Elizabeth Hurley has had numerous well-known romances throughout her life, however, her son Damian holds the most significance. The esteemed actress, renowned for her role in Austin Powers, welcomed her only child in 2002 after ending her relationship with ex-partner Steve Bing. Despite Bing initially denying his parentage, a subsequent DNA test affirmed his paternity.
In the same year, Hurley designated her former boyfriend Hugh Grant as one of Damian's numerous godfathers. She also commenced a relationship with Arun Nayar in 2002, and they ultimately got married in two distinct wedding ceremonies - one in an English castle and the other at a palace in Jodhpur, India.
After three years of being married, the previous cast member of "The Royals" disclosed that she and Nayar had decided to end their marriage. "Not a great day. Just to clarify, my husband Arun and I separated a few months ago," she tweeted in December 2010, further stating, "Our close family & friends were already aware of this." Their divorce was officially completed one year later.
Despite their separation, Nayar maintained a strong bond with his former stepson, accompanying him to his college graduation in July 2022. Damian shared a heartwarming family photo on social media, captioning it "Mama and Daddyo at graduation with me️," featuring himself, Hurley, and the entrepreneur.
Following their split, the actress embarked on a new relationship with Australian athlete Shane Warne, and the couple became engaged in October 2011. However, they ultimately called off their engagement in 2013.
In June 2020, the family experienced a tragic event when Bing took his own life in Los Angeles. Hurley expressed her deep sadness over the loss of her ex, Steve, via an Instagram post: "I am profoundly saddened by the fact that Steve is no longer with us. It's a devastating outcome." She also shared that despite facing hardships, their time together was filled with happiness. Hurley chose to post pictures as a way to cherish the good and wonderful memories they had shared, highlighting Steve's kind and sweet nature.
Damian, on his part, expressed his gratitude to fans for their support in his own Instagram post: "I'm doing my best to respond to each and every one of you, but please know that I will always remember your kindness. This is a truly bewildering and perplexing time, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the love and support of my incredible family and friends."
Later that year, Hurley openly discussed her challenges in juggling her professional life and her role as a mother. In an exclusive interview with Us, the Gossip Girl star candidly admitted, "It's incredibly difficult to manage both aspects." She emphasized that everyone strives to strike a balance, achieving success in certain areas while feeling like they have fallen short in others.
Furthermore, Hurley shared that after giving birth to her son, she made a heartfelt commitment to prioritize him above her career, social life, and anything else. She affirmed, "He became my number one priority, and he continues to hold that position." Hurley stressed the importance of having a clear vision for the future and being willing to do whatever it takes to make it a reality.
Damian has embraced his mother's legacy in the entertainment industry, joining her in various episodes of The Royals and venturing into modeling. Additionally, he has explored his creative talents by trying his hand at directing, with Hurley starring in his short film, The Boy on the Beach, released in 2022. Excitingly, it was announced in June 2023 that the renowned actress would tackle a more sensual role in Damian's second film, Strictly Confidential.
Below, we present some of the most endearing moments between Hurley and her son.
Credit: Richard Young/Shutterstock
Elizabeth Hurley’s Sweetest Moments With Her Son Damian Over the Years: Photos
Elizabeth Hurley has been in several high-profile relationships over the years, but the most important man in her life is her son, Damian.
The Austin Powers actress welcomed her only child in 2002 after ending her relationship with Steve Bing. Initially, Bing denied being the father of her child, but a DNA test later confirmed his paternity.
In that same year, Hurley chose her ex-boyfriend Hugh Grant as one of Damian's godfathers. She also started dating Arun Nayar and they eventually got married in two different wedding ceremonies – one in an English castle and another at a palace in Jodhpur, India.
After being married for three years, the Royals alum announced that she and Nayar had decided to end their marriage. In December 2010, she took to Twitter and shared the news, stating, "Not a great day. For the record, my husband Arun and I separated a few months ago. Our close family and friends were aware of this." Their divorce was finalized a year later.
However, despite their separation, Nayar remained close to his former stepson. In July 2022, he showed his support by attending Damian's college graduation. Damian shared a heartwarming family photo on social media captioned, "Mama and Daddyo at graduation with me." The photo captured a moment of togetherness, with Hurley, Nayar, and the young entrepreneur smiling for the camera.
