Meet the son of Elizabeth Hurley who followed in his mother’s footsteps and made his directorial debut in 2024, only to be met with controversy. Read on to learn more about his personal life, including how his father demanded a paternity test, and his career.
Damian Hurley and his mother, Elizabeth Hurley, share such a strong resemblance that people say they look identical, especially when comparing his photos to those of his mom before becoming famous.
At a young age, he’s already directed a film where his mom plays the main character. This project, however, has stirred up some controversy.
His first feature film, “Strictly Confidential,” not only marked his directorial debut but also fulfilled a longstanding promise from his mother, Elizabeth.
At just eight years old, while crafting a short film, Elizabeth assured her son she would star in his first major project. True to her word, she “dropped everything” to join him in the Caribbean for the shooting of “Strictly Confidential,” a sensual thriller.
Working with his mother on set, Damian found the power dynamic between director and actor to be “complicated at the best of times,” yet he described their collaboration as a joyful and productive experience.
This project was significant for Damian, who acknowledged the rarity and challenge of writing and directing a feature film at a young age. However, the inclusion of a particular scene in “Strictly Confidential” sparked widespread controversy and debate among viewers and critics alike.
Reactions ranged from discomfort to outright criticism of the mother-son duo’s working relationship. Comments flooded online forums, with one viewer noting, “It may be acting, but it’s still awkward. And odd.”
Others described the relationship as “very strange and worrying,” with another person adding, “This is so uncomfortable. My toes are curling.”
Another comment was specifically directed toward their relationship. “There is something odd about this Mother and Son relationship,” the person commented.”I am not saying anything ‘untoward’ is going on but it is, indeed, a very odd relationship.”
Elizabeth responded to the uproar by highlighting the complex factors contributing to the scene’s reception, suggesting that people were making “a lot of fuss” over it. Despite the scandal, Damian’s entry into the entertainment industry is a testament to his ambition and the unique challenges of navigating family ties in the public eye.
As we dive deeper into Damian’s rise to fame and his foray into filmmaking, we also delve into the controversy that surrounded his debut project.
Follow along as we explore Damian’s evolving career and the paths he chooses to tread in the entertainment industry.
Who is Damian Hurley?
Damian has been a subject of public fascination since his birth on April 4, 2002. Announced with joy by his mother’s spokesperson, Damian’s entry into the world was marked by happiness and health.
Elizabeth, at 36, had revealed her pregnancy months before, identifying Hollywood producer Steve Bing as the father of her child. Their romance began after her split from her long-term partner, Hugh Grant.
However, the announcement was soon overshadowed by controversy when Steve doubted his paternity in a public statement, suggesting that their relationship wasn’t exclusive at the time Elizabeth became pregnant.
The dispute became a highly publicized saga, with Steve calling for a DNA test to confirm that he was Damian’s biological father.
Steve, a wealthy real estate heir with an estimated fortune of $250 million, faced the possibility of paying substantial child support if confirmed as Damian’s father.
Throughout this period, Elizabeth found support in Hugh, who remained close to her despite their breakup in 2000.
The dispute concluded when DNA testing confirmed Steve as Damian’s father. This confirmation was announced following a court hearing.
It put the influential man’s doubts about his exclusive relationship with Elizabeth to rest and validated Damian’s mom’s assertions of fidelity.
The resolution allowed the “Father Christmas Is Back” actress to maintain her dignity and pride amidst public scrutiny.
Despite not being his biological father, Hugh has played a significant role in Damian’s life as his godfather. This bond underscored the enduring friendship between Hugh and Elizabeth and highlights the actor’s commitment to being part of Damian’s life.
In addition to the actor, Damian boasts another high-profile godfather, the legendary musician Elton John. Damian has paid tribute to Elton on Instagram, reflecting the close and affectionate relationship between them.
