8 Photos of Elizabeth Hurley: Facts About the Actress-Model and Her Rocky Relationship With Billy Ray Cyrus

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 alongside Billy 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.

1. She Was Born in Hampshire and Studied Dance

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.

2. The Versace Dress That Changed Everything

In 1994, Hurley accompanied then-boyfriend Hugh Grant to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral wearing a black Versace gown held together by gold safety pins. The dress became a cultural moment and shifted her into international fame, HELLO! notes.

3. Her Breakthrough Film Role

Though she had early screen appearances in Aria and Remando al Viento, Hurley became widely recognised for playing Vanessa Kensington in Austin Powers, a role frequently cited as her Hollywood breakthrough.

4. An Unexpected Modelling Career

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.

5. A 13-Year Relationship with Hugh Grant

Hurley and Hugh Grant met in 1987 while filming Remando al Viento and 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.

6. Marriage, Engagement and High-Profile Splits

Hurley married Indian 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. They split in 2013. Warne died in 2022, and Hurley paid tribute to him on social media at the time.

7. Her Son Damian and the Steve Bing Dispute

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.

Damian has since become a model and filmmaker, directing his mother in the film Strictly Confidential.

8. Still a Social Media Favourite at 60

Hurley remains active on Instagram, frequently posting bikini photos from holiday destinations. In February 2026, she shared an image in a red bikini, writing she was 'missing paradise.'

Billy Ray Cyrus Romance: Reports of Tension

Hurley began dating Billy Ray Cyrus in 2025 after the pair met on the set of Christmas in Paradise, PEOPLE confirmed at the time.

In interviews, Hurley has described the relationship as happy and said Cyrus spent time with her in Herefordshire, England.

However, more recent reports suggest strain. A source told the National Enquirer that Hurley has asked for space, citing frustration with Cyrus' 'hermit-like' lifestyle and preference for staying at his Tennessee ranch.

Another report from Globe cited sources saying Hurley was unfazed by allegations made by Cyrus' ex-wife Firerose, who accused him of abusive behaviour. Hurley, according to that report, is 'not worried at all.'

As of now, neither Hurley nor Cyrus has publicly confirmed any split. Hurley previously said of their relationship: 'We are very happy together.'

For now, the actress continues balancing business ventures, social media stardom and a romance that — like many in her past — remains under close public watch.