Elizabeth Hurley has spent more than three decades in the spotlight — sometimes for her films, often for her fashion, and just as frequently for her high-profile romances. From that now-legendary red carpet moment in the 1990s to her current chapter alongsideBilly Ray Cyrus, she has rarely drifted far from public view.
As fresh headlines swirl around her personal life once again, here's a quick look back at the moments that shaped the actress-model into a lasting fixture of British celebrity culture.
Hurley was born on 10 June 1965 in Basingstoke, Hampshire. She won a scholarship to study dance and theatre at the London Studio Centre before briefly embracing a punk aesthetic in her early years, complete with pink hair and a nose ring.
In 1994, Hurley accompanied then-boyfriend Hugh Grant to the premiere ofFour Weddings and a Funeralwearing a black Versace gown held together by gold safety pins. The dress became a cultural moment and shifted her into international fame,HELLO!notes.
Though she had early screen appearances inAriaandRemando al Viento,Hurley became widely recognised for playing Vanessa Kensington inAustin Powers, a role frequentlycitedas herHollywoodbreakthrough.
Hurley became the face of Estée Lauder at 28, despite having no formal modelling background. The contract turned her into a global cosmetics ambassador and significantly raised her profile. She later launched her own swimwear label, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, at Harrods in 2005.
Hurley and Hugh Grant met in 1987 while filmingRemando al Vientoand dated for 13 years. Despite Grant's highly publicised 1995 scandal, the pair remained together until 2000 and are still close friends. Grant is the godfather of her son Damian.
HurleymarriedIndian businessman Arun Nayar in 2007 in ceremonies held in England and India before they separated in 2010.
She later became engaged to Australian cricketer Shane Warne in 2011. Theysplitin 2013. Warne died in 2022, and Hurley paid tribute to him on social media at the time.
Hurley welcomed her only child, Damian, in April 2002 following a relationship with businessman Steve Bing. Bing initially denied paternity before a DNA test confirmed he was the father.
Source: International Business Times UK
