So, you know, when we talk about folks who were on screen when they were just little ones, there's one name that often pops up, and that is Ellen Hamilton Latzen. She was a child performer, you see, who made a real impression in a handful of television shows and feature films back in the day. Her work, especially in some big-name movies, really made her quite recognized for a while, giving us a peek into what it's like to be a young actor in the public eye.
It's almost like, her time in front of the cameras was a specific period, a stretch of years where she was quite active. From the late 1980s into the late 1990s, she was, in some respects, regularly showing up in different productions. This was a time when she was quite young, of course, and her roles often involved her playing characters that were, you know, just kids themselves, which makes sense given her age at the time. She really was, in a way, a familiar face for a generation of viewers.
And then, as is often the case with people who start their public lives so young, things changed. Today, her path has taken her away from the bright lights and busy scenes of Hollywood. She's found a different kind of life, one that is, arguably, much more about quiet moments and personal space. It's a journey that many who begin in the entertainment world eventually take, seeking something a little bit different as they grow up.
Table of Contents
- Who is Ellen Hamilton Latzen? Her Early Life and Beginnings
- Personal Details and Biography of Ellen Hamilton Latzen
- What Were Ellen Hamilton Latzen's Most Memorable Roles?
- Beyond the Big Screen - Ellen Hamilton Latzen's TV Appearances
- What Happened to Ellen Hamilton Latzen After Acting?
- A Look at Life Away from Hollywood for Ellen Hamilton Latzen
- The Legacy of a Child Performer - Ellen Hamilton Latzen
- Revisiting the Career of Ellen Hamilton Latzen
Who is Ellen Hamilton Latzen? Her Early Life and Beginnings
So, you might be curious about Ellen Hamilton Latzen, who she is, and where she came from. She was born in the United States, that's for sure, and grew up right here. Her birth date is July 26, 1980, which means she was quite young when she started appearing in movies and on television. This makes her one of those individuals who got a very early start in the entertainment business, stepping onto sets when many kids her age were just focused on school and play.
Her mom, Anne Hamilton, is mentioned, and that's a piece of her personal story. It's interesting to consider how a young person gets into acting, and often, it starts with family support or a chance encounter. For Ellen, her path led her to become what people call a "child actress," someone who performs professionally while still a minor. This period of her life, you know, from about 1987 to 1997, was when she was most active in the public eye, taking on various parts that would make her a recognizable face to many viewers of the time. It was a pretty significant stretch of her childhood, actually, spent in front of cameras and working on different productions.
Personal Details and Biography of Ellen Hamilton Latzen
Let's get a little more specific about Ellen Hamilton Latzen. She's an American, born and raised in the USA. Her journey into acting started when she was just a little girl, and she became known for a few specific roles that really stood out. She goes by a nickname too, "Beano," which is kind of a fun little detail about her. This table below gives a quick look at some of the basic facts about her life and her time in the spotlight.
| Full Name | Ellen Hamilton Latzen |
| Nickname | Beano |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For Roles | Ellen Gallagher in Fatal Attraction (1987), Ruby Sue in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) |
| Active Years (Acting) | 1987 - 1997 |
| Parent | Anne Hamilton (mother) |
| Current Residence | Eastern Pennsylvania |
You know, it's pretty clear from this that she had a concentrated period of work as a young person. The fact that she was active for about a decade, from the late 80s to the late 90s, really shows that she put in some time. Her roles, which we'll get into a bit more, were, in a way, quite different from each other, showing a bit of range even at a young age. It's interesting to see how these details paint a picture of her early life and professional endeavors.
What Were Ellen Hamilton Latzen's Most Memorable Roles?
So, when people talk about Ellen Hamilton Latzen, they pretty much always bring up a couple of her movie appearances. She was, in a way, really recognized for her part in that movie, Fatal Attraction, which came out in 1987. In that film, she played a character named Ellen Gallagher. That particular movie was, you know, a pretty big deal at the time, getting a lot of attention for its dramatic story. Her role in it, even as a young person, was quite central to the story's unfolding, making her presence quite notable.
Then, just a couple of years later, she showed up in a very different kind of film, one that many families still watch around the holidays: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation from 1989. In this one, she took on the part of Ruby Sue. This movie is, like, a classic comedy, known for its funny and sometimes chaotic holiday shenanigans. Her character, Ruby Sue, was part of the extended family, adding to the general humor and charm of the story. So, you see, she had these two pretty distinct roles that really stuck with audiences, one in a serious thriller and the other in a beloved comedy, which is, in some respects, quite a range for a young performer.
