Who is Selma Blair?
Selma Blair Beitner, born on June 23, 1972, in Southfield, Michigan, is an American actress renowned for her roles in films such as Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, The Sweetest Thing, and the Hellboy franchise. Blair’s career took off with her breakthrough role in Cruel Intentions (1999), where she quickly became a prominent figure in Hollywood. Besides her acting career, Blair is also known for her advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness after being diagnosed in 2018. She has shared her journey in a documentary and her memoir, Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up (2022).
Early Life and Education
Selma Blair Beitner was born on June 23, 1972, in Southfield, Michigan, to Molly Ann Cooney, a judge, and Elliot I. Beitner, a lawyer. She was raised in a well-educated, affluent family alongside her two brothers. Growing up in Michigan, Blair had a relatively normal childhood, but she was often drawn to the arts. She was particularly interested in acting from a young age, though her initial focus was on writing. Blair was educated at the prestigious Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she honed her interest in performance arts.
Blair continued her education at the University of Michigan, where she majored in psychology. However, her passion for acting led her to transfer to the University of Southern California (USC). There, she graduated with a degree in English and also studied acting at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Despite the academic rigor, Blair always knew her true calling lay in the entertainment industry, and she soon pursued this path with full determination.
Personal Life
Selma Blair’s personal life has been a subject of public interest over the years, particularly due to her openness about her health struggles. In 2018, Blair publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness that affects the nervous system. Her candidness about her diagnosis was a turning point in her life and career, allowing her to connect with fans and people dealing with similar health challenges. Blair’s transparency about living with MS has been an inspiration for many, and she has used her platform to raise awareness and promote discussions surrounding neurological conditions.
In terms of relationships, Blair has had a few notable ones. She was married to musician Ahmet Zappa from 2004 to 2006, a union that ended in divorce. Despite the challenges in her personal life, Blair has been vocal about the importance of self-care, therapy, and seeking support from loved ones. She has one child, a son named Arthur Saint Bleick, whom she shares with her former partner, fashion designer Jason Bleick.
Blair’s relationship with her son is an important aspect of her personal life, and she has been very open about the joys and challenges of motherhood. Despite her busy career, she has always placed a strong emphasis on her role as a mother, ensuring that Arthur remains a priority in her life.
Family
Selma Blair comes from a family with a strong intellectual background. Her mother, Molly Ann Cooney, worked as a judge, while her father, Elliot I. Beitner, was a lawyer. Growing up in a household with such accomplished parents, Blair was encouraged to pursue her ambitions and develop a well-rounded understanding of the world. Blair’s family dynamic is often described as supportive, with her parents instilling a sense of discipline and focus in their children.
Blair is particularly close to her younger brother, who, like her, is academically inclined. While her family was supportive of her early interest in acting, Blair has often spoken about her desire to make a name for herself outside of her family’s expectations. She has said that her upbringing provided her with the foundation to pursue her career with confidence, and the values instilled in her have shaped the way she navigates life and challenges.
Her son, Arthur Saint Bleick, is a significant part of her family life. Although Blair has faced numerous personal challenges, including her MS diagnosis, she has consistently emphasized how much her son has motivated her to persevere. Blair is devoted to ensuring that Arthur has a healthy, supportive environment in which to grow up, and she frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media.
Detailed Bio Table
| Name | Selma Blair Beitner |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 1972 (age 52) |
| Birthplace | Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (163 cm) |
| Parents’ Names | Molly Ann Cooney (Mother), Elliot I. Beitner (Father) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Net Worth | $12 million (as of 2025) |
Career
Selma Blair’s career in the entertainment industry began in the early 1990s. After moving to Los Angeles, she started to take on small television and film roles. Her early career was marked by guest appearances on shows like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Anger Management. Blair quickly made a name for herself with her striking appearance and talent, landing her first major film role in Cruel Intentions (1999), a teen drama that was both a critical and commercial success.
