Eliza Dushku

Eliza Dushku (18884616868) (cropped)

American actress and producer

Eliza Dushku

Name	Eliza Dushku
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Watertown, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Actress, producer
Years active	1992–present
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Peter Palandjian (m. 2018)
Website

Eliza Patricia Dushku (born December 30, 1980) is an American actress and producer. She is known for her television roles, including Faith on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series and its spin-off series Angel. She has also appeared in numerous films such as True Lies, The New Guy, Bring It On, Wrong Turn, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Early life

Eliza Dushku was born in Watertown, Massachusetts, to Philip Richard George Dushku, an administrator and teacher in the Boston Public Schools, and Judith Ann Rasmussen, a political science professor. She has three brothers: Aaron, Benjamin, and Nathaniel. Dushku's father is of Albanian descent and her mother is of Danish and English ancestry.

Career

Early work

Dushku was discovered at the age of 10 when she was cast in the lead role of the film That Night. She went on to appear in several films, including This Boy's Life alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, and True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Breakthrough

Dushku's breakthrough role came in 1998 when she was cast as Faith Lehane in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her character became a fan favorite, and she reprised the role in the spin-off series Angel.

Film and television

Following her success on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dushku starred in several films, including Bring It On, The New Guy, and Wrong Turn. She also starred in the television series Tru Calling and Dollhouse, both of which were created by Joss Whedon.

Recent work

In recent years, Dushku has focused on producing, including the documentary Dear Albania, which explores her Albanian heritage. She has also appeared in guest roles on various television series and continues to work in film and television.

Personal life

Dushku married businessman Peter Palandjian in 2018. The couple has two children. She is an advocate for various causes, including substance abuse recovery and mental health awareness.

Filmography

Film

• That Night (1992)
• This Boy's Life (1993)
• True Lies (1994)
• Bring It On (2000)
• The New Guy (2002)
• Wrong Turn (2003)
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Television

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1998–2003)
• Angel (2000–2003)
• Tru Calling (2003–2005)
• Dollhouse (2009–2010)

Awards and nominations

Dushku has received several awards and nominations for her work in film and television, including a Teen Choice Award for her role in Bring It On.

See also

• List of Albanian Americans
• List of people from Massachusetts