From Stuntman To Spouse: 7 Surprising Facts About Riley Keough's Husband, Ben Smith-Petersen

The question of "Who is Riley Keough's boyfriend?" is officially outdated. As of December 12, 2025, the actress and producer is happily married to her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, an Australian stuntman and actor with a surprising Hollywood resume. Their decade-long relationship, which began on a high-octane film set, has blossomed into a deeply private marriage and a growing family, making them one of Hollywood's most intriguing and low-key power couples. The couple has navigated the spotlight and the tragic loss of Riley’s mother, Lisa Marie Presley, together, maintaining a life that is both grounded and deeply connected to the entertainment industry. From a chance meeting in the Namibian desert to quietly welcoming their second child this year, their story is far from the typical celebrity romance. This article dives into the life of the man who captured the heart of Elvis Presley’s granddaughter and the surprising details of their life together.

Riley Keough: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Danielle Riley Keough is an American actress, model, and producer who has successfully forged her own path in Hollywood, stepping out from the shadow of her famous lineage. Born on May 29, 1989, in Santa Monica, California, her family tree is one of the most iconic in American history.

• Full Name: Danielle Riley Keough
• Date of Birth: May 29, 1989
• Age (as of 2025): 36
• Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Parents: Lisa Marie Presley (Mother) and Danny Keough (Father)
• Famous Grandparent: Elvis Presley (Maternal Grandfather)
• Initial Career: Began modeling at age 15, walking for Dolce & Gabbana and appearing on the cover of *Vogue*.
• Breakout Film Roles: *The Runaways* (2010), *Magic Mike* (2012), *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015), and *American Honey* (2016).
• Television Success: Gained critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her starring role as Daisy Jones in the miniseries *Daisy Jones & The Six* (2023).
• Producing Career: Co-founded the production company Felix Culpa with Gina Gammell.

Despite the immense pressure of being Elvis Presley's eldest grandchild and the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, Riley has established herself as a serious, versatile actress, often choosing independent and complex roles. Her career trajectory shows a consistent move toward challenging, character-driven work, cementing her status as a respected figure in modern cinema.

The Unexpected Love Story: How Riley Met Her Husband

Riley Keough’s path to finding her life partner was anything but conventional, starting with a grueling, dust-filled film set in the African desert. Her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, is an Australian stunt performer whose career involves some of the most dangerous and demanding work in the film industry.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The couple first crossed paths while filming the 2015 blockbuster *Mad Max: Fury Road*. Riley had a small role as one of the "Wives," while Ben was working as a stuntman on the film. Their relationship, however, didn't begin immediately. Ben was dating someone else at the time, and their initial connection was purely platonic.

It wasn't until the film's reshoots in Sydney, Australia, that their romance finally ignited. Riley recalled being immediately smitten, recognizing a deep, lasting connection almost instantly. She has famously recounted telling him, "I could see myself having kids with this person," just two weeks into dating, a testament to the speed and certainty of their bond.

The couple got engaged in 2014 and married in a beautiful, private ceremony in Napa, California, in February 2015. Their wedding was a star-studded event, yet the couple has always maintained a fiercely private life, keeping their relationship grounded away from the Hollywood frenzy.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Who Is Ben Smith-Petersen? The Man Behind the Stunts

Ben Smith-Petersen is far more than just "Riley Keough's husband." He is a highly respected Australian stuntman, actor, and coordinator in the global film industry, known for his work on major blockbusters. His career is a fascinating juxtaposition to his wife's, involving intense physical training and high-risk maneuvers.

Ben Smith-Petersen's Professional Highlights

Ben, born on July 13, 1991, in New South Wales, Australia, has an impressive filmography that spans fantasy epics, superhero movies, and critically acclaimed dramas. His work often involves doubling for major actors in dangerous scenes, a skill that requires incredible athleticism and precision.

• Core Profession: Stuntman and Stunt Coordinator.
• Notable Stunt Work: His credits include *Mad Max: Fury Road*, *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies*, *The Suicide Squad*, *The Great Gatsby*, and the blockbuster hit *Barbie*.
• Acting Roles: He has also taken on smaller acting roles, often leveraging his physical skills.
• Collaboration with Riley: They not only met on *Mad Max* but also worked together on the 2018 film *The Lodge*.

His role in the industry is a perfect complement to Riley’s acting career. While she is focused on the emotional and dramatic aspects of filmmaking, Ben is literally at the center of the action, a partnership that seems to provide a balance of creative and physical energy.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

A Growing Family: Children and Tributes

The couple's journey into parenthood has been as private and unique as their relationship. They quietly welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2022 via a surrogate. The news was revealed during the funeral of Riley’s mother, Lisa Marie Presley, where Ben read a tribute from Riley that mentioned their new baby.

Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen

Their daughter’s full name, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, is a touching tribute to Riley’s family legacy. The name Tupelo is a direct nod to her famous great-grandfather, Elvis Presley, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The couple expanded their family again, quietly welcoming their second child earlier this year, a detail that was confirmed by Riley's grandmother, Priscilla Presley, in September 2025. This commitment to privacy highlights their desire to shield their children from the intense media scrutiny that often follows the Presley family.

Riley Keough's Dating History Before Ben

Before settling down with her husband, Riley Keough had a few high-profile relationships and engagements that often made headlines. Her celebrity dating history is a testament to the circles she moved in, both as a model and a rising actress.

• Ryan Cabrera (2006–2008): Riley dated the musician Ryan Cabrera early in her career.
• Alex Pettyfer (2012–2013): Her most significant pre-marital relationship was with British actor Alex Pettyfer, whom she met on the set of *Magic Mike*. They were briefly engaged before splitting up.
• Nicholas Hoult: She was also linked to actor Nicholas Hoult, though details of their relationship were kept private.
• Robert Pattinson: Following her engagement to Pettyfer, she was rumored to have dated actor Robert Pattinson for a short period.

The contrast between her dating life and her marriage to Ben Smith-Petersen is striking. While her past relationships were often public and brief, her bond with Ben has been a model of stability, privacy, and long-term commitment, suggesting that the stuntman provided the grounding presence she was looking for.