Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley: From Punk Rebel at 16 to Elegant Icon at 60
Transformed Punk-Enthusiast into Bikini-Model Starlet - Punk music devotee transitions into glamorous bikini model career
Hey there! Let's dive into the life of the fabulous Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley, who's turning 60 on June 10. Born in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, Liz has come a long way from her punk teen years to becoming an icon in the entertainment industry.
At 16, she was a true punk with teased hair, torn clothes, distinctive makeup, and even a nose ring. "I just wanted to look as ugly as possible to fend off the interest from men,” she admitted to The Sun[1]. But little did she know that she'd soon captivate the world with her style!
The Unforgettable Safety Pin Dress
Liz Hurley exploded onto the scene in 1994, visiting Hugh Grant's "Four Weddings and a Funeral" premiere in a black Versace dress held together by golden safety pins. This daring outfit catapulted her to global fashion fame and made her an instant style icon[2]. In 2019, she reprised the look for Harper's Bazaar[3].
A Versatile Actress and Businesswoman
Liz headed to the London Studio Centre for dance, theater studies, and acting. In 1987, she debuted in "Aria" (in competition at Cannes) and played alongside Jürgen Prochnow in the 1990 thriller "The Skipper." In 1992's "Passenger 57," she impressed once more[2].
She famously dodged the role of a Bond girl in "GoldenEye" (1995) for the "Austin Powers" movies, playing Vanessa Kensington[2]. She also starred in TV series like "Gossip Girl" as Diana Payne and "The Royals" as Queen Helena, head of a fictional British royal family[2].
Liz didn't stop at acting, though. With Hugh Grant, she founded Simian Films. From 1994 to 2001, she modeled for Estee Lauder and became an ambassador for their Breast Cancer Campaign. She's championed charitable projects and runs her own swimwear line, "Elizabeth Hurley Beach[4][5]."
A Natural Beauty
Contrary to plastic surgery rumors, Liz relies on natural care, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition for her youthful appearance. Living on an organic farm in Gloucester, England, she advocates for sustainable agriculture[6].
Love Life and Scandalous Headlines
Liz played the lead in the erotic thriller "Strictly Confidential" in 2024, directed by none other than her son, Damian[7]. Her love life has been anything but conventional, including a turbulent relationship with ex-boyfriend Hugh Grant that's now friendly, a marriage to Arun Nayar (2007-2011), and a romance with Australian cricketer Shane Warne (deceased in 2022)[8][9].
Liz recently found happiness with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The couple reconnected after her divorce in 2024, confirming their relationship in a joint Instagram post at Easter 2025[10]. They celebrated her 60th birthday together in 2025[11].
- Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley
- Hugh Grant
- Liz Hurley
- Esteé Lauder
- Men
- The Royals
- Damian Hurley
- Women
- Hampshire
- Partners
- Death
- Jürgen Prochnow
[1] https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/20190920100002/liz-hurley-real-reason-punk-teenager/[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liz_Hurley[3] https://www.harperbazaar.com/uk/fashion/gallery/a36270474/the-iconic-dresses-that-made-liz-hurley/[4] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1110398/Liz-Hurley-talks-Motherhood-60.html[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Hurley_Beach[6] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2196725/Liz-Hurley-sustainable-farming-home-country-lifestyle.html[7] https://www.express.co.uk/celebrities/celebrity-news/1152401/Liz-Hurley-son-Damian-takes-charge-cheerful-director[8] https://www.hi-magazine.co.uk/493344/liz-hurley-marries-arun-nayar/[9] https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/20230224179263/shane-warne-elizabeth-hurley-split-2013/[10] https://www.eonline.com/news/1368165/billy-ray-cyrus-and-elizabeth-hurley-confirm-romance-with-dreamy-easter-photos[11] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12522849/Elizabeth-Hurley-sparks-speculation-dating-American-music-star-Billy-Ray-Cyrus.html
- Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley and her partner, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, celebrated her 60th birthday together in 2025, posting about it on social media platforms like Instagram.
- Throughout her career, Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley has worked with various men in the entertainment industry, such as Hugh Grant, Jürgen Prochnow, and Damian Hurley, her son who directed a film she starred in.
