Riley Keough: Elvis Presley’s Granddaughter Shines in Hollywood with Acting Talent and Style

Riley Keough is a name that’s still rising in Hollywood, not just because she comes from legendary stock but because she’s made a name for herself in her own right. As the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and daughter of the late Lisa Marie Presley, Riley has a famous name—but success isn’t something she’s inherited. With powerful performances in films and television, she is one of the highest-regarded young actresses in the industry today.

From teenage modeling to playing dark, emotionally nuanced characters in The Girlfriend Experience, Zola, and Daisy Jones & The Six, Riley has proven herself to be versatile and talented. Behind the scenes, she is also a producer and creative force, helping to bring meaningful stories to fruition. This article delves into Riley Keough’s life—from her childhood and family life to her career, marriage, public image, and what the future holds for this emerging star.

Quick Bio

Who Is Riley Keough?

Riley Keough, or Danielle Riley Keough, was born on May 29, 1989, in Santa Monica, California. She is a versatile American actress, model, and producer. Though her surname comes with an undeniable legacy—she is the first grandchild of Elvis and Priscilla Presley—Riley has worked to step out of the shadows of fame and make a name for herself. Her roles in The Girlfriend Experience and Daisy Jones & The Six brought her into the limelight and earned her nominations, winning her respect from the acting fraternity.

Riley is known for portraying complex and edgy characters that are boundary-pushing. Her performances have a tendency to brush against heavy emotional content, and she performs them with realism that audiences connect to. Her success isn’t just in acting; she also co-founded a production company, Felix Culpa, to create compelling and artistic stories. With each new project, Riley continues to show the world that she’s more than Elvis Presley’s granddaughter—she’s a star in her own right.

Early Life

Riley was born into a family of fame and creative success. Her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, was a singer-songwriter, and her father, Danny Keough, was also a musician. When her parents divorced when Riley was five, she spent her life moving between two worlds—one glamorous and one mundane. She described her father’s home as modest and offbeat, while the life of her mother was more decadent, which introduced her to both sides of life.

Riley got to see the highs and lows of fame while growing up. She got to spend time at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s legendary house, and was homeschooled for the majority of her life. She grew interested in performing and creativity. These are what gave her the independent personality she possesses and the ability to stay grounded with all the fame.

Career Beginnings

Riley began her public life as a model at 15. She modeled for top fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, and walked the ramp for well-known designers like Dolce & Gabbana. Her natural elegance and unique looks soon got noticed, but she transitioned to acting, as she found storytelling and character development more creatively fulfilling.

She debuted as an actress in 2010 with the biopic The Runaways, where she played Marie Currie. She followed it up with The Good Doctor and Magic Mike. Her breakout role was the lead in The Girlfriend Experience, where she played a high-class escort balancing her professional and personal life. Her risky performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and opened doors for even more challenging roles.

Who Is Riley Keough’s Husband?

Riley Keough married Ben Smith-Petersen, an Australian actor, and stuntman, in 2015. The two met when Ben was doing stunts for Mad Max: Fury Road. The two grew more intimate during reshoots and became engaged soon after. They performed a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in Nepal to solemnize their love and flew to Napa Valley, California, for a celebration later.

Ben has been a constant rock in Riley’s life, especially during personal tragedies like the death of her brother Benjamin in 2020 and mother Lisa Marie in 2023. In 2022, Riley and Ben welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tupelo Storm, after Elvis’s birthplace and Benjamin’s middle name. Their marriage is a testament to partnership, resilience, and love in the public eye.

Riley Keough’s Physical Appearance

Riley Keough is often praised for her classic beauty and striking features. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall and around 58 kilograms in weight, and there is an effortless grace to her. Her piercing blue eyes, chiseled cheekbones, and porcelain skin give her a vintage Hollywood look, and her ever-changing hair—from red to blonde to dark brunette—adds to her chameleon-like nature.

Style-wise, Riley’s style is a fusion of old-school glamour and modern edge. On the red carpet, she is usually spotted in edgy, high-fashion ensembles from the likes of Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Her signature style has earned her a reputation within the fashion world and also made her a photographers’ and stylists’ favorite. Regardless of how dressed up or casual she is, Riley always brings authenticity to her public image.

Net Worth

Riley Keough’s net worth has been estimated at close to $20 million as of 2025. Her income is an accumulation of a series of high-paying film and television roles, modeling contracts, endorsement contracts, and her inheritance from her mom. Her role in Daisy Jones & The Six alone made her plenty of money and recognition, and she continues to land A-list positions in the business.

Aside from her acting income, Riley inherited Graceland and a 15% stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises upon Lisa Marie Presley’s passing. These assets make her one of the wealthiest young stars in Hollywood today. Riley also invested in her production company, Felix Culpa, which is growing as a resource for original material and creative development

Social Media

Riley is active on Instagram, where she shares personal photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and promotional content. With over 1 million followers, her account (@rileykeough) gives fans an intimate look at her life as an actress, mother, and artist. Her page consistently includes vintage photographs, set scenes, and heartfelt tributes to those close to her.

Unlike other celebrities, Riley uses her platform in a genuine and down-to-earth way. She does not rely on social media to be renowned but uses it to connect with fans on a personal level. Her thoughtful posts and artistic style are a reflection of her personality and values, and she presents herself as a relatable and respected figure online.

Future Prospects and Vision

Riley Keough’s future is looking very promising. She has several projects in the pipeline, including the HBO series The Idol, and a science fiction film titled Alpha Gang, which further showcases her range as an actress. She has also been speaking about trying her hand at directing, indicating that she will be showcasing her creative talents behind the camera before long.

Her collaboration with Felix Culpa illustrates her commitment to developing original content that introduces underrepresented voices and meaty storylines. As Riley’s career continues to unfold, it’s clear she’s not only interested in personal success, but in leaving a lasting, positive mark on the entertainment industry. With her laser-like vision and undeniable talent, her future looks very bright indeed.