Elizabeth Hurley

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Elizabeth Hurley
File:Elizabeth Hurley in 2017.jpg
Hurley in 2017
Born
Elizabeth Jane Hurley

(1965-06-10) 10 June 1965 (age 60)
Basingstoke, Hampshire, England
Alma materLondon Studio Centre
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
Years active1987–present
Spouse
Arun Nayar
​
​
(m. 2007; div. 2011)​
Partners
ChildrenDamian Hurley
Signature
File:Elizabeth Hurley signature.svg

Elizabeth Jane Hurley (born 10 June 1965) is an English actress and model. Her best-known film roles are Vanessa Kensington in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) and as the Devil in Bedazzled (2000).[1] Hurley's television roles include the E! original series The Royals (2015–2018) and Morgan le Fay in Runaways (2019), based on the Marvel Comics series. She portrayed Diana Payne on the fifth season of The CW's original series Gossip Girl (2011).

Hurley's first role in a big budget film was in Passenger 57 (1992). In 1994, Hurley accompanied Hugh Grant to the London premiere of his film Four Weddings and a Funeral,[2] in a plunging black Versace dress held together with gold safety pins, which gained her instant media attention.[3][4]

Hurley has been associated with the cosmetics company Estée Lauder since the company gave Hurley her first modelling job at the age of 29.[5] They have featured her as a representative and model for their products, especially perfumes such as Sensuous, Intuition, and Pleasures, since 1995.[6] Hurley owns a beachwear line.[7]

Early life

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Elizabeth Hurley was born on 10 June 1965 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, as the younger daughter of Angela Mary (née Titt) and Roy Leonard Hurley.[8] Her father was a major in the Royal Army Educational Corps;[9][10] her mother was a teacher at Kempshott Junior School.[8] She has an older sister, Kate, and a younger brother, Michael.[11]

Hurley attended Harriet Costello School,[12] a mixed secondary in Basingstoke, and, while in her teens, she became involved with punk fashion, dyeing her hair pink and piercing her nose.[1] "When I was 16 – this was about 1981, 1982 – the thing to be in Basingstoke, the suburb I grew up in, was punk," she explained.[13] She reportedly associated with New Age travellers in her youth.[14] Aspiring to be a dancer as a young girl, she enrolled in ballet classes. Hurley continued in the sixth form and took A-levels in English, Sociology and Psychology[15] in 1983 before studying dance and theatre at the London Studio Centre.[16]

Career

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Film

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Hurley made her first film appearance in Aria (1987).[8] She subsequently appeared in the movies Passenger 57, EDtv, Bedazzled, Serving Sara and Dangerous Ground. In 1997, she co-starred with Mike Myers in the spy spoof Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.[1]

When Hugh Grant founded and became the director of Simian Films in 1994, Hurley was credited as one of the producers for the company's two Grant vehicles, Extreme Measures (1996) and Mickey Blue Eyes (1999).[17] In 2000, she was publicly criticised for breaking a five-month acting strike to film an Estée Lauder advertisement, for which she was fined $100,000 (£70,000 in 2000) by the Screen Actors Guild and labelled "Elizabeth Scably" by protestors.[18][19]

In 2024, Hurley acted in and produced Strictly Confidential, which was written and directed by her son Damian.

Television

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File:Elizabeth Hurley08.jpg
Hurley at the launch of Estee Lauder's new fragrance, Sensuous, in July 2008

In 1988, Hurley appeared briefly in a speaking part as a schoolgirl in "Last Seen Wearing", an episode of the detective series Inspector Morse, which was partly filmed at Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning, Berkshire.[citation needed] In the same year she played Rosie Japhet in an episode of Rumpole of the Bailey ("Rumpole and the Barrow Boy"). In late 1988, Hurley portrayed the title character in a four-part television drama, Christabel. After appearing in John Cleese's The Human Face (2001), she hosted the inaugural series of the British reality show Project Catwalk on Sky 1 in 2006. Hurley was criticised as a presenter by Marcelle D'Argy Smith, a former editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, who said: "Liz Hurley has no fashion experience whatsoever. She wore a dress and has appeared at premieres." GQ's Dylan Jones defended her as someone "immersed in the fashion world as a celebrity".[20] She was dropped after one series because her bosses reportedly believed she was too wooden.[21]

