About Paris Hilton

Biography

Paris Hilton was born on February 17th, 1981, to Rick and Kathy Hilton, making her the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of the family fortune -- estimated at $300 million. Her grandfather, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Jr., also brought some notoriety to the family, as he was the first of Elizabeth Taylor's many ex-husbands. Paris' younger sister, Nicky (born in 1983), shares the throne as co-heiress of the Hilton empire.

Growing up in Manhattan's ritzy Waldorf-Astoria, the family's New York home, as well as other Hilton digs in Beverly Hills and the Hamptons, Paris didn't seem to yearn for much. Even after graduating from high school, college didn't appeal to her. So, around the year 2000, Paris decided to branch out and become famous.

She began to make a name for herself as a model, soon appearing in shows for designers such as Marc Bouwer and Catherine Malandrino, and she later completed an ad campaign for Iceberg, an Italian label. In addition, Paris has posed for spreads in national magazines such as GQ, Vanity Fair and FHM, and has also been profiled, along with her sister, in People magazine.

At the same time, Paris became the center of attention because of her relationships -- real or imagined by the paparazzi -- with some of Hollywood's hottest young stars. In early 2000, Paris was spotted around town with Leonardo DiCaprio. However, the press, especially the National Enquirer, blew their casual friendship far out of proportion.

Paris, along with her younger sister Nicky, also became notorious as socialites, gracing party after party and getting bad press for their antics. For example, Paris has grabbed headlines by shoving ahead of others in a washroom line, then, when upbraided for her rudeness, quipped that she only wanted to look at herself in the mirror. She has also danced on top of bar banquettes, gone topless for attention, and paraded around in designer T-shirts with slogans like, "Got Blow?" Yet Paris maintains that the bad press "sucks" and that "people are mean."

Paris stars in The Simple Life

"Paris stars in The Simple Life"

Perhaps in an effort to clean up her image, Paris has tried to make her mark by working on more substantial projects. In 2001, she had a cameo appearance in Ben Stiller's fashion spoof, Zoolander. Other appearances include a role as a strung-out supermodel in the film short QIK2JDG, The Hillz (co-starring boyfriend Jason Shaw), Wonderland, and the big-screen adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, The Cat in the Hat. She also starred in the FOX reality show, The Simple Life, based on Green Acres, and featured Paris Hilton living on a farm. The show was such a success that there will likely be a sequel.

On top of her burgeoning acting career, Paris has designed a high-end collection of purses for Tokyo label Samantha Thavasa, along with her sister Nicky. Paris has also given back; she has done charity work for Toys for Tots. Unfortunately, her attempts to start a modeling company and a makeup line seem to have fizzled.

Paris Hilton in "Stars Are Blind"

"Stars Are Blind" Music Video (click to view)

"Here's a look at the first music video from Paris Hilton"

The video is for the first single, "Stars Are Blind," from Hilton's forthcoming debut CD.

Hilton mostly writhes around on a California beach and frolics in the sand and surf with a male model.

Hilton, who will be a presenter at the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto on June 18th, has said her album will include hints of reggae, hip-hop and pop -- as well as a cover of Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?"

She told Prestige magazine: "The whole album has so much different music on it. I like all music. It's not like I only like pop or only rock. I want to have something for everybody."

Hilton said she wrote the lyrics to seven of her songs and had to overcome shyness to become a singer.

"I have always had a voice and always known I could sing, but I was too shy to let it come out. I think that is the hardest thing you can do, to sing in front of people. When I finally let go and did it, I realized it is what I am most talented at and what I love to do the most," Hilton said.

Paris Hilton Over all Rating

"Paris Hilton Over all Rating"

Paris Hilton sets the standard for the wealthy, twenty-something socialites of the 21st century. Her privileged upbringing as heiress to the Hilton millions and her whirlwind itinerary of partying make her seem like a perfect subject for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Even a life that is such an Epicurean feast is not without its hiccups. Paris has garnered attention in the tabloids for her connections with movie stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Furlong, not to mention a sex tape that made its way onto the Internet. And she hasn't helped matters with her obnoxious conduct at a number of functions and parties at such high-profile venues as the notorious Studio 54, which has been duly publicized by the gutter press.