Riley Keough, the Golden Globe-nominated actress and heiress to the Elvis Presley estate, has successfully maintained an incredibly private life with her Australian husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, despite her high-profile family background. As of December 10, 2025, the couple's quiet world has seen some major, surprising developments, most notably the secret expansion of their family and a rare glimpse into their relationship.
The couple, who first met on the set of *Mad Max: Fury Road*, have been married since 2015 and are currently navigating the demanding balance of Hollywood careers—Keough as a leading actress in projects like *Daisy Jones & The Six* and Smith-Petersen as a top-tier stuntman—with the responsibilities of being new parents to two children. Their bond, built on shared experiences in the film industry, remains one of the most stable and intriguing in Hollywood.
Ben Smith-Petersen: Full Biography and Profile of Riley Keough's Private Stuntman Husband
Ben Smith-Petersen is far more than just "Riley Keough's husband"; he is an accomplished professional in the high-stakes world of Hollywood stunts and a supportive partner who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. His career is marked by physically demanding roles and work on some of the biggest blockbuster franchises.
- Full Name: Ben Smith-Petersen
- Nationality: Australian
- Occupation: Stuntman, Stunt Performer, Stunt Coordinator, and occasional Actor
- Wife: Riley Keough (Married February 4, 2015)
- Children: Two (Daughter, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, born August 2022 via surrogate; and a second, unnamed child, born in 2024)
- Notable Stunt Credits:
- *Mad Max: Fury Road* (where he met Riley Keough)
- *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies*
- *The Suicide Squad*
- *Barbie* (2023)
- *The Great Gatsby*
- Relationship Timeline:
- 2012: Met while filming *Mad Max: Fury Road* in Namibia.
- 2013: Began dating after a brief period of friendship.
- 2014: Got engaged.
- 2015: Married in a lavish ceremony in Napa, California.
Smith-Petersen's work as a stuntman requires immense physical skill and dedication, a career path that offers him an anonymity that Keough, as the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, rarely gets. This contrast in public profile is often cited as a key component of their successful, grounded marriage.
The Secret Arrival of Baby Number Two and the Elvis Tribute Name
The biggest and most recent news surrounding Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen is the quiet expansion of their family. In a rare move for the usually very public-facing celebrity world, the couple secretly welcomed their second child in 2024.
The news was first subtly revealed by Keough's grandmother, Priscilla Presley, and later confirmed by the actress's representative. Details about the new addition, including the baby's name and sex, have been kept entirely private, reinforcing the couple's commitment to shielding their children from the intense media scrutiny that has followed the Presley family for decades.
The second child joins older sister, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, who was born via surrogate in August 2022. The choice of the first child's name, Tupelo, is a deeply personal and touching tribute to the family's patriarch, Elvis Presley, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Riley Keough has openly discussed the emotional journey of using a surrogate, a decision she made due to a chronic health condition, and her desire to be open about the process to help others.
The family's growth comes during a period of significant personal and professional change for Keough, following the passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and the subsequent settlement of the Presley estate. The presence of two young children provides a source of joy and stability amidst her demanding career and personal responsibilities as the sole heir and owner of Graceland.
Rare Public Glimpses and the Shared Hollywood Bond
While the couple prioritizes privacy, recent months have offered a few rare, public glimpses into their life together, confirming their relationship is stronger than ever. These sightings are highly valued by fans and the media, as they often occur only during major career milestones or international events.
October 2024: Paris Fashion Week and Instagram Photo
In October 2024, Riley Keough shared a rare photo of her "incredibly private husband" on her Instagram account, giving followers a cherished look at their life. This followed a joint appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where the couple was photographed together, looking relaxed and affectionate. These moments are notable because Ben Smith-Petersen typically avoids the spotlight that comes with Keough’s status, making their joint public appearances a testament to their mutual support.
A Stuntman's Love Story: From *Mad Max* to Marriage
Their relationship’s origin story is a quintessential Hollywood tale. They met on the set of the critically acclaimed action film *Mad Max: Fury Road* in 2012. Keough was an actress, and Smith-Petersen was performing stunts. Their connection was immediate, with Keough famously telling *Brides* magazine that she knew she would marry him after only their second date.
The shared experience of working in the intense, high-pressure environment of film production, particularly for a massive blockbuster like *Mad Max*, created a unique foundation for their bond. Smith-Petersen's work on major films like *Barbie* and *The Suicide Squad* means he understands the demands of the industry, which is crucial for a relationship where one partner is a rising star like Keough.
The Keough-Petersen Family's Future in Film and Legacy
The couple’s future is set to be a blend of high-profile acting roles, challenging stunt work, and private family life. Riley Keough continues to solidify her position as a versatile actress, with her acclaimed role in the musical drama *Daisy Jones & The Six* earning her widespread praise and a Golden Globe nomination.
On the other hand, Ben Smith-Petersen's career as a stunt coordinator and performer remains robust, providing a crucial, grounded element to their lives. His work is essential to the action genre, a demanding field that requires constant training and focus. The entity of the "stunt community" is a tight-knit one, offering the couple a supportive network outside of the traditional acting circles.
Furthermore, Riley Keough’s role as the sole trustee of the Lisa Marie Presley estate, which includes the iconic Graceland mansion, means the family is now the primary guardian of the Elvis Presley legacy. This responsibility adds another layer of complexity to their public and private lives, ensuring that the Keough-Petersen family will continue to be a subject of public fascination for years to come. Their ability to maintain a strong, private marriage while navigating intense professional demands and a world-famous family legacy is a testament to the strength of their partnership.
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