In 2011, Hurley filmed a guest star role in the series pilot of NBC's Wonder Woman as the villain Veronica Cale.[22] The network decided not to pick up the series. In July 2011, it was announced that Hurley would join the fifth season of Gossip Girl for a multi-episode arc. Her character, Diana Payne, was described by the series' executive producers as "a sexy, smart, self-made media mogul and all-around force to be reckoned with", whose "entrance on the Upper East Side will change the lives of all our characters—including, and especially, Gossip Girl herself."[23] In September 2013, she was cast in one of E!'s first two scripted pilots, The Royals,[24] which was picked up in March 2014 and aired in 2015.[25] The drama series, revolving around a fictional British royal family and set in modern London, stars Hurley as the matriarch Queen Helena.[25][26] Hurley played Marvel Comics villain Morgan le Fay in the final season of the Hulu show Runaways, released in 2019.[27] In 2021, Hurley appeared as a guest judge in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.[28]

Fashion

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File:Valentino Liz Hurley Cannes.jpg
Hurley with fashion designer Valentino Garavani at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival

In 1995, Hurley was introduced as an Estée Lauder spokesmodel.[5][1] She later recounted, "I was far from an ingénue, having had my first modelling job at 29."[5] Hurley has featured in ads for Lauder's 'Pleasures', 'Beautiful', 'Dazzling', 'Tuscany per Donna', and 'Sensuous' fragrances as well as participated in campaigns for the company's other cosmetics.[29] She was replaced as the face of Estée Lauder by Carolyn Murphy in 2001. She continues to work with the company non-exclusively, signing a contract for the 16th year with Lauder in 2010.[6] In 2005, she modelled for Saloni, Liverpool Department Stores of Mexico, and Lancel. She was part of the seasonal advertising campaigns for Jordache, Shiatzy Chen, Got Milk?, Patrick Cox, MQ Clothiers of Sweden, and Lancel in 2006[30][31] and Monsoon in 2007.[32] In 2008, Hurley was unveiled as the seasonal campaign face for Blackglama mink. Hurley has appeared three times on the cover of British Vogue.[33] She is signed to TESS Management in London.[34]

In April 2005, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, her beachwear line that she models every summer, was launched at Harrods in the UK.[7] It debuted later that year in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the United States and other European countries.[35][36] In May 2008, Hurley designed and modelled a capsule collection of 12 swimsuits for the Spanish clothing brand Mango.[37] In 2024, she was voted the sexiest woman in the world by Maxim magazine.[38]

Charity

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Hurley has been active in Estée Lauder's breast cancer awareness campaign, as part of which the company created an "Elizabeth Pink" lipstick whose sales benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.[39] Hurley's grandmother died of breast cancer.[40]

Hurley supported The Prince's Trust by co-presenting the 2003 Fashion Rocks event in its aid[41] and helping launch the Get Into Cooking youth initiative in 2004.[42] She has helped raise funds for End Hunger Network,[43] ARK children's charity,[44] and the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre.[45]

She is a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.[46] She is a patron of the City Veterans Network, a charity based in the City of London that links former members of the Armed Forces to opportunities for rehabilitation and employment.[47]

Political views

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In June 2016, Hurley expressed her support for the United Kingdom leaving the European Union and urged the public to vote in the 2016 European Union membership referendum.[48]

Personal life

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File:Hurley-husband.jpg
Hurley with her then-husband Arun Nayar at the Ampney Crucis Village Fete in 2008

