Can a single film define a lifetime? For Liesel Matthews, the answer might be a resounding yes. Despite a brief foray into Hollywood, her legacy extends far beyond the silver screen, entwined with family drama, immense wealth, and a commitment to philanthropy.

Born Liesel Anne Pritzker on March 14, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois, she entered the world as a member of the prominent Pritzker family, a dynasty synonymous with the Hyatt Hotels empire. But it wasn't her lineage that initially captured public attention; it was her portrayal of Sara Crewe in the 1995 film adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnetts classic, "A Little Princess." Under the stage name Liesel Matthews, borrowed from her brother Matthew, she embodied the resilience and grace of a young girl facing adversity. This role, coupled with a smaller part in "Air Force One" (1997) and "Blast" (2000), marked the entirety of her Hollywood journey.

Liesel Matthews - Bio Data
Full Name	Liesel Anne Pritzker Simmons (Stage Name: Liesel Matthews)
Date of Birth	March 14, 1984
Place of Birth	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Former Child Actress, Heiress, Philanthropist
Father	Robert Pritzker
Mother	Irene Dryer Pritzker
Family	Pritzker Family (Hyatt Hotels Fortune)
Film Career	A Little Princess (1995) - as Sara Crewe Air Force One (1997) - as Alice Marshall Blast (2000)
Legal Dispute	Settled a lawsuit with her family over trust funds, receiving around $500 million. The Pritzker family eventually settled dispute with $900 million agreement.
Philanthropic Activities	Focuses on spirituality and charity work, particularly in India.
Net Worth (Estimate)	Billionaire (as of 2025)
Additional Notes	Changed her last name following a custody battle with her father. Named in homage to Liesl von Trapp from "The Sound of Music". Jewish roots from paternal line and Australian descent from maternal roots.
Reference Link
Forbes Profile - Liesel Pritzker Simmons

However, Liesel Matthews's story takes a sharp turn away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and delves into the complex world of family wealth and legal battles. In the early 2000s, she and her brother, Matthew Pritzker, initiated a lawsuit against their family, alleging that their father, Robert Pritzker, had misappropriated funds from their trust funds during his divorce from their mother, Irene Dryer. The lawsuit sought a staggering $1.1 billion for each sibling, in addition to $5 billion in punitive damages. The accusations were severe, painting a picture of a family fractured by greed and betrayal.

The legal proceedings were intense and highly publicized, casting a shadow over the Pritzker name. Ultimately, the dispute was resolved with a $900 million settlement, a substantial sum that underscored the magnitude of the family's fortune and the depth of the rift. While the details of the agreement remained confidential, it effectively ended the lawsuit and allowed Liesel and Matthew to move forward with their lives, albeit forever marked by the experience.

The echoes of "A Little Princess" resonate even within the context of the Pritzker family drama. The film, lauded for its portrayal of magic, friendship, courage, and unconditional love, offered a stark contrast to the real-life legal battle that consumed Liesel Matthews's young adulthood. The purity of her character, Sara Crewe, who maintained her unwavering belief in goodness despite facing hardship, seemed almost paradoxical when juxtaposed with the accusations of financial impropriety leveled against her own father.

It's worth noting that Liesel's stage name, Liesel Matthews, itself carries a layer of complexity. She adopted this name, incorporating her brother Matthew's name, at the start of her acting career. This choice may have been a way to create a separate identity, distinct from the Pritzker family name, or perhaps a gesture of solidarity with her brother, who would later join her in the lawsuit against their family. Whatever the reason, the name change further highlights Liesel Matthews's attempt to carve her own path, independent of her family's legacy.

The decision to step away from acting remains a significant turning point in Liesel Matthews's life. Despite the promising start to her career and the potential for continued success in Hollywood, she chose to pursue other passions. Some reports suggest she sought spiritual enlightenment and engaged in philanthropic work, particularly in India. This transition from the spotlight to a path of service and self-discovery reveals a depth of character and a desire to use her resources for the greater good.

Her lineage also plays a role in her story. Her father, Robert Pritzker, was a prominent figure in the Pritzker family, a key player in the growth of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Her mother, Irene Dryer, is of Australian descent. Interestingly, Liesel was reportedly named in homage to Liesl von Trapp, the eldest daughter in "The Sound of Music," adding another layer of cultural significance to her name.

Liesel Matthews's heritage is multifaceted. She has Jewish roots from her paternal line and Australian heritage from her maternal side, reflecting the diverse backgrounds that have shaped her identity. She is also one of twelve surviving grandchildren of Abram Nicholas Pritzker, the patriarch of the Pritzker family, a financier and industrialist who died in 1986.

The film "A Little Princess" continues to captivate audiences, reminding them of the power of imagination and the importance of empathy. The filmmakers embarked on an extensive search for the perfect Sara Crewe, months before cameras were set to roll, and Liesel Matthews ultimately embodied the role with grace and authenticity.

In Spanish-speaking regions, Liesel Matthews is fondly remembered as the actress who brought Sara to life in "La Princesita." The film's themes of magic, friendship, courage, and unconditional love resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying Liesel Matthews's place in cinematic history.

Even in Polish, her biography is sought after, with fans eager to learn about her childhood, family, personal life, career, and accomplishments ("Sprawd t biografi, aby dowiedzie si o jej dziecistwie, rodzinie, yciu osobistym, karierze i osigniciach").

In Japanese, she is known as the daughter of Robert Pritzker and his second wife, Airen Drievergu (" 2").

Her filmography, though concise, includes notable works. Besides "A Little Princess," she appeared in "Air Force One" as Alice Marshall, adding a touch of innocence to the high-stakes political thriller. She also had a role in "Blast," further showcasing her versatility as a young actress.

The film "A Little Princess" tells the story of Sara Crewe, who is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in World War I. The film explores themes of resilience, imagination, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Rusty Schwimmer, Arthur Malet, Vanessa Lee Chester, and Errol Sitahal were among the talented cast members who brought the story to life alongside Liesel Matthews.

While her acting career was short-lived, it left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her portrayal of Sara Crewe in "A Little Princess" continues to inspire and resonate with audiences of all ages. The film's message of kindness, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself remains timeless.

In the 1990s, Liesel Matthews captured hearts with her performances in "A Little Princess" and "Air Force One." These roles cemented her status as a child star and showcased her talent as an actress. However, her career trajectory took an unexpected turn, leading her away from the spotlight and towards a path of philanthropy and personal growth.

The question remains: where is Liesel Matthews now? While she may no longer be gracing the silver screen, her legacy lives on through her philanthropic endeavors and the enduring impact of her performance in "A Little Princess." She has transformed from a child star into a philanthropist, using her resources to make a positive difference in the world.

The Pritzker family, known for their vast wealth and influence, has also faced its share of challenges. The lawsuit involving Liesel and Matthew Pritzker brought the family's internal conflicts into the public eye, revealing the complexities and pressures that can accompany immense wealth.

Liesel Pritzker Simmons, as she is also known, is an American heiress and former child actress. She is a member of the Pritzker family and has used her wealth to support various charitable causes. Her story serves as a reminder that success can be defined in many ways, and that true fulfillment often comes from giving back to others.

The narrative surrounding Liesel Matthews is one of contrasts: a child star turned heiress, a legal battle amidst immense wealth, and a transition from Hollywood to philanthropy. Her journey reflects the complexities of life and the choices we make along the way. Ultimately, Liesel Matthews has created a legacy that extends far beyond her brief acting career, encompassing family, fortune, and a commitment to making the world a better place.