Damian Lost Two Fathers in Two Years
In a tragic turn of events in 2020, Steve, a notable figure in the entertainment industry known for his work as a film financier, screenwriter, and philanthropist, died after taking his own life.
Reports indicated that he had jumped from a building in Century City. Although the Los Angeles Police Department adhered to its policy of not confirming identities in such cases, the details released matched Steve’s profile. This devastating incident left the entertainment world and those who knew Steve in shock.
In the wake of his father’s passing, Damian turned to social media to express his grief and gratitude for the outpouring of support he received.
He posted an image of a sunset with a caption that reflected his deep appreciation for the kindness shown to him during such a difficult time. “This is a very strange and confusing time and I’m immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends,” he wrote.
Elizabeth, too, shared a heartfelt tribute online, focusing on the happier times she and Steve shared together and their reconciliation. “In the past year we had become close again. We last spoke on our son’s 18th birthday,” she shared.
Adding to the series of losses in Damian’s life was the death of another man who was a father figure, Shane Warne, in 2022.
The Australian cricket legend had been engaged to Elizabeth in 2011, and despite the end of their engagement two years later, he remained a significant presence in Damian’s life.
Shane’s sudden death following a heart attack left Damian and Elizabeth devastated, with the young filmmaker sharing several throwback pictures and a moving caption on social media.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this… SW was a father figure to me for most of my formative years and was truly one of the best men I’ve ever known. My heart is broken,” he expressed, highlighting Shane’s profound impact on him.
Elizabeth also paid tribute to her ex, reflecting on the deep bond he had formed with her and Damian despite the end of their romantic relationship.
Damian Followed in His Mother’s Footsteps
As Damian grew up, he began navigating his path through the entertainment industry under the guiding wisdom of his mother.
Recognizing the allure that show business held for her son, she offered him sage advice as a budding 15-year-old actor: Prioritize education.
Despite Damian’s early acting opportunities, including a role in “The Royals” alongside his mother, Elizabeth stressed the importance of staying grounded in academics.
She believed that a well-rounded education would not only enrich Damian’s life but also make him a more intriguing individual, regardless of his future career path.
“I always say, you don’t want to be a bore at dinner. You have to know geography, you need to know history, you need to know ancient history, it’s interesting,” she advised, highlighting the value of knowledge.
Elizabeth envisioned these disciplines as the foundation upon which Damian could build a fulfilling life, with acting as a potential, though not guaranteed, bonus.
Heeding his mother’s advice, Damian continued his studies, cultivating friendships that would stand the test of time, including a best friend featured on his Instagram.
Balancing academics and early career opportunities, Damian matured into a wonderful individual, true to his mother’s vision.
Damian’s career in entertainment and fashion took off when he made his Hollywood debut at 16, playing Prince Hansel von Liechtenstein in the series “The Royals.”
His passion for show business seamlessly transitioned into the world of fashion at 17, when he was handpicked by legendary photographer Steven Meisel for an exclusive one-year deal.
Esteemed makeup artist Pat McGrath further spotlighted Damian’s striking presence, featuring him in her campaign for the inclusive foundation line Sublime Perfection in a promotional short film.
Currently based in London, Damian has not only graduated from high school but has also expressed a keen interest in photography.
His signing with IMG Models marked a significant milestone in his career, promising to amplify his influence in fashion through editorial work and endorsements globally.
Despite his successful foray into modeling, Damian has continued to nurture his acting talent, appearing in “The Boy on the Beach” in 2022. Not content with only acting and modeling, Damian ventured into directing, making his debut with “Strictly Confidential.”
Damian’s “Strictly Confidential” Controversy
However, the film sparked considerable controversy even before its release. The buzz primarily centered around a provocative scene teased in the movie’s trailer, featuring Elizabeth in a role that diverges sharply from her well-known comedic performances.
The movie stars Elizabeth in a supporting role as Lily, a wealthy woman grappling with the drowning of her daughter Rebecca near their family home in the Caribbean.
