Shirley Stroh

Written by Shirley Stroh

Modified & Updated: 08 Dec 2024

50-facts-about-riley-keough
Source: Parade.com

Who is Riley Keough? Riley Keough, born May 29, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, is a multi-talented actress, model, and producer. As the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, Riley's roots run deep in music and entertainment. Starting her career as a model at 15, she quickly transitioned to acting, making her debut in "The Runaways" (2010). Her breakthrough came with "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), earning her critical acclaim. Riley's diverse roles span from horror films like "It Comes at Night" to TV series such as "The Girlfriend Experience." Beyond acting, she co-founded the production company Felix Culpa and advocates for animal rights and environmental causes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, began her career as a model before making a mark in acting. Her diverse talents and family legacy continue to shape her evolving career and lasting legacy in entertainment.
  • From modeling to acting and producing, Riley Keough's journey reflects her versatility and commitment to her family's legacy. Her upcoming projects showcase her diverse talents, leaving a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

Riley Keough's life has been shaped by her unique and rich cultural heritage. Let's explore her early years and family ties.

  1. Riley Keough was born on May 29, 1989, in Los Angeles, California.
  2. Her parents are Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough.
  3. Riley's mother, Lisa Marie Presley, is the only child of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley.
  4. This makes Riley the granddaughter of the legendary King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
  5. Despite her parents' divorce in 1994, Riley has maintained close relationships with both her mother and father.
  6. Riley spent part of her childhood at the Neverland Ranch during her mother's brief marriage to Michael Jackson.
  7. Following her mother's death in 2023, Riley became the sole owner of Graceland, Elvis Presley's famous home.

Modeling Career

Riley's journey into the spotlight began with modeling. Her early start in this field paved the way for her future endeavors.

  1. Riley began her modeling career at the age of 15.
  2. She signed her first modeling contract with IMG Models in 2004.
  3. Riley quickly gained recognition for her work with major fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior.
  4. Her striking looks and natural talent made her a sought-after model in the fashion industry.

Acting Debut and Breakthrough

Transitioning from modeling to acting, Riley has made a significant impact in the film industry.

  1. Riley made her acting debut in 2010 with a supporting role in "The Runaways."
  2. She portrayed Marie Currie, the sister of Cherie Currie, in the musical biopic.
  3. Her breakthrough role came in 2015 with "Mad Max: Fury Road."
  4. In "Mad Max: Fury Road," she played the character of Capable.
  5. The film was a major success and earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance.

Acclaimed Performances and Awards

Riley's talent has been recognized with several nominations and awards. Let's delve into some of her most notable performances.

  1. In 2016, Riley earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in "The Girlfriend Experience."
  2. Her performance in "American Honey" (2016) earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female.
  3. Riley has appeared in several horror films, including "It Comes at Night" (2017).
  4. She also starred in "The House That Jack Built" (2018) and "The Lodge" (2019).
  5. Riley starred in Steven Soderbergh's heist film "Logan Lucky" (2017), which received positive reviews from critics.

Production and Philanthropy

Beyond acting, Riley has ventured into production and philanthropy, showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a difference.

  1. Riley is a co-founder of the production company Felix Culpa, which she co-directs with Gina Gammell.
  2. She is involved in various philanthropic causes, including animal rights and environmental activism.
  3. Riley's commitment to making a positive difference in the world is evident through her advocacy work.

Personal Life and Interests

Riley's personal life and interests provide a glimpse into the person behind the fame.

  1. Riley dropped out of high school to pursue her acting career, a decision her mother supported.
  2. She made her red carpet debut alongside her mother at the premiere of "Lilo & Stitch" in 2002.
  3. Riley has cited her mother as a strong and smart woman who influenced her career.
  4. Although music was not her passion, Riley has been involved in various musical projects.
  5. She performed lead vocals on the album "Aurora" for the fictional band in "Daisy Jones & the Six."
  6. Riley has a passion for yoga and photography, which she incorporates into her busy schedule.

Notable Film and Television Roles

Riley's diverse career includes a range of film and television roles that highlight her talent and adaptability.

  1. Some of Riley's notable film roles include "The Good Doctor," "Magic Mike," and "Dixieland."
  2. She has appeared in several television series, including "The Girlfriend Experience" and "Daisy Jones & the Six."
  3. Her role in "Daisy Jones & the Six" earned her nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award.
  4. In 2022, Riley starred in the Amazon Prime Video thriller series "The Terminal List."

