Liz Hurley at 60: From Rebellious Teen to Fashion Icon and Entrepreneur
Punk Rebel's Metamorphosis into Bikini Model Starshine - Transformed punk-rock enthusiast ascends to prominence in the realm of bikini modeling.
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Take a wild ride with us through the life of Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley, the once rebellious British teen who's now a timeless embodiment of style and success! Turning 60 on June 10, she looks back on a colorful life filled with surprising twists and turns.
Born in 1965 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, Liz Hurley has come a long way. This elegant lady was once a punk with spiky hair, torn clothes, bold makeup, and even a nose ring. "I reckon it was because so many men were interested in me. So, I tried to look as ugly as possible," she confessed about her teen years in an interview with "The Sun" for "Mail Online."
The Safety Pin Dress Revolution
Liz Hurley shot to fame worldwide in a blink of an eye. In 1994, she stepped out wearing a black Versace gown held together by golden safety pins to the premiere of Hugh Grant's movie "Four Weddings and a Funeral." This daring outfit catapulted her into the fashion world's pantheon and made her an international style icon. On the occasion of her 60th birthday, she slipped back into a similar dress for "Harper's Bazaar" and revisited the original with a post on Instagram.
A Life in Acting
Liz Hurley kicked off her acting career in 1987 in the episode film "Aria," which dominated at the Cannes Film Festival. Not too long after, she starred opposite Jürgen Prochnow in the thriller "The Skipper" in 1990. The same year, she featured in the thriller "Passenger 57."
Her roles in the James Bond parody films "Austin Powers" (1997 and 1999) as Vanessa Kensington, life partner to the title agent, brought her to a brand new audience. From 2011 to 2012, she played Diana Payne in "Gossip Girl," and from 2015 to 2018, she took on the role of Queen Helena, head of a fictional British royal family, in "The Royals."
An Entrpreneur at Heart
Liz Hurley didn't just stick to acting. Alongside Hugh Grant, she established the production company Simian Films in 1996, producing several films, including "Mickey Blue Eyes." Hurley also modeled for the cosmetics brand Estée Lauder from 1994 to 2001. Moreover, she's been an ambassador for the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign for over 20 years, working tirelessly to destigmatize breast cancer and raise awareness.
In 2005, she launched her own swimwear line, "Elizabeth Hurley Beach," which she continues to promote on her 3.1 million Instagram followers. Her admirers often marvel at her bikini pictures, including her most recent ones from early June.
A Natural Beauty
Despite her timeless appearance, Liz Hurley shuns plastic surgery. When asked about her stance on cosmetic surgery in an interview with the "Sunday Times" and later featured in "Hello!", she stated, "No, I don't think it makes you look younger, just like you've had fillers. It's not my thing."
Instead, she prefers natural care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. Today, she lives on an eco-farm in Gloucester, England, immersing herself in sustainable agriculture.
A Captivating Love Life
In 2024, Liz Hurley wrote a memorable chapter in her story when she took the lead in the erotic thriller "Strictly Confidential," which was directed by her son, Damian Hurley, then 23. Despite the steamy scenes, she proudly stood by her son in his directorial debut. Damian is the product of Liz Hurley's relationship with the late U.S. businessman Steve Bing. Among Damian's godparents are Hugh Grant, David Beckham, and Elton John.
Liz Hurley's relationship with ex-boyfriend Grant evolved into a lifelong friendship, and her marriage to businessman Arun Nayar (2007–2011) remains amicable. Damian even posted a heartfelt tribute upon the sad news of Shane Warne's passing in 2022. Today, Liz Hurley has found love again with American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and made their relationship official in April 2025. The unlikely couple first crossed paths during the Christmas movie "Christmas in Paradise" in 2022.
Elizabeth "Liz" Hurley, at 60, continues to captivate her audience with her fashion-and-beauty choices, as seen on her Instagram account.
From acting in films like "The Skipper" and "Gossip Girl," to entrepreneurial ventures such as Simian Films and Elizabeth Hurley Beach, Liz Hurley's journey as a celebrities in the entertainment industry is multifaceted and inspiring.
