Did Billy Ray Cyrus Date Elizabeth Hurley?

As of recent years, Elizabeth Hurley has kept her personal habits fairly private, especially when it comes to smoking. While she was known to be a smoker in the past—particularly during the height of her fame in the '90s and early 2000s—there’s no clear, up-to-date confirmation that she still smokes today. In public appearances and interviews over the past decade, smoking hasn’t really come up as a topic, and she doesn’t appear to be seen smoking in paparazzi shots or on her social media either. Hurley has been increasingly focused on health and wellness in recent years. She often promotes a healthy lifestyle, shares fitness routines, and emphasizes clean eating. Given that shift in public messaging, it wouldn’t be surprising if she quit smoking at some point, though she hasn’t made any formal statement about it. So while we can’t say for certain whether she still smokes, all signs suggest it’s either no longer a major part of her life—or at least something she keeps completely out of the public eye.

Elizabeth Hurley became widely famous after her role in the 1997 comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Playing Vanessa Kensington, she was the smart, stylish, and sharp-witted sidekick to Mike Myers’ groovy secret agent. The film was a global hit, and her performance—equal parts glamour and deadpan humor—helped introduce her to audiences worldwide. It wasn’t just that she looked stunning in '60s-inspired outfits; she also held her own comedically, which surprised many who had mostly seen her as a model or red-carpet fixture before that. Although she had acted in films prior to Austin Powers, nothing had really pushed her into the international spotlight until then. The movie’s success, combined with its cult-classic status, made her a pop culture icon almost overnight. Suddenly, she wasn’t just known as Hugh Grant’s girlfriend or a former Estée Lauder model—she was a legitimate Hollywood name with global recognition. That role opened the door to more acting opportunities and cemented her status as a star of the late ’90s and early 2000s.

I've always been fascinated by autobiographies, especially when musicians tell their own stories. 'Brother Ray: Ray Charles' Own Story' was co-written by Ray Charles himself alongside David Ritz. Ritz is a brilliant collaborator who's worked with many legends, helping shape their raw experiences into compelling narratives. What makes this book special is how Ritz preserves Charles' authentic voice - you can practically hear that gravelly tone coming off the page. They spent years together refining the manuscript, blending Charles' incredible memory with Ritz's storytelling craft. If you enjoyed this, check out 'The Rhythm and the Blues' by Jerry Wexler for another insider view of music history.

In late 2021, it was reported that Miley Cyrus had a net worth of $160 million. This impressive figure comes from not only her successful music career, but also her stints as an actress in both television and film. Her major breakout was when she played Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel. This gave her a good measure of both fame and fortune. Since then she has released several albums which topped the charts; at different times held numerous singles and embarked on world tours for it. Also involved with various other businesses, she sells a beauty care line called Herle.

In 'Brother Ray: Ray Charles' Own Story', Ray Charles describes losing his sight gradually due to glaucoma. He was just a kid when it started, around seven years old. The book paints a vivid picture of how his vision faded slowly, like lights dimming one by one until there was nothing left. What struck me was his resilience—he never wallowed in self-pity. Instead, he adapted quickly, relying on his sharpened hearing and memory to navigate the world. The memoir hints that poverty played a role too; his family couldn’t afford proper medical care, which might have slowed the progression. His blindness became part of his identity, shaping his music and worldview in ways sight never could.

Dutch Schultz's obsession with Billy in 'Billy Bathgate' stems from seeing himself in the young, ambitious kid. Schultz, a notorious gangster, recognizes Billy's raw talent and street smarts—qualities he once had before power corrupted him. Billy's innocence and quick learning remind Schultz of his younger days, making him both nostalgic and possessive. He treats Billy like a protege, showing him the ropes of the criminal world while also keeping him close to control him. Schultz's paranoia plays a role too; he trusts almost no one, but Billy's loyalty (or perceived loyalty) becomes a rare anchor in his chaotic life. The dynamic is twisted mentorship mixed with Schultz's ego—he wants to shape Billy but also fears being outshined.

Miley Cyrus took on 'The Last Song' as a deliberate pivot toward more mature roles, distancing herself from her Disney Channel persona. The film, based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, offered her a chance to showcase dramatic depth—playing Ronnie, a rebellious teen reconnecting with her estranged father. Critics noted her raw emotional scenes, especially during the climactic illness subplot, which felt personal given her real-life closeness to her own father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The role also aligned with her musical roots; she contributed to the soundtrack, blending her artistry with acting. The seaside setting and themes of forgiveness resonated with her desire for authenticity post-'Hannah Montana'. It wasn’t just another project; it was a bridge between her child-star past and the multifaceted artist she aimed to become.

I just finished reading 'Brother Ray: Ray Charles' Own Story', and the awards it won are a big deal in the literary world. The book snagged the National Book Award for Autobiography in 1979, which is huge because it recognizes outstanding writing and storytelling. It also received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and vivid portrayal of Ray Charles' life. The way he describes his struggles and triumphs makes it stand out from typical celebrity memoirs. If you're into music bios, this one's a must-read—it gives you a front-row seat to the soul legend's journey. For similar deep dives into musicians' lives, check out 'Clapton: The Autobiography' or 'The Beatles Anthology'. Both capture the same level of unfiltered passion and artistry.