Family Legacy and Graceland

Riley's connection to her family's legacy and Graceland adds another layer to her rich cultural background.

  1. Riley's family legacy is deeply rooted in music and entertainment.
  2. Her grandfather, Elvis Presley, is one of the most iconic figures in music history.
  3. Following her mother's death in 2023, Riley became the sole owner of Graceland.
  4. Graceland remains a place of solace where Lisa Marie Presley often stayed in Elvis Presley's bedroom.
  5. Thousands of fans still visit Graceland daily, reflecting on the impact of Elvis Presley's music and life story.

Memoir and Oprah Special

Riley's journey of completing her mother's memoir and the subsequent Oprah special provides insight into her personal and emotional experiences.

  1. In 2024, Oprah Winfrey announced that "From Here to the Great Unknown," a memoir started by Lisa Marie Presley and completed by Riley Keough, would be her latest book club selection.
  2. The book reflects on life at Graceland and the emotional impact of losing Elvis Presley.
  3. Riley used her mother's voice recordings to complete the memoir, capturing detailed stories about life at Graceland.
  4. The memoir highlights both the joy and challenges of life at Graceland.
  5. It includes humorous moments, such as stories of Lisa Marie Presley driving a golf cart around Graceland at the age of 4.
  6. The release of the memoir coincided with Oprah Winfrey’s visit to Graceland for Riley’s first major interview since her mother’s death.
  7. This special, titled "An Oprah Special: The Presleys — Elvis, Lisa Marie, and Riley," premiered on CBS on October 8, 2024.
  8. The special will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.

Continuing Career and Legacy

Riley Keough's career continues to evolve, with upcoming projects showcasing her diverse range of talents.

  1. Riley's career is diverse, spanning from modeling to acting and producing.
  2. Her versatility has allowed her to explore different genres and roles, showcasing her talent and adaptability.
  3. Riley Keough remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting legacy.

Riley Keough: A Multifaceted Talent

Riley Keough's journey from a model to a critically acclaimed actress and producer is nothing short of impressive. With a rich family legacy rooted in music and entertainment, she has carved out her own unique path. From her breakthrough role in "Mad Max: Fury Road" to her Golden Globe-nominated performance in "The Girlfriend Experience," Riley has shown remarkable versatility. Her involvement in philanthropy, animal rights, and environmental activism further highlights her commitment to making a positive impact. As the sole owner of Graceland and co-founder of the production company Felix Culpa, Riley continues to honor her family's legacy while forging her own. With upcoming projects and a memoir that delves into her family's history, Riley Keough remains a captivating figure in the entertainment world. Her story is a testament to talent, resilience, and the power of following one's passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Riley Keough?
Riley Keough, granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, has made a name for herself in the acting world. With her debut in 2010, she's been captivating audiences with roles in both indie films and big blockbusters.
How is Riley related to Elvis Presley?
She's the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough, making Elvis Presley her maternal grandfather. This lineage places her firmly in the spotlight of American music royalty.
What was Riley Keough's first movie?
Her acting career kicked off with a bang in the film "The Runaways" (2010), where she played Marie Currie. This role marked her entry into Hollywood and set the stage for her future successes.
Has Riley won any awards for her acting?
Yes, indeed! Riley's talent has been recognized with several nominations and awards. Her performance in "The Girlfriend Experience" earned her a Golden Globe nomination, showcasing her versatility and skill as an actress.
What kind of roles does Riley Keough typically play?
Riley's filmography is quite diverse, ranging from drama and thriller to comedy and horror. She's known for choosing complex, intriguing characters that challenge her and resonate with audiences.
Can Riley Keough sing like her grandfather, Elvis?
While Riley has focused her career on acting, she's inherited a love for music from her famous family. Though not pursuing a career in music, she's shown she has the Presley talent in her genes during occasional performances.
What's next for Riley Keough's career?
Riley continues to take on challenging roles in both film and television. With each project, she's proving herself to be a dynamic and compelling actress. Fans can look forward to seeing her in upcoming projects that showcase her evolving talent.
Is Riley Keough active on social media?
Yes, she shares glimpses of her life and career on platforms like Instagram. Her social media presence allows fans to stay connected with her work and personal insights.

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