Liz Hurley at 60: A Life of Fashion, Acting, and Entrepreneurship
Transformed Punk Rebel into Bikini Model - Transformed punk-loving girl to celebrated bikini model
Growing up as a rebellious punk teenager in Basingstoke, England, nobody would have guessed that Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley would become the epitome of elegance in the entertainment industry. With a teased hairdo, torn clothes, distinctive makeup, and a nose ring, she was determined to appear unattractive to fend off unwanted male attention.
From Punk to Style Icon
In 1994, Hurley gained worldwide fame by attending the premiere of her then-partner Hugh Grant's film, "Four Weddings and a Funeral," in a black Versace dress held together by golden safety pins. This bold move propelled her into the upper echelons of the fashion world and established her as an international style icon. Fast forward to 2019, Hurley donned a revamped version of the iconic dress for "Harper's Bazaar," recreating that unforgettable moment.
On-Screen Success
Starting her acting career in 1987 with the anthology film "Aria" (competing at Cannes Film Festival), Hurley made her mark in Hollywood with her role opposite Jürgen Prochnow in the thriller "The Skipper" in 1990. She was initially considered for the role of a Bond girl in "GoldenEye" (1995), but instead chose to partake in the "Austin Powers" films, playing Vanessa Kensington, the partner of the titular secret agent.
She continued her television career with roles in "Gossip Girl" and "The Royals," gaining a new generation of fans in the process.
Business Savvy and an Estée Lauder Face
Hurley didn't stop at acting. Along with Hugh Grant, she founded Simian Films in 1996 and produced several films, including "Mickey Blue Eyes." From 1994 to 2001, Hurley modeled for Estée Lauder, solidifying her place in the fashion world and contributing significantly to her net worth.
For over 20 years, Hurley has also been an ambassador for the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign, working tirelessly to destigmatize and raise awareness about breast cancer. In 2005, she established her own swimwear line, "Elizabeth Hurley Beach," which organically maintains a strong online presence through her 3.1 million Instagram followers.
The Natural Approach
Contrary to popular belief, Hurley has never undergone plastic surgery. Instead, she relies on natural care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to maintain her youthful appearance. Living on an organic farm in Gloucestershire, she advocates for sustainable agriculture and natural beauty practices.
A Dramatic Love Life
In 2024, Hurley starred in the erotic thriller "Strictly Confidential," directed by her son, Damian Hurley. Despite sharing intimate scenes, mother and son's bond remained unshaken. Damian is the son of the late American businessman Steve Bing, initially denying paternity but later confirmed through a DNA test. Among Damian Hurley's godparents are Hugh Grant, David Beckham, and Elton John.
Hurley's relationships with ex-boyfriend Grant and former husband Arun Nayar remain amicable, as demonstrated by Damian's heartfelt Instagram post in November 2024. She was engaged to Australian cricketer Shane Warne until their split in 2013. Warne unexpectedly passed away in 2022, leaving 19-year-old Damian to express his sorrow through a series of family photos on Instagram.
New Romance and a Bright Future
By the end of May 2025, Hurley was seen in Rome with her new love, American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. They made their relationship public with a joint post on Easter 2025, sharing their love story through an interview on "The Ty Bentli Show." According to Cyrus, Hurley reached out to him when life was tough, providing emotional support during a challenging time in his life.
- Liz Hurley
- Hugh Grant
- Estée Lauder
- Men
- The Royals
- Damian Hurley
- Women
- Hampshire
- Partners
- Death
- Olymp
- Harper's Bazaar
- London
- Cannes Film Festival
- Love
- Jürgen Prochnow
Enrichment Data:
- Acting Achievements: Hurley's notable acting roles include her breakout role in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" as Vanessa Kensington, appearances in films like "Passenger 57," "EDtv," "Bedazzled," and "Serving Sara," and television roles in "Gossip Girl" and "The Royals." In 2024, she acted in and produced the film "Strictly Confidential."
- Fashion and Modeling: As a model, Hurley notably worked with Estée Lauder, which significantly boosted her net worth. She is known for her stylish red-carpet appearances and fashion choices.
- Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures: Along with Hugh Grant, Hurley founded Simian Films in 1996, producing films like "Extreme Measures" and "Mickey Blue Eyes." Her shrewd business moves have amassed a net worth of $50 million by 2025, through acting, modeling contracts, syndication checks, and her own swimwear line, "Elizabeth Hurley Beach."
In 1996, Hurley, alongside Hugh Grant, founded Simian Films, establishing a successful career as an entrepreneur in the film industry. Elizabeth Hurley's net worth grew significantly from her acting, modeling contracts, and the syndication checks of films like "Extreme Measures" and "Mickey Blue Eyes," as well as her own swimwear line, "Elizabeth Hurley Beach."
Throughout her career, Hurley has remained a prominent figure in various aspects of entertainment and pop-culture, stretching from her acting achievements in films like "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" to her international fashion icon status showcased on the red carpet. Today, she continues to engage with her fans through social media platforms like Instagram, where she boasts over 3.1 million followers.
