Born on June 10, 1965, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, Elizabeth Jane Hurley entered the world with a natural sense of drama and style. No one in her quiet English hometown could have predicted that this lively, ambitious young woman would grow into one of the most recognizable faces in fashion and film. With her striking looks, quick wit, and undeniable screen presence, Hurley would go on to build a career that blended glamour, humor, and a surprising amount of business savvy.

Hurley originally studied dance and theater at the London Studio Centre, but her early career didn’t exactly launch like a rocket. She appeared in small film and television roles throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the 1987 anthology film Aria. It was a start, but not the sort of start that has agents calling every five minutes. At the time, she was better known in the press as the girlfriend of rising British actor Hugh Grant than as an actress in her own right.

Then came the dress.

In 1994, Hurley accompanied Grant to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral wearing a black Versace gown held together with oversized gold safety pins. The dress instantly became one of the most famous red carpet looks of all time. Overnight, Elizabeth Hurley wasn’t just “Hugh Grant’s girlfriend” anymore—she was a global fashion icon. The moment launched her into the spotlight and led to a long-term partnership with Estée Lauder, beginning in 1995, even though she had little professional modeling experience at the time. It turns out confidence and a memorable dress can sometimes do more than a decade of runway training.

Her true acting breakthrough came in 1997 with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Playing the elegant and clever Vanessa Kensington, Hurley brought sophistication and humor to the over-the-top spy comedy. She held her own opposite Mike Myers’ wildly goofy title character, and audiences loved the contrast between her polished British charm and his swinging ’60s absurdity. The role made her an international star and secured her place in pop culture history.

She followed that success with a variety of film roles, including EDtv, Bedazzled, and Serving Sara. In Bedazzled (2000), she played the Devil herself—only this version wore designer outfits, delivered wicked one-liners, and looked like she’d just stepped out of a fashion shoot in the underworld. The film didn’t exactly break box office records, but Hurley’s performance was one of its highlights. After all, if the Devil must appear, she might as well arrive in a perfectly tailored red dress.

In addition to acting, Hurley built an impressive career in business and fashion. Her long-running partnership with Estée Lauder turned her into one of the brand’s most recognizable ambassadors. She later launched her own swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, which became a successful venture and proved she wasn’t just a face for other people’s brands—she could build her own.

She also returned to television in a big way with the E! series The Royals (2015–2018), where she played the glamorous, scheming Queen Helena. The role allowed her to lean fully into her regal, mischievous side, delivering dramatic speeches, icy glares, and the occasional perfectly timed insult. It was the kind of part that fit her like one of her famous evening gowns.

Of course, her personal life has had its share of headlines. Her long relationship with Hugh Grant ended after a very public scandal in the mid-1990s, but the two remained friends, proving that even tabloid chaos doesn’t always end in permanent feuds. Hurley later became a mother to her son, Damian, in 2002, and the two share a close bond. Damian has followed in her fashionable footsteps, working as a model and actor.

Away from the cameras, Hurley’s life is a charming mix of high glamour and country living. She owns a farm in Gloucestershire, where she grows organic produce and spends time outdoors. It’s a delightful contrast: one day she’s dazzling photographers in a designer gown, and the next she’s out in muddy boots checking on her crops. Not many people can move seamlessly between a red carpet and a vegetable patch, but Hurley makes it look perfectly natural.

She’s also known for her dedication to fitness and wellness, often crediting yoga, gardening, and an active lifestyle for her youthful energy. And while she enjoys the finer things in life, she’s equally fond of simple pleasures—time with her dogs, a good book, or a cozy evening at home.

Over the decades, Elizabeth Hurley has managed to maintain a rare balance of elegance, humor, and approachability. She’s been a model, actress, businesswoman, fashion icon, and proud mum—all while keeping that signature sparkle in her eye.

As we celebrate her birthday on June 10, let’s raise a cup of English tea—or perhaps something a bit more festive—to Elizabeth Hurley. From safety-pin dresses to royal drama and country gardens, she’s proven that a little glamour, a lot of confidence, and a good sense of humor can take you a very long way.