Eliza Dushku is an American actress and producer best known for playing strong, rebellious female characters in television and film. She first gained widespread recognition as Faith Lehane in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1998–2003) and its spin-off Angel (2000–2003), where she portrayed a dark, morally complex Slayer. She later starred in Tru Calling (2003–2005) as Tru Davies, a woman who relives days to prevent deaths, and headlined Joss Whedon’s sci-fi series Dollhouse (2009–2010) as Echo, a programmable agent with shifting identities. Dushku also made guest appearances in shows like The Guild and lent her voice to animated projects. Her television work solidified her as a fan-favorite actress in genre entertainment, known for her mix of charisma, toughness, and emotional depth.
In film, Dushku made her debut in True Lies (1994) as Dana Tasker, playing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rebellious daughter. She gained further popularity with Bring It On (2000) as Missy Pantone, an edgy cheerleader, and starred in the horror hit Wrong Turn (2003) as Jessie, a survivor of a mutant-filled forest. Other notable films include Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), The New Guy (2002), and The Alphabet Killer (2008). Beyond acting, Dushku has worked as a producer and activist, advocating for women in entertainment and mental health awareness. She has also been involved in documentary filmmaking and philanthropy, using her platform to support various social causes. Her legacy remains strong in cult-favorite TV and film, where she continues to be celebrated for her fierce and independent screen presence.