As a former soap opera star, actress Isla Fisher could well have spent her career trapped in daytime television. She managed to break free of her sudsy bonds, however, first in London theater, then in mainstream Hollywood movies, all the while carving out a promising film career. But a public past that included racy spreads in British tabloids, stories about late-night partying and numerous romances, and constant questioning of her engagement to Sacha Baron Cohen (a.k.a. Ali G) threatened to turn her burgeoning career into a tabloid circus. Instead, Fisher stayed mum on her personal life and developed into a fine comedic talent with a bright future as a genuine actress. Then a breakout role as a wanton bridesmaid in “The Wedding Crashers” (2005), an uproarious comedy with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, pushed Fisher into the spotlight, giving her opportunities previously unseen.
Though of Scottish heritage (her name is Celtic, taken from the Isle of Islay), Fisher was born on February 3, 1976 in Muscat, Oman because her father worked for the United Nations. Her younger brother was later born in Brunei. The Fisher family then moved to Perth, Australia when she was seven. Two years later, her parents divorced. At 9, Fisher—a natural performer who always craved attention—began appearing in commercials and on television. By the time she was 11, Fisher was working consistently. She left home in 1992 to work on the short-lived syndicated teen drama, “Paradise Beach” (1993), about a group of young people from different parts of the world who settle in Australia in search of love, excitement and success. A year later, Fisher joined the cast of the popular Australian soap opera, “Home and Away” (Seven, 1988- ), playing Shannon Reed from 1994-1997.
In 1996, Fisher published two novels, Bewitched and Seduced by Fame, sappy romantic tripe about devious men and the lures of fame aimed at 14 year-olds. Once her stint on “Home and Away” was over, Fisher escaped Australia for Paris where she was accepted to the prestigious Jacques Lecoq School after bombarding them with numerous letters. She studied mime and Commedia dell’Arte, and emerged from the school a fully qualified clown. In 1998, she was performing in the British musical “Summer Holiday,” as well as several pantos—pantomime shows—that eventually took a toll on the actress. After a role on the seven-part BBC drama “Hearts and Bones” (2000) and another in “Atilla” (USA, 2001) as the marauding heathen’s bride-to-be, Fisher got her first big break as Shaggy’s girlfriend, Mary Jane, in “Scooby Doo” (2002).
Her role in “Scooby Doo” led to no more work than usual—a surprise given its box office success and the certain exposure she received. But Fisher plodded on, appearing alongside Jeff Goldblum in the independent coming-of-age drama, “Dallas 362” (2003), the directing debut of Hollywood progeny, Scott Caan. A brief appearance in David O. Russell’s existential comedy, “I Heart Huckabees” (2004) and small part in the mockumentary series “Pilot Season” (TRIO, 2004) was followed by her breakthrough role as a sex-starved bridesmaid in “The Wedding Crashers.” Fisher nearly pulled the rug out from under co-stars Wilson and Vaughn, easily holding her own against the two comedic heavyweights. “The Wedding Crashers” went on to take in over $120 million at the box office and even grabbed the number one spot in its third weekend of release.
With her profile gaining more attention, it was surprising for Fisher to retreat into smaller, independent films that, despite some critical praise, failed to capture the public’s attention. After “Wedding Crashers,” Fisher was in “London” (2006), an esoteric drama about an impulsive hipster (Chris Evan) who learns his ex-girlfriend, London (Jessica Biel), is leaving New York City for good and decides to crash her going away party, only to hole himself up in the bathroom with a pile of cocaine and an enigmatic bartender (Jason Statham) where his drug-fueled conversation runs the gamut of topics while he works up the courage to talk to London before it’s too late. She next starred in Scott Frank’s directorial debut, “The Lookout” (2007), playing an ex-stripper who, along with her shady acquaintance (Matthew Goode), helps lure a former high school hockey star (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) suffering brain damage from a car accident into helping to rob the bank where he sweeps floors.