A year after the tragedy, Rebecca’s best friend, Mia (played by Georgia Lock), and their group of friends reunite at Lily’s beachside retreat, where long-buried secrets start to surface.
Damian described the film as not just a thriller but a deep dive into the complexities of friendship and loss, set against a lush Caribbean backdrop.
This particular scene, showcasing a sexual encounter between Elizabeth’s character, Lily, and Natasha, portrayed by 28-year-old Pear Chiravara, raised eyebrows for several reasons.
Elizabeth addressed the uproar in an interview, pointing out multiple elements that contributed to the scene’s intrigue. The age gap between her and Pear, coupled with the fact that this was uncharted territory for Elizabeth in terms of on-screen roles, certainly played a part.
However, it was her son Damian’s involvement as the writer and director of the scene that added an extra layer of fascination — and, for some, discomfort — to the mix. “It wasn’t like he was sneaking into my room with a video camera,” Elizabeth defended.
Despite the contentious nature of the scene, Elizabeth emphasized that the filming process was handled with care and professionalism, ensuring that nobody felt exploited.
“There actually isn’t any nudity. Nobody’s exploited at all. We all felt comfortable doing it,” she reassured. The scene was rehearsed, and there were many more people in the room when it was shot. The mother and son were both comfortable carrying out their work as professionals.
According to both Elizabeth and Damian, the rushed nature of the shoot meant that the scene was approached with a “let’s get it done” attitude, typical of their collaborative work ethic.
The “Austin Powers” star also noted that she had placed much trust in the people who were involved in the scene, besides her son. She also knew Damian would take care of her and the actress in the intimate scene, ensuring that no unfortunate footage was made public.
Having previously worked together on various photo shoots, including ones for Elizabeth’s bikini line, the mother and son are no strangers to professional partnership.
Beyond their working relationship, Damian and Elizabeth Hurley share a close personal bond. He has praised his mom multiple times and referred to her as his best friend and favorite person.
Damian even admitted to frequently borrowing leather trousers and oversized blazers from his mother’s wardrobe, a testament to their shared sense of style and the easygoing nature of their relationship.
As a mom, Elizabeth has been vocal about her pride in Damian’s accomplishments, not only in his burgeoning career in the entertainment industry but also in his advocacy work, particularly his support for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Her social media posts about Damian reflect not just a mother’s pride but a deep respect for his talents and his commitment to causes close to their hearts. “So proud to see my son @damianhurley1 wearing his pink ribbon,” she once wrote.
In the same way that Elizabeth shows support for her son and his endeavors, both professional and personal, Damian does the same for her.
When Elizabeth recently publicized her romance with musical star Billy Ray Cyrus, Damian showed support for this in the comment section of a post his mother shared on April 20, 2025.
Under the bright kiss of the sun, Elizabeth and Billy shared a tender moment that felt straight out of a country love song.
With a lush green meadow as their backdrop, she beamed beneath a wide-brimmed straw hat, while Billy, ever the free spirit with his tattoos and playful bunny ears, leaned in close, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. “Happy Easter ♥️,” captioned the actress.
Upon seeing the endearing photo, Damian commented, “🥳❤️.” Days after sharing this post, Elizabeth shared another glimpse into her relationship with the country singer. Seated beside Billy and an adorably enthusiastic pup, the trio looked ready to take on the Tennessee open backroads in style.
In her cover image, the two cozied up for a moment that seemed pulled straight from a Southern romance, under the shade of a tree on the same sun-drenched property. Wrapped in each other’s arms, their chemistry spoke louder than words. “Tennessee weekend ❤️,” reads Elizabeth’s caption.
Given Damian’s celebratory comment about his mom’s new romance, it’s clear that the mother and son support each other fully in everything they do.
This mutual admiration and support underscore the unique and enduring bond between Elizabeth and Damian, one that extends well beyond the controversy of their 2024 cinematic endeavor.
