Riley Keough

Riley Keough: Extended Biography

Full Name: Danielle Riley Keough Date of Birth: May 29, 1989, Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, U.S. Occupation: Actress, Model, Producer Years Active: 2004–present Spouse: Ben Smith-Petersen (m. 2015) Children: 1 Parents: Lisa Marie Presley, Danny Keough Grandparents: Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley

Early Life & Background

Born into one of the most iconic musical legacies, Riley Keough is the eldest grandchild of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. Her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, was a singer-songwriter, while her father, Danny Keough, was a musician. Despite her family's fame, Riley experienced a childhood shaped by both privilege and personal challenges. Her parents divorced when she was five, and she split her time between her mother’s home in Los Angeles and Graceland, the Presley family estate in Memphis.

Growing up, Riley was exposed to the entertainment industry but sought to carve her own path. She initially pursued modeling, walking for Dolce & Gabbana and appearing on the cover of Vogue alongside her mother and grandmother. However, her passion for storytelling led her to acting, where she quickly established herself as a formidable talent.

Career & Achievements

Riley made her film debut in The Runaways (2010), portraying Marie Currie. She continued to build her career with roles in Magic Mike (2012) and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the latter of which introduced her to a global audience.

Her breakthrough came in 2016 with The Girlfriend Experience, an anthology series where she played an escort navigating power and relationships. The role earned her a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying her reputation for tackling complex and unconventional characters. She continued to gain recognition with performances in American Honey (2016), It Comes at Night (2017), and Logan Lucky (2017).

Beyond acting, Riley co-founded the production company Felix Culpa, dedicated to championing unique and thought-provoking stories. She co-directed War Pony (2022), which won the Caméra d'Or at Cannes, marking her evolution as a filmmaker. Following her mother’s passing in 2023, Riley became the sole owner of Graceland, ensuring the preservation of her family's legacy.

Personal Life & Legacy

Riley married stuntman Ben Smith-Petersen in 2015, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2022. She has spoken openly about the impact of her family's history, particularly the loss of her brother, Benjamin Keough, in 2020. Despite these personal hardships, Riley remains committed to her craft and her family’s legacy, balancing her artistic pursuits with her responsibilities as the steward of Graceland.

Her ability to navigate both Hollywood and her family's storied past with grace and determination has made her a respected figure in the industry. She continues to push boundaries, choosing roles that challenge conventional narratives and showcase her depth as an actress.

Known For

• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
• The Girlfriend Experience (2016) – Golden Globe Nomination
• American Honey (2016) – Independent Spirit Award Nomination
• It Comes at Night (2017)
• Logan Lucky (2017)
• The Lodge (2019)
• Zola (2020)
• The Terminal List (2022)
• Daisy Jones & the Six (2023) – Golden Globe & Primetime Emmy Nomination
• War Pony (2022) – Co-director, Caméra d'Or Winner

Riley Keough continues to evolve as an actress and filmmaker, balancing her artistic ambitions with her family's enduring legacy.

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