The private life of actress Riley Keough and her husband, Australian stuntman Ben Smith-Petersen, is one of Hollywood’s most intriguing and grounded love stories. Despite Keough’s status as the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and a rising star in her own right, the couple has managed to keep the details of their relationship and growing family largely out of the spotlight. As of late 2025, the couple has been married for over a decade and recently shared the most exciting news of their life, solidifying their status as a true power couple.
The most recent and significant update is the quiet arrival of their second child, confirmed in September 2025. This news comes just a few years after the birth of their first daughter, Tupelo Storm, revealing their commitment to building a family while maintaining their privacy. Their partnership is a fascinating blend of Hollywood royalty and high-octane stunt work, rooted in a chance meeting on a legendary film set.
Ben Smith-Petersen: Biography and Professional Profile
Riley Keough’s husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, is a respected figure in the film industry, known primarily for his demanding and high-risk career as a stunt performer. His commitment to privacy contrasts sharply with the public nature of his wife’s family legacy, making him an intriguing partner.
- Full Name: Ben Smith-Petersen
- Occupation: Stuntman, Stunt Coordinator, Actor
- Nationality: Australian
- Spouse: Riley Keough (m. 2015)
- Children: Two (Daughter Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, born August 2022, and a second child born in 2025)
- Notable Stunt Work: His impressive resume includes major blockbuster films such as *Mad Max: Fury Road*, where he met Keough, *The Suicide Squad*, *Aquaman*, and the cultural phenomenon *Barbie*.
- Acting Roles: Smith-Petersen has also taken on minor acting roles, often leveraging his physical abilities and on-set experience.
- Meeting: He met Riley Keough in 2012 on the set of *Mad Max: Fury Road* in Namibia, though they did not begin dating until a year later during reshoots.
- Engagement: The couple became engaged in 2014 after a whirlwind romance.
The Latest Family News: Two Children and Unwavering Privacy
The relationship between Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen is characterized by their shared desire for a normal, private life, a challenging feat given Keough's heritage. Their journey into parenthood has been a carefully managed affair, with the most recent news being the arrival of their second child.
1. The Secret Arrival of Baby No. 2 in 2025
In a move that highlights their commitment to privacy, it was revealed in September 2025 that Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen had quietly welcomed their second baby earlier in the year. The news was confirmed through a close family source, indicating the couple successfully kept the pregnancy and birth a secret from the public for several months. This latest addition to their family follows the birth of their first child, daughter Tupelo Storm, and further establishes their focus on family life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
2. The Meaning Behind Their First Daughter’s Unique Name
Their first daughter, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, was born in August 2022 via surrogate. The name Tupelo holds profound significance, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Keough’s legendary grandfather, Elvis Presley. Tupelo, Mississippi, is the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll, making the name a direct and touching nod to her family's history.
The middle name, Storm, is a tribute to Keough's late brother, Benjamin Storm Keough, who tragically passed away in 2020. This naming choice beautifully connects her daughter to both the Presley and Keough family lines, honoring her late grandfather and brother in a single, meaningful gesture.
A Hollywood Love Story Forged in the Desert
Their relationship timeline is one of a modern love story that began in the most unlikely of places: the grueling, dusty set of a post-apocalyptic action film. The couple's initial connection was not immediate, but rather a slow burn that blossomed into marriage.
3. They Met on the Set of *Mad Max: Fury Road*
Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen first crossed paths in 2012 while filming George Miller’s critically acclaimed *Mad Max: Fury Road*. Keough was cast as Capable, one of Immortan Joe’s wives, while Smith-Petersen was working as a stuntman on the production. At the time, Keough was in another relationship, so their connection remained platonic.
It wasn't until a year later, during reshoots for the film, that their romance began to spark. Keough has often recounted the story of their initial dating period, highlighting the strong, immediate bond they formed once they officially started seeing each other. The relationship moved quickly, with the couple announcing their engagement in 2014.
4. A Traditional Yet Star-Studded Wedding in Napa Valley
Less than a year after their engagement, Keough and Smith-Petersen tied the knot in February 2015. Their wedding was a beautiful, intimate affair held in Napa Valley, California, a stark contrast to the chaotic world of *Mad Max* where they first met. The ceremony was attended by a host of celebrity friends and family, including Dakota Johnson, Kristen Stewart, and Keough's mother, the late Lisa Marie Presley.
Despite the star-studded guest list, the couple has often described their marriage as grounded and normal, focusing on mutual respect and shared interests. Smith-Petersen’s non-acting career provides a welcome balance to Keough’s demanding life as a leading actress in projects like *Daisy Jones & the Six*.
5. Their Home Life is a Blend of Hollywood and Down-to-Earth Simplicity
While Keough is part of one of the most famous families in the world, the couple prioritizes a simple, down-to-earth home life. They have often spoken about their love for the outdoors, their pets, and their shared passion for film, both in front of and behind the camera. Their ability to keep major life events, such as the arrival of their two children, out of the public eye for so long is a testament to the strength of their private bubble.
The couple's dynamic is a perfect example of two individuals supporting each other's careers while maintaining a solid, stable foundation at home. Keough has frequently praised her husband's strength and kindness, noting his calming influence on her life. As they navigate their careers and raise their growing family, Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen continue to be a refreshing example of enduring love in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.
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