal earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 80th Venice International Film Festival a major milestone in her career.
Upcoming Projects
Cailee Spaeny continues to expand her filmography with several exciting upcoming projects. She has been cast in the next installment of the Alien franchise, directed by Fede Álvarez. The film is expected to reintroduce the horror elements that made the original series iconic, and Spaeny’s involvement signals her growing status as a leading star in major studio productions.
Her ability to move between indie dramas and blockbuster franchises demonstrates her versatility and broad appeal in Hollywood.
Personal Life
Cailee Spaeny is known for keeping her personal life private. She rarely discusses her relationships or family in interviews, choosing instead to focus on her craft. However, she has spoken openly about her love for music she is also a talented singer-songwriter and has released songs independently in the past.
She values authenticity, often emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself in an industry that can be unpredictable. Her grounded nature and genuine personality have earned her admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
Awards and Achievements
- Volpi Cup for Best Actress – Venice Film Festival 2023 for Priscilla
- Critical acclaim for performances in Mare of Easttown and Pacific Rim: Uprising
- Named one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars by various entertainment magazines and critics
Her dedication to taking meaningful roles and working with visionary directors has made her a favorite among both filmmakers and audiences.
Social Media Presence
Cailee Spaeny maintains a modest yet active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter (X). She often shares behind-the-scenes photos, artistic shots, and updates on her latest projects. Her feed reflects her artistic personality minimalist, thoughtful, and authentic.
Fans appreciate her low-key approach and how she uses her platform to promote creativity, self-expression, and positivity rather than celebrity drama.
Fun Facts About Cailee Spaeny
- She began her career in musical theater before transitioning to film.
- Spaeny is also a singer her debut single “Fallin’” was released in 2016.
- She worked at Springfield Little Theatre for years, which she credits for shaping her acting skills.
- She loves vintage fashion and has often been praised for her red carpet style.
- Despite her success, she still enjoys visiting her hometown and supporting local arts.
Cailee Spaeny’s Acting Style and Legacy
Cailee Spaeny is known for her emotional intelligence and authentic performances. She has a rare ability to express vulnerability and strength at once, which allows her to portray deeply human characters.
Directors have described her as intuitive and fearless qualities that make her ideal for both independent films and major studio productions. As she continues to take on complex roles, Spaeny’s career trajectory points toward a long and respected place in Hollywood’s future.
Conclusion
Cailee Spaeny’s rise in Hollywood is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. From her humble beginnings in Missouri to winning top honors at international film festivals, she represents the new face of authentic storytelling in cinema.
At just 27 years old, she has already worked with some of the industry’s most renowned directors and actors and her best work is likely still ahead of her. Whether she’s leading a sci-fi adventure or delivering a deeply emotional biopic performance, Cailee Spaeny continues to prove that she is one of the brightest stars of her generation.