The actress from Serving Sara, Elizabeth Hurley, moved forward in her personal life with Australian athlete Shane Warne. The couple became engaged in October 2011 but unfortunately parted ways in 2013.
In June 2020, the family faced a tragic loss when Steve Bing, Hurley's ex-partner, died by suicide in Los Angeles. Expressing her deep sorrow, Hurley took to Instagram and wrote, "I am truly devastated by the loss of my ex, Steve. It is an incredibly tragic ending." She went on to share her memories, stating, "During our time together, we experienced happiness, and I am sharing these pictures because amidst the difficult moments, it is the memories of a kind and gentle man that truly matter."
Damian, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to fans for their support in a post on his Instagram: "I appreciate all of you who have reached out. Although I may not be able to respond to each and every one of you, please know that your kindness will always be remembered. This is a truly bizarre and bewildering time, and I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by my amazing family and friends."
Later that year, Hurley opened up about the challenges she faced in juggling her work life and her role as a mother. In an exclusive interview with Us, the former Gossip Girl star admitted, "It's unbelievably difficult to try and manage both. We all give it our best shot. We have moments of success, but there are also times when we feel like we've failed."
After giving birth to her son, she made a solemn promise to prioritize him above all else - work, social life, anything. She firmly declared that he would always be her top priority, a declaration that still holds true. When you have a clear vision of what you want, you will do anything in your power to make it a reality.
Following in his mother's footsteps in the entertainment industry, Damian has made appearances alongside Hurley in multiple episodes of The Royals and has even established himself as a model. He has also ventured into directing, with Hurley starring in his short film, The Boy on the Beach, released in 2022. In June 2023, it was announced that the renowned actress would take on a more provocative role in Damian's upcoming film, Strictly Confidential.
Scroll below to see Hurley’s sweetest moments with her son:
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
September 2013
"My over excited son last night with his godfather," Hurley captioned an adorable pic of Damian posing with Elton John.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
March 2014
The Runaways alum posted an Instagram selfie with her son after picking him up from school.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Twitter
October 2014
The mother-son duo showed off their goofy side while posing for a pic in Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
July 2015
Hurley snuck a snap of Damian taking a nap on her while on set of The Royals.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
December 2015
The duo wished fans a "Happy Christmas" with a celebratory holiday selfie.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
July 2016
The Method actress and the young model enjoyed some downtime together while on set of The Royals.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
October 2016
The pair commemorated their vacation to Maldives with a silly duck face selfie.
Credit: Piers Allardyce/Shutterstock
December 2016
Damian joined his mother on an episode of the Today show while promoting The Royals.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
February 2017
"Snuggling up to my best boy @damianhurley1 #India ," Hurley captioned a pic with Damian while on a trip to India.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
May 2017
Hurley snapped a photo with her son to celebrate his "School Speech Day."
Credit: Shutterstock
April 2018
Hurley shared a behind-the-scenes pic of her son's guest appearance on The Royals as Hansel von Liechtenstein, Crown Prince of Liechtenstein, with costar Joan Collins.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
May 2018
The Christmas in Paradise star followed up the following year's Speech Day picture with a new photo of herself and Damian.
Credit: Courtesy of Damian Hurley/Instagram
December 2019
Damian looked just like Hurley's mini-me in a selfie the Passenger 57 actress shared via her Instagram Story on Christmas Day.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
April 2021
"Happy 19th Birthday to my beautiful baby @damianhurley1 ️️️️," Hurley captioned a snap of herself and Damian on a boat.
Credit: Courtesy of Damian Hurley/Instagram
June 2021
Damian expressed his adoration for his mother by calling her his "beloved human" in a heartfelt Instagram birthday tribute. Accompanied by a series of photos, the caption from the model affectionately referred to his mother as his eternal partner in crime. "I love you, my twin Mother. Xx," Damien wrote alongside the striking slideshow.
Credit: Courtesy of Damian Hurley/Instagram
July 2022
Hurley and her son reunited with Nayar for Damian's college graduation.
Credit: Courtesy of Damian Hurley/Instagram
March 2023
"Happy Mama’s Day to my best friend ️," Damian captioned a pair of pics of himself and Hurley.
Credit: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley/Instagram
June 2023
Hurley celebrated her 58th birthday surrounded by family and friends, including Damian.