Elizabeth Berkley Celebrates 30 Years of ‘Showgirls’ Amid Cult Classic Boom

UPDATE: Elizabeth Berkley has just celebrated the 30th anniversary of her iconic role in the controversial film Showgirls during the premiere of her new Hulu series All’s Fair in Los Angeles on October 16, 2025. The actress reflected on how the film, once panned by critics, has transformed into a beloved cult classic.

“It’s such an amazing moment to think that this movie that in the ’90s you thought maybe would die on a video shelf at Blockbuster is now this massive cult classic,” Berkley told Good Morning America. She expressed gratitude for the film’s resurgence, noting that audiences have embraced the story of her character Nomi, who dreams of becoming a showgirl in Las Vegas.

Upon its release in 1995, Showgirls faced harsh criticism, earning a record seven Golden Raspberry Awards. However, Berkley shared that new generations are discovering the film and finding inspiration in Nomi’s journey. “I met a group of women from Spain who had just watched Showgirls and didn’t know about the backlash,” she revealed. “They thought it was always embraced and celebrated.”

Berkley acknowledged that the film was “ahead of its time,” and remarked on how perspectives have shifted over the years. Many in Hollywood, including Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, have cited Showgirls as a source of inspiration.

Adding to the film’s resurgence, Berkley noted the current popularity of the showgirl theme, particularly with Taylor Swift‘s recent album, The Life of a Showgirl. “It’s in the zeitgeist!” she exclaimed, excited about the cultural conversation surrounding the topic.

At the premiere, Berkley was joined by a star-studded cast including Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Teyana Taylor. The series All’s Fair revolves around a group of female divorce attorneys breaking away from a male-dominated firm to start their own practice. Berkley emphasized the camaraderie among the cast, stating, “We all just got to bring our A-game and bring out the best in each other.”

The renewed interest in Showgirls highlights a broader cultural shift regarding women’s empowerment and representation in Hollywood. As Berkley continues to engage with new audiences, the conversation around her role in Showgirls remains as vibrant as ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the impact of Showgirls continues to unfold in popular culture.