Hurley was a relatively unknown actress when she met Hugh Grant in 1987 while working on a Spanish production called Remando Al Viento. In the 1990s, Hurley became known mostly as Grant's girlfriend.[49] In 1994, as Grant became the focus of international media attention due to the success of his film Four Weddings and a Funeral,[2] Hurley accompanied him to the film's London premiere in a black Versace dress, which gained her instant media attention.[3][4]

While dating Hurley, Grant gained notoriety for soliciting the services of a sex worker in 1995. Hurley stood by Grant and accompanied him to the premiere of his film Nine Months.[1] After thirteen years together, Hurley and Grant announced an "amicable" split in May 2000.[49][50][51]

On 4 April 2002, Hurley gave birth to a son, Damian Charles Hurley.[52] The baby's father, American businessman Steve Bing, denied paternity by claiming that he and Hurley had a brief, non-exclusive relationship in 2001. A DNA test established Bing as Damian's father.[53][54] Grant is one of Damian's godfathers.[55] Hurley is godmother to Patsy Kensit's and Liam Gallagher's son, Lennon, and David and Victoria Beckham's two sons, Brooklyn and Romeo.[56]

In late 2002, Hurley began dating Indian businessman Arun Nayar.[57] They married in 2007. Hurley lived on a 400-acre (1.6 km2) organic farm in Barnsley, Gloucestershire, with her son and husband.[58] In December 2010, Hurley announced that she and Nayar had separated several months earlier.[59] Hurley filed for divorce on 2 April 2011, citing Nayar's "unreasonable behaviour" as the cause,[60] grounds for divorce under English law. The divorce was granted on 15 June 2011.[61]

File:Shane Warne with, Liz Hurley snapped at the airport (5) (cropped).jpg
Hurley with then-fiancé Shane Warne in 2012

In late 2011, three months after her divorce, Hurley became engaged to Shane Warne, a former Australian cricketer.[62] In 2012, Hurley and Warne bought the Grade II–listed mansion Donnington Hall, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, as their main home.[63] In December 2013, Hello magazine reported the couple's separation.[64] Warne died of a heart attack on 4 March 2022, at age 52, and Hurley paid tribute to her ex-fiancé.[65]

In March 2018, her nephew Miles Hurley was stabbed repeatedly in the back by a group of men in Wandsworth, south London.[66]

In April 2025, Hurley announced on social media that she was dating American musician Billy Ray Cyrus.[67]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1987 Aria Marietta Segment "Die tote Stadt"
1988 Rowing with the Wind Claire Clairmont
1990 Kill Cruise Lou
1992 The Long Winter Emma Stapleton
Passenger 57 Sabrina Ritchie
1994 Beyond Bedlam Stephanie Lyell
1995 Mad Dogs and Englishmen Antonia Dyer
1996 Extreme Measures — Producer
1997 Dangerous Ground Karen
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Vanessa Kensington
1998 Permanent Midnight Sandra Stahl
1999 My Favorite Martian Brace Channing
EDtv Jill
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Vanessa Kensington
Mickey Blue Eyes — Producer
2000 The Weight of Water Adaline Gunn
Bedazzled The Devil
2001 Double Whammy Dr. Ann Beamer
2002 Dawg Anna Lockheart
Serving Sara Sara Moore
2004 Method Rebecca Also executive producer
2010 Made in Romania herself
2014 Viktor Alexandra Ivanov
2017 Phoenix Wilder and the Great Elephant Adventure Aunt Sarah
2020 Then Came You Clare
2021 Father Christmas Is Back Joanna Christmas
2022 The Boy on the Beach Katherine Short film
Christmas in Paradise Joanna Christmas
Christmas in the Caribbean Rachel
2023 Piper Liz Haines
2024 Strictly Confidential Lily Also producer[68]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1988 Inspector Morse Julia Episode: "Last Seen Wearing"
Christabel Christabel Bielenberg Miniseries; 5 episodes
Rumpole of the Bailey Rosie Japhet Episode: "Rumpole and the Barrow Boy"
1989 Act of Will Christina Miniseries
1990 Frederick Forsyth Presents Julia Latham Episode: "Death Has a Bad Reputation"
1991 The Orchid House Natalie Miniseries; episode: "Natalie"
1992 The Good Guys Candida Ashton Episode: "Relative Values"
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Vicky Prentiss Episode: "Love's Sweet Song"
1994 Sharpe Lady Farthingdale Episode: "Sharpe's Enemy"
1995 The Shamrock Conspiracy Cecilia Harrison Television film
1996 Harrison: Cry of the City
Samson and Delilah Delilah
2001 The Human Face Various Documentary miniseries; 3 episodes
2011 Wonder Woman Veronica Cale Television film
2011–2012 Gossip Girl Diana Payne Recurring role, 14 episodes
2014 The Tomorrow People A.L.I.C.E. Voice; 2 episodes
2015–2018 The Royals Queen Helena Main role, 40 episodes
2019 Runaways Morgan le Fay 8 episodes[69]
2021 RuPaul's Drag Race UK Guest Judge Series 2, Episode 1: "Royalty Returns"
Welcome to Georgia Georgia TV film
2024 Germany's Next Topmodel Herself Guest judge; 2 episodes
2025 The Inheritance The Deceased Reality series[70]