The film not only established Blair as a rising star but also opened doors to several other high-profile roles. She went on to appear in Legally Blonde (2001), where she played the memorable character of Vivian Kensington, a college rival to Reese Witherspoon’s character. The film was a box office hit and cemented Blair’s place in Hollywood. She also starred in The Sweetest Thing (2002), where she showcased her comedic chops alongside actresses Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate.
Blair’s career continued to grow through the early 2000s with roles in Hellboy (2004) and its sequel Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), where she played Liz Sherman, a character with pyrokinetic abilities. These films expanded Blair’s repertoire, demonstrating her ability to take on action-packed roles in addition to dramatic and comedic parts.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Blair faced challenges behind the scenes. Her personal struggles, including her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, led to periods of reduced visibility in the public eye. However, Blair’s resilience and determination to continue her career were evident when she returned to the spotlight with the release of Introducing, Selma Blair in 2021. This documentary, which chronicles her life after her MS diagnosis, offers a raw and emotional look into Blair’s battle with the disease, as well as her ongoing journey to maintain her acting career.
Blair’s career has not been confined to the big screen. She has also appeared on various television shows, including American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) and The Search for Life (2019). Furthermore, she expanded her career with the release of her memoir, Mean Baby, in 2022, which became a bestseller. In the book, Blair offers an unflinching look at her life, from her childhood in Michigan to her experiences in Hollywood and her struggles with MS.
In addition to acting and writing, Blair has used her fame to advocate for MS awareness. She actively engages in charitable work, using her platform to promote research and understanding of the disease. Her courage in speaking out about her diagnosis has inspired countless individuals living with similar conditions.
| Year | Project | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Cruel Intentions | Cecile Caldwell | Breakthrough role in a teen drama |
| 2001 | Legally Blonde | Vivian Kensington | Iconic role in a popular comedy film |
| 2002 | The Sweetest Thing | Jane Burns | Comedy film alongside Cameron Diaz |
| 2004 | Hellboy | Liz Sherman | Role in the superhero franchise |
| 2008 | Hellboy II: The Golden Army | Liz Sherman | Sequel to Hellboy, continued role |
| 2016 | American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson | Kris Jenner | Played a supporting role in this series |
| 2021 | Introducing, Selma Blair | Herself | Documentary about her life with MS |
| 2022 | Mean Baby (Memoir) | Author | Released bestselling memoir |
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Account Name | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @selmablair | Selma Blair Instagram | |
| @SelmaBlair | Selma Blair Twitter | |
| Selma Blair | Selma Blair Facebook |
Latest News
As of early 2025, Selma Blair remains in the spotlight with her continuous advocacy for multiple sclerosis (MS). She recently starred in Introducing, Selma Blair, a 2021 documentary that shares her emotional journey living with MS. She continues to inspire many, using her platform to raise awareness about the condition. Her memoir, Mean Baby, also gained attention for its candid reflections on her life, including the challenges of being diagnosed with MS.
Height & Physical Appearance
Selma Blair stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Known for her striking features, Blair has a natural, graceful presence. She has dark brown hair, which she often styles in a bob or medium-length cuts. Blair is also known for her fashion sense, favoring a mix of classic and contemporary styles that complement her petite frame. Over the years, her physical appearance has evolved, yet she maintains an undeniable charm and poise.
Net Worth (As of 2025)
As of 2025, Selma Blair’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. Blair’s wealth comes from her extensive acting career, with iconic roles in films and television series, as well as her various business ventures. She has also accumulated wealth through her book deal for Mean Baby and her involvement in multiple advocacy campaigns related to MS. Her fame and influence in Hollywood, along with her entrepreneurship, continue to bolster her financial standing.
FAQs
- What happened to Selma Blair?
Selma Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, which significantly impacted her health. She later shared her journey through a documentary and memoir. - What were the symptoms of Selma Blair’s MS?
Blair’s MS symptoms included difficulty walking, extreme fatigue, and vision problems. She also experienced coordination issues and debilitating pain. - Why did Selma Blair stop acting?
Blair paused her acting career due to the physical toll of MS, which made it challenging to continue working in the industry. - What is Selma Blair most known for?
Selma Blair is most known for her roles in Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and the Hellboy series, as well as her advocacy for MS awareness.
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