Beyond the Big Screen - Ellen Hamilton Latzen's TV Appearances
It wasn't just the movies where Ellen Hamilton Latzen made her mark, you know. She also showed up on television during her active years as a child actress. From 1987 to 1997, she had roles in various TV shows, which is, honestly, pretty typical for young performers trying to get experience and build their careers. These TV parts allowed her to work on different kinds of projects and reach a wider audience, as television was, of course, a very popular medium then, just as it is now.
Some of the shows she appeared in included well-known titles like Family Ties, which was a very popular sitcom at the time. She also had a part in The Equalizer, which was more of a drama series, and she showed up on Mr. Belvedere, another family-friendly show. These appearances, you know, might have been smaller parts compared to her movie roles, but they were still important experiences for a young actor. They gave her more time in front of the camera and allowed her to work with different casts and crews, adding to her professional background during those years. It's interesting to see how she balanced these different kinds of acting jobs.
What Happened to Ellen Hamilton Latzen After Acting?
So, after her active period in television and film, which, as we mentioned, lasted until about 1997, Ellen Hamilton Latzen's path took a turn. She stopped appearing in new productions, and that's something that often happens with child actors. Some continue into adult roles, but many, for various reasons, decide to step away from the public eye. For Ellen, it seems she chose a different kind of life, one that moved her away from the hustle and bustle that comes with being a working actor, especially in Hollywood.
The information suggests that she made a conscious choice to live a quieter existence. This kind of shift is, in a way, pretty understandable for someone who spent their formative years in the spotlight. It can be a lot of pressure, and many people eventually seek out a more private way of living. Her decision to move away from the industry and embrace a different kind of daily routine is, frankly, a common narrative for those who started young in the entertainment business. It's a personal choice, and it seems to have led her to a place where she feels more comfortable and settled.
A Look at Life Away from Hollywood for Ellen Hamilton Latzen
Today, Ellen Hamilton Latzen calls Eastern Pennsylvania her home. This is, you know, quite a departure from what one might expect for someone who was once active in Hollywood. Hollywood is a place of constant activity, with movie sets and studios and a general atmosphere of public life. Moving to Eastern Pennsylvania, by contrast, suggests a desire for something different, a place that offers more calm and, perhaps, a greater sense of normalcy. It's a pretty clear sign that her priorities shifted after her acting career.
The information says she's embraced a "quieter and more private life." This really speaks volumes about her current situation. It means she's not seeking out the limelight or the attention that comes with being a public figure. Instead, she's found a way of living that prioritizes her personal space and her own peace. This kind of choice is, arguably, a very deliberate one, showing a clear preference for a life that is, in some respects, far removed from the world she inhabited as a child performer. It's interesting to think about how different her day-to-day must be now compared to her early years.
The Legacy of a Child Performer - Ellen Hamilton Latzen
Even though Ellen Hamilton Latzen stepped away from acting years ago, her work as a child performer still holds a place in film history. The movies she was in, especially Fatal Attraction and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, are still watched by many people today. This means that her performances, even from when she was very young, continue to be seen by new audiences, which is, you know, a pretty cool thing for any actor. Her roles in these films were, in a way, quite memorable, contributing to the overall feel and story of those productions.
For many who grew up watching these films, her face and her characters are a part of their own movie-watching memories. She played parts that, you know, resonated with viewers, whether it was the child in a tense thriller or the kid in a funny family comedy. Her contribution, though made at a young age, helped shape those stories. So, while she might be living a private life now, her work from that specific period still exists and is, in some respects, part of the collective memory of film fans. It's a quiet kind of legacy, perhaps, but a legacy nonetheless.
Revisiting the Career of Ellen Hamilton Latzen
So, to bring things together, Ellen Hamilton Latzen's story is one of a child who found herself in the world of acting for a significant period. From 1987 to 1997, she was quite active, appearing in some really well-known movies like Fatal Attraction and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, where she played characters like Ellen Gallagher and Ruby Sue. She also showed up on popular TV shows of the time, including Family Ties, The Equalizer, and Mr. Belvedere. She was born on July 26, 1980, and her mother is Anne Hamilton. After her acting years, she chose a path away from the public eye, now making her home in Eastern Pennsylvania, where she leads a much more private and quiet life. Her journey, you know, really highlights the different paths people can take after an early start in the entertainment industry.