Theatre

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  • The Cherry Orchard – A Jubilee (Russian & Soviet Arts Festival)
  • The Man Most Likely To (Middle East tour)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Liz Hurley: Life in the spotlight" Archived 7 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine. BBC. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  2. ^ a b Farndale, Nigel. Movie Connections: Four Weddings and a Funeral. The Sunday Telegraph, page 39. 16 September 2007. Retrieved 11 September 2007.
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  6. ^ a b Murphy sidelines Hurley at Lauder Archived 24 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine – CNN. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  7. ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ^ a b c Elizabeth Hurley Archived 19 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine – thebiographychannel.co.uk. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  9. ^ The London Gazette, Supplement 44791, pg 1803, 14 February 1969
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  13. ^ When Sell-outs reach their sell-by date Archived 8 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine – herald.ie. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
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  15. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ^ Elizabeth Hurley – Allmovie. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  17. ^ Marx, Andy. "Grant inks two-year deal at Castle Rock". Variety. 8 July 1994. Retrieved 10 September 2007.
  18. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  29. ^ Elizabeth Hurley Archived 27 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine – Fashion Model Directory. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
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  33. ^ "Elizabeth Hurley" Archived 4 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Vogue. Retrieved 17 June 2007.
  34. ^ Hurley. TESS Management. Archived 12 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  35. ^ Elizabeth Hurley Archived 20 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine – hellomagazine.com. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  36. ^ "'Hugh and I speak every single day'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  37. ^ "Elizabeth Hurley for Mango" Archived 19 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. ItalianWorldFashion.com. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  38. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  39. ^ Elizabeth Hurley Archived 10 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine – womencelebs.com. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  40. ^ Famous Faces Speak Out Archived 29 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine – lifetimetv.com. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  41. ^ Fashion Rocks Archived 12 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine – princeofwales.gov.uk. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  42. ^ HRH launches the Get into Cooking initiative from The Prince's Trust Archived 20 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine – princeofwales.gov.uk. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  43. ^ Celebrities who care Archived 6 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine – endhunger.com. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
  44. ^ "Stars come out for Ark charity event". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
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  49. ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  50. ^ "Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley announce split" Archived 13 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Associated Press. 23 May 2000. Retrieved 17 February 2007.
  51. ^ Ferla, Ruth. (4 October 2005). "Elizabeth Hurley: The Swimsuit Issue" Archived 9 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine. The New York Times. Retrieved 9 November 2007.
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  58. ^ "Elizabeth Hurley cooking up new recipes". The Daily Telegraph, 31 May 2008.
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