Elisa Donovan Biography: Age, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Siblings, Movies, Daughter, TV Series, Husband

Lisa Adaline Donovan, also known as Elisa Donovan, is an American actress, writer, and producer best recognized for her portrayal of Amber Mariens, the quintessential mean girl, in the iconic teen comedy Clueless (1995) and its subsequent TV series (1996–1999).

Her vibrant red hair and sharp comedic delivery made her a standout in the Clueless franchise, and she has since built a diverse career with roles in films like Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996) and TV shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210.

Profile

• Full Name: Lisa Adaline Donovan
• Stage Name: Elisa Donovan
• Born: 3, February 1971
• Age: 54 years old
• Birthplace: Poughkeepsie, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Writer, and Producer
• Height: 1.68 m
• Parents: Jack Donovan and Charlotte Donovan
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: Charlie Bigelow (m. 2012)
• Children: Scarlett Avery Bigelow
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Lisa Adaline Donovan was born on February 3, 1971, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Jack Donovan, a computer industry executive, and Charlotte Donovan, a homemaker.

She grew up with an older sister in a supportive household on Long Island, where her passion for the performing arts developed early through dance lessons that began at the age of four.

Donovan attended The New School in New York City, where she studied dramatic arts, writing, and literature, honing her skills as a multifaceted performer.

Her ethnicity is primarily Irish, and while she has not publicly detailed her religious beliefs, she has shared that her family’s Catholic background influenced her upbringing.

Career

Elisa Donovan began her acting career in the early 1990s, landing her first significant role as Valerie in the TV movie Blossom (1990). She later appeared as Ginger LaMonica in Beverly Hills, 90210, in 1993.

Her breakthrough came in 1995 when she was cast as Amber Mariens in Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling. Her portrayal of the snarky, fashion-obsessed rival to Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz became a fan favourite, earning her widespread recognition.

She reprised the role in the Clueless TV series, appearing in all three seasons (1996–1999), which solidified her status as a teen comedy icon.

Building on her success from Clueless, Donovan starred as Morgan Cavanaugh in the TV movie Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996), which led to the popular series, although she did not continue in the role.

She appeared in films like A Night at the Roxbury (1998) alongside Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan and took on guest roles in shows such as Jack & Jill and Judging Amy. In 2000, she starred as Jesse in the sitcom Just Shoot Me! for a multi-episode arc.

Her television work continued with a starring role as Sharona in the sitcom In Gayle We Trust (2009–2011) and appearances in Melissa & Joey and The Dog Who Saved Christmas franchise, showcasing her knack for lighthearted, family-friendly roles.

Beyond acting, Donovan has also taken on writing and producing, creating and performing her one-woman show, Sweet Dreams, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in Los Angeles, drawing from her personal experiences with insomnia. She has written for NBC’s Today, HuffPost, and The Dogington Post, often focusing on parenting, lifestyle, and pet advocacy.

Her recent projects include guest spots on NCIS (2017) and voice work while she continues to develop new writing and producing ventures. Donovan’s ability to balance acting with creative storytelling has kept her relevant, and her Clueless legacy endures through its cultural impact and fan appreciation.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @elisadonovan
• Facebook Handle: Elisa Donovan
• Twitter Handle: @RedDonovan

Personal Life

Elisa Donovan married Charlie Bigelow, a financial executive, on October 13, 2012, in a wedding planned in just six weeks. They have one daughter, Scarlett Avery Bigelow, born in May 2012.

Donovan has been open about her journey as a mother, sharing insights on parenting through her writing. She faced significant health challenges, including a life-threatening eating disorder in her 20s, which she overcame, and she now advocates for mental health awareness.

Filmography

• Blossom (1990) – Valerie (TV movie)
• Beverly Hills, 90210 (1993–1994) – Ginger LaMonica (TV series)
• Clueless (1995) – Amber Mariens
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996) – Morgan Cavanaugh (TV movie)
• Clueless (1996–1999) – Amber Mariens (TV series)
• A Night at the Roxbury (1998) – Cambi
• Loving Jezebel (1999) – Samantha
• Just Shoot Me! (2000) – Jesse (TV series)
• Spying on Myself (2005) – Lisa
• Rocker (2006) – Martina
• The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009) – Belinda Bannister (TV movie)
• In Gayle We Trust (2009–2011) – Sharona (TV series)
• A Valentine’s Date (2011) – Laura Connors (TV movie)

Net Worth

Elisa Donovan’s estimated net worth is USD 4 million. Her

wealth is primarily derived from her acting career, with significant earnings from her roles in Clueless (both the film and TV series), Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and recurring television appearances in shows like In Gayle We Trust.