Isla Fisher is known for her bold performances in films like Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Now You See Me, and The Great Gatsby, yet beneath her fearless on-screen persona lies a self-described “nervous nelly.” Despite her personal anxieties, Fisher has blossomed into a Hollywood star, overcoming nerves and leaning into her comedic charm. “I’ve always been confident tapping into my inner idiot,” she joked in a 2009 interview with Entertainment Weekly. From a new kid constantly adjusting to different schools to a global star, Fisher’s journey is a fascinating one.
#1. Isla Fisher Moved Around a Lot Due to Her Father’s United Nations Job
Fisher had a whirlwind childhood. Born in Oman to Scottish parents, her family eventually settled in Perth, Australia, when she was six years old, after moving between several countries. The actor credits her sense of humor as a key tool for adapting to new schools each year. “I had to learn to be funny to make friends,” she told Marie Claire in 2021. That humor became central to her career, as did the resilience she built from being teased by her brothers during adolescence. “I had thicker skin when I got into show business, and that may have helped with the longevity of my career,” she added.
#2. Isla Fisher’s Mother Paved the Way for Her Acting Career
Fisher’s acting ambitions began when she was only four years old, spurred on by seeing her mother in a local production of Twelfth Night. By the time she was 11, Fisher was committed to making acting her profession. She even found her first agent on her own, flipping through the Yellow Pages and cold-calling agencies before landing her first gigs. Her breakthrough came with her role on the Australian soap opera Home and Away, where she starred from 1994 to 1997 before moving to London to chase her dreams on a bigger stage.
#3. She Found Solace in Books as a Child
Books played a huge role in Fisher’s childhood, especially as she navigated the challenges of moving and being the “new kid.” “Books were my safety net in so many ways,” she told Balance in 2017. Her love for literature also inspired her to co-write two young adult novels as a teenager. Decades later, this passion would culminate in her work as a children’s author.
#4. She Attended a Prestigious Clown School in Paris
At 21, Fisher took her comedic ambitions seriously by enrolling in the renowned L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, where she honed her physical comedy skills. Fisher credits this training with helping her think about embodying characters from the outside in, which became crucial to her later success in comedy. She learned to embrace her height (she’s 5’3″) and use it to her comedic advantage, especially when acting opposite much taller co-stars like Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers.
#5. Her Big Debut Alongside Scooby-Doo
Fisher’s first major Hollywood role came in Scooby-Doo (2002), where she played Shaggy’s girlfriend, Mary Jane. The film’s success and Fisher’s paycheck allowed her to start enjoying life in Los Angeles. Shortly after, her now-husband, Sacha Baron Cohen, encouraged her to lean into comedy, which led to her iconic role in Wedding Crashers (2005). The film was a major turning point for Fisher, as she revealed, “That was my breakthrough performance,” joking that TSA officers still recognize her from the movie.
#6. She Experienced a ‘Low Point’ After Wedding Crashers
Despite the success of Wedding Crashers, Fisher found herself in a career lull, going an entire year without landing a role. “That was a real low point,” she admitted to Women’s Health. Though her career soon bounced back, auditioning has remained a nerve-wracking experience for the star. Fisher shared that even as she has become more established, auditions still make her more anxious than they did earlier in her career.
#7. Isla Fisher’s Career Put the Pedal to the Metal
By 2007, Fisher’s career was back on track. She starred in a string of successful films, including Hot Rod, Definitely, Maybe, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and The Great Gatsby. She also got the opportunity to work with big names like Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, and Leonardo DiCaprio. When asked about working with DiCaprio, she praised his kindness and recalled that he remembered all of her kids’ names.
#8. She Married Fellow Actor Sacha Baron Cohen
Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen met in 2002 and married in a low-key ceremony in Paris in 2010 after Fisher converted to Judaism. The couple shares three children: daughters Olive and Elula, and son Montgomery. Despite their A-list status, Fisher and Cohen keep their relationship private, with Fisher telling The Australian Women’s Weekly that keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight has helped them maintain their connection.
#9. Since Becoming a Mom, She Prefers Smaller Roles
Since becoming a mother, Fisher has preferred supporting roles in ensemble casts, which allow her to balance work with family life. She told The Scotsman that leading roles were too demanding, especially with the pressures of headlining a movie and being away from her kids. Fisher explained that smaller roles still allow her to take creative risks without the overwhelming responsibility of carrying an entire film.
#10. She Teamed Up with Her Hollywood Doppelgänger in 2016
Fisher has long been mistaken for fellow redhead Amy Adams, and the two finally appeared in the same film, Nocturnal Animals, in 2016. Fisher recounted a funny incident where Lady Gaga mistook her for Adams at an Oscars party, but Fisher, too starstruck to correct her, simply accepted the compliment.
#11. Isla Fisher Got Back to Her Roots and Became a Published Author
In addition to her acting career, Fisher has carved out a niche as a children’s author. Inspired by her role as a mom, she launched the Marge in Charge series in 2016. Fisher’s love for storytelling and concern over the decline of long-form reading in favor of quick digital content drove her to write for a younger audience. She has even hinted at a return to young adult fiction in the future.
#12. She Gives Herself Grace When It Comes to Health and Wellness
Fisher doesn’t follow strict fitness regimens or restrictive diets, but instead focuses on balance. While she enjoys indulgences like tempura and French fries, she also incorporates healthy habits like yoga and hiking into her routine. Above all, Fisher gives herself grace when it comes to wellness, emphasizing the importance of not striving for perfection.
#13. Isla Fisher Returned to Australia in 2020
In 2020, Fisher and her family relocated to her hometown of Perth, Australia, seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. She told Stellar Magazine that being in Australia makes her feel “safe” and “cozy.” While some speculated that the move was related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports suggest that the couple’s disillusionment with American politics played a role.
#14. She Continues to Keep Her Personal Life Off Social Media
Fisher is highly protective of her personal life, particularly when it comes to her marriage and children. She avoids sharing too many personal details in interviews and keeps her social media focused on her career. Fisher has expressed concern over the negative effects of platforms like Instagram on children and society, which is why she keeps a low profile online.
