Riley Keough | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 11, 2024

Who is Riley Keough?

Riley Keough, born Danielle Riley Keough on May 29, 1989, in Santa Monica, California, is an accomplished actress and model known for her diverse roles in film and television. She is the daughter of musician Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough, making her the granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley. Despite being born into a prominent musical dynasty, Keough has carved her unique path in Hollywood, gaining recognition for her performances in various critically acclaimed projects, including the television series "Daisy Jones & the Six" and the film "American Honey."

Keough began her career as a successful fashion model before transitioning to acting, making her film debut in 2010’s "The Runaways." She developed a fruitful collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh, which led to significant roles in projects like "The Girlfriend Experience," where her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Throughout her career, Keough has consistently chosen roles that explore complex characters, often portraying individuals on the fringes of society while simultaneously demonstrating her versatility as both an actress and a co-director through her production company, Felix Culpa.

As the eldest grandchild of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, Keough’s upbringing was marked by both privilege and personal challenges. After the death of her brother Benjamin in 2020 and her mother Lisa Marie in early 2023, Keough also took on familial responsibilities, including overseeing her mother’s estate. The release of her mother’s posthumous memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown," in October 2023 further solidified her commitment to her family’s legacy. Balancing her personal loss with her burgeoning career, Riley Keough continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing her multi-talented abilities while keeping her family’s history in focus.

Early Life and Education

Riley Keough was born on May 29, 1989, in Santa Monica, California, into a prominent musical lineage. The daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough, she is the eldest granddaughter of rock legend Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley. Although she was born into a world of fame and music, Riley never had the opportunity to meet her famous grandfather, who passed away 12 years before her birth. Her upbringing was marked by a blend of privilege and complexity, as her parents divorced when she was just five years old, leading to a childhood spent alternating between her mother's home in Los Angeles and Graceland, the iconic Presley estate in Memphis.

Navigating her education was challenging due to her family's lifestyle, which often involved high-profile events and travel. Riley was homeschooled for much of her early life and eventually dropped out of high school, a decision she later expressed regret for. Despite this unconventional education, her creative talents flourished early on, with Riley keenly interested in the arts. She began directing and writing films and plays for her family and friends while still a child. Her parents were supportive of her creative pursuits but were also concerned about the pressures associated with a career in the entertainment industry. In her teenage years, she ventured into modeling, participating in fashion shows and campaigns, which eventually paved the way for her acting career.

Showbiz Interest and Modeling Career

Riley Keough's journey into the world of showbiz began at a young age, driven by a desire to perform and create. Despite the glamorous upbringing she experienced as the daughter of music royalty, maintaining a traditional education was challenging due to her frequent travels. To accommodate her ambitions, she was homeschooled and eventually dropped out of high school—a decision she later expressed regret about. Nevertheless, her passion for the arts led her to write and direct home videos and plays, laying the groundwork for her future in the entertainment industry.

In her teens, Keough's modeling career blossomed when she began working with renowned fashion houses, which included notable appearances in shows for Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. Her breakthrough moment came in 2005 when she was named the face of Dior's Miss Dior Chérie perfume. This dual focus on modeling and acting allowed her to navigate the competitive fashion industry while cultivating her acting skills, eventually leading to a successful film career. Today, she remains a significant presence in both fields, reflecting her multifaceted talent and dedication to the arts.

Movies and TV Shows: Mad Max, Daisy Jones, and More

Riley Keough, the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and granddaughter of Elvis Presley, has carved out a notable career in the film and television industry. She made her acting debut in 2010 with a role in "The Runaways," portraying Marie Currie alongside well-known stars Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart. Following this, Keough emerged as a prominent figure in independent cinema, taking on various roles in films such as "Magic Mike" (2012) and "American Honey" (2016). Her partnership with acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh further solidified her reputation, leading to her critically acclaimed performance in the limited series "The Girlfriend Experience," for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.

In 2023, Keough took on one of her most recognized roles to date in Amazon Prime's "Daisy Jones & the Six," a series based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel about a fictional rock band in the 1970s. Keough not only portrayed the lead character, Daisy Jones, but also showcased her musical talents by singing and playing instruments on-screen, leading to a companion soundtrack album release. The series received significant recognition, including nine Emmy nominations, thereby highlighting Keough's versatility as an actor. Her career continues to flourish as she takes on both big-screen and streaming projects, proving her dynamic range in the entertainment industry.

Daisy Jones & the Six

Riley Keough took on the titular role in the Amazon Prime series "Daisy Jones & the Six," which premiered in March 2023. The series, based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's best-selling novel, depicts the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, drawing inspiration from real-life groups like Fleetwood Mac. Keough’s performance was particularly notable given her limited musical background, but her passion for the role shone through. The cast underwent extensive music and vocal training, performing their own songs on screen, which showcased Keough’s dedication to authentically capturing the complex character of Daisy, a charismatic yet troubled musician.

"Daisy Jones & the Six" was a turning point in Keough's career, drawing significant critical acclaim. The series earned nine Emmy nominations in July 2023, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and a nod for Keough as Outstanding Lead Actress. The accompanying soundtrack, "Aurora," featured original music that further highlighted her growing versatility as an actress and musician. Keough’s portrayal resonated with both viewers and critics, establishing her as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry while navigating the emotional complexities of her own life during the show’s production.

Personal Life: Married Life | Husband | Daughter

Riley Keough met her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, while filming the action-packed movie *Mad Max: Fury Road* in 2012. The couple began dating shortly after and became engaged in 2014. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 2015, marking the beginning of a partnership that has been supportive through the highs and lows of their respective careers. Their shared experiences in the entertainment industry have forged a strong bond between them, evident in their collaborative efforts and shared pursuits.

In August 2022, Riley and Ben welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tupelo Storm. The name pays homage to Elvis Presley, as Tupelo is the singer's birthplace, while "Storm" honors her late uncle, Benjamin. The couple opted for surrogacy to bring their daughter into the world, allowing them to navigate the challenges of parenthood while focusing on their flourishing careers. Riley has expressed how becoming a mother has profoundly impacted her life and shaped her perspectives, further deepening her connection with her family's legacy.

Net Worth and Earning: $20 million

Riley Keough, the granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, has carved out her own successful career in the entertainment industry. Following the resolution of her mother's estate disputes, her net worth has been estimated at $20 million as of May 2024. This impressive figure is a result of a combination of inherited wealth from her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and her own burgeoning career as an actress, producer, and model. Keough not only shares in her mother’s substantial literary and property assets, including ownership of Graceland, but she also benefits financially from her successful roles in film and television, commanding considerable pay for her performances.

Throughout her career, Keough has demonstrated remarkable versatility, starring in acclaimed projects such as the Amazon Prime series "Daisy Jones & the Six," which reportedly secured her a paycheck of $1.5 million. As she expands her repertoire both in front of and behind the camera, her earnings continue to grow. Keough's work ethic and ambition have allowed her to maintain a robust income stream, which contributes to her noteworthy net worth while she also fulfills her roles as a daughter, wife, and mother to her young daughter, Tupelo Storm.