Elizabeth Berkley Reflects on Being “Locked Out” of Hollywood After Showgirls Bombed: “I’ve Never Given Up”
Elizabeth Berkley is reclaiming her narrative three decades after one of Hollywood’s most infamous box office flops nearly ended her career. The Saved by the Bell alum has opened up about the painful aftermath of Showgirls — and how, despite being “locked out” of acting for years, she never stopped fighting for her place in the industry.
A Career Stalled by Controversy
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on November 11, 2025, Berkley reflected on the fallout from Showgirls, the 1995 erotic drama that was widely panned upon release and became a pop culture punchline.
“For a good two years, I wasn’t allowed to audition for things,” Berkley said. “The hardest part was being literally locked out of something I loved so much.”
The actress, now 53, revealed that the backlash was swift and severe. The film’s NC-17 rating, explicit content, and poor critical reception left her reputation in tatters. “I took a beating, guys,” Berkley said during a recent fan Q&A commemorating the movie’s 30th anniversary. “It was not fun for a little while. I’m not going to lie. It was painful. I was isolated. I felt abandoned by the very people I collaborated with.”
Hollywood’s Harsh Reaction
Directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, Showgirls was meant to launch Berkley into stardom following her breakout as Jessie Spano on Saved by the Bell. Instead, the movie — about an ambitious dancer navigating Las Vegas’ seedy underbelly — flopped critically and commercially, grossing just $37 million on a $45 million budget.
Berkley, who was only 21 at the time, became the face of the film’s failure. According to The Los Angeles Times, she was dropped by her agent shortly after and struggled to book auditions for years. “I couldn’t understand how people could be so cruel,” she told THR. “But I’m tough. I had to separate out what they said from what I believed to be true.”
She also revealed that her promotional tour for Showgirls was emotionally taxing and poorly managed. Publicists reportedly showed her clips of brutal reviews mocking her appearance and acting. “A lot of things went on that wouldn’t be allowed now,” Berkley said. “Someone could not be pummeled to that degree today.”
From Rejection to Redemption
In the years following Showgirls, Berkley worked tirelessly to rebuild her career. She eventually found steady work in television, appearing in series such as CSI: Miami, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and The L Word. She also earned praise for her stage work, including performances in Hurlyburly and Sly Fox.
Recently, she has been on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of Showgirls — a film now considered a cult classic and an early example of feminist camp cinema. “It’s wild how it’s come full circle,” Berkley said. “To see it embraced by audiences and even studied academically — that’s a kind of redemption I never imagined.”
Her comeback also includes a guest role on the buzzy legal drama All’s Fair, which she joined earlier this year. The series has been met with mixed reviews, but Berkley’s appearance has drawn positive attention for her resilience and persistence.
Finding Empowerment in Reflection
Berkley’s journey has become one of Hollywood’s most poignant redemption stories. What was once labeled a career-ending mistake has evolved into a symbol of perseverance and creative endurance.
“I’ve had some obstacles,” she said, “but I’ve never given up.”
Her story serves as a reminder of the industry’s shifting attitudes toward women and failure. Once dismissed and ridiculed, Berkley now stands as an example of how time — and self-belief — can reshape a legacy.
Showgirls may have been mocked in 1995, but in 2025, it’s celebrated for its unapologetic boldness — and for the actress who refused to let it define her.
What are your thoughts on Elizabeth Berkley’s remarkable comeback and Showgirls’ cultural revival? Share your views and join the discussion on InvestRecords.com.
