The Stunning Transformation Of Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton has undergone a stunning transformation. The hugely famous star first rose into international prominence on the reality series "The Simple Life," which starred Hilton and another wildly wealthy heiress, Nicole Richie. It was on this show that Hilton spoke her famous catchphrase, "That's hot," for the first time. After that, Hilton's fame continued to grow as she launched dozens of fragrance and clothing lines.
And as Evening Standard noted, Hilton was probably the first person to become a successful, million-dollar brand, famous for simply being herself.
After her popular stint on "The Simple Life," Hilton went on to become a DJ and businesswoman. And in 2020, a YouTube documentary called "This Is Paris" revealed that even her biggest fans may not know the dark truth about who the superstar really is. Want to know how Hilton went from socialite to reality star to businesswoman? Here is the stunning transformation of Paris Hilton.
Paris Hilton came from a long line of wealthy hotel moguls
When Paris Hilton was born on February 17, 1981, in New York, she was already destined to live an incredibly privileged life. Paris is the oldest child of Richard Hilton, a real estate developer, and Kathy Richards Hilton, a famous socialite. As Business Insider explained, the Hilton family has a long history of success and wealth.
Paris' great-grandfather, Conrad Hilton, built the famous Hilton hotel empire throughout the early 1900s. Conrad was also briefly married to actor Zsa Zsa Gabor, while his son, Conrad Jr., later married Elizabeth Taylor — though the marriage only lasted a year. Conrad Jr. also continued to expand the hotel empire.
It's easy to see how Paris had a significant advantage from the moment she was born. Nevertheless, despite her origins, Paris has always been clear about her desire to earn her own money. "Because of my last name and the way I look, some people think I'm a spoiled brat," she once said (via Esquire). "But I'm not like that at all." She later added, "Things may seem to naturally come my way. But I work hard for them, too."
Paris Hilton became interested in fragrances as a child
After becoming a mega celeb on "The Simple Life," Paris Hilton found huge success with her line of fragrances. As she revealed to Gay Times, she eventually created 25 different scents, and described the experience as "a dream come true."
As it turns out, creating a fragrance empire was actually a lifelong dream for Hilton, as she's had a true passion for the perfume industry that dates all the way back to her childhood. "I've worn perfume since I was 6," she explained to Glamour, citing her mother as her original inspiration. "I used to go into my mum's boudoir when she was out and spray myself all over."
It's clear that perfume has always been an incredibly important part of Hilton's identity. It's no wonder, then, that she later said, "It's who you are." It's wonderful to discover that the star was eventually able to follow one of her childhood passions.
Paris Hilton suffered abuse as a teen
Fans of Paris Hilton might assume that the star has always enjoyed a carefree, luxurious life. However, in 2020, the world learned that the heiress was hiding a dark history of trauma and abuse. In Paris Hilton's revealing documentary, "This Is Paris," the heiress opened up about her experiences at several boarding schools as a teen.
Hilton's parents sent her first to a series of "emotional growth" schools, where she was allegedly forced to do manual labor and was occasionally beaten. Later in the documentary, Hilton explained how she was taken from her home by strangers in the middle of the night and sent to the Provo Canyon School — "the worst of the worst," as Hilton recalled. She said that she and her schoolmates were mentally and physically abused, given pills, and beaten by the staff. At one point, she was placed in solitary confinement. "They would make people take their clothes off and go in there for like 20 hours," she recalled.
These horrific experiences gave Hilton a lifelong determination: "I was going to do everything in my power to be so successful that my parents could never control me again."
If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
Paris Hilton moved to New York at 17 and dreamed of becoming a model
As a teen, Paris Hilton dreamed of becoming a model. So when she and her family moved to New York, Hilton was entranced by the glittering lifestyle of the modeling world. "Before New York I didn't really wear dresses and never went to parties," Hilton explained to the Evening Standard.
However, Hilton's parents were strict, so she initially struggled in her pursuit of fame. "A lot of the times, what I would do is actually sneak out at night," Hilton revealed on MTV's "When I Was 17." She also explained how she found ways of ducking past the hotel's security system, leaving a pile of pillows and a wig under her duvet. Of course, as the documentary "This Is Paris" revealed, this rebellious streak resulted in Hilton being sent away.
When Hilton turned 18, she was finally free to pursue her dreams of modeling. Notably, she met photographer David LaChapelle who took an iconic photo of her giving the finger. Looking back, she confessed that her trauma at the time contributed to her attitude in the shot.
Paris Hilton became a socialite and the most fascinating girl in New York
The reign of Paris Hilton began in the late '90s, when she and her sister Nicky became the new "it" girls of New York. They attended the biggest parties, and the world was their oyster.
Although Hilton hadn't accomplished anything in particular to get so famous, there was just something about her people couldn't get enough of, according to The New York Times. Hilton even denied being a celebrity herself.
Around the same time, the paparazzi began following the sisters around the city constantly — especially on their late-night partying escapades. Then in 2000, the New York Post covered Paris' ever-growing fan base, who tried to catch a glimpse of the heiress at nightclubs. It seemed that Paris and Nicky Hilton were ushering in a new era of debutantes who were certainly less demure than their predecessors — which, of course, isn't necessarily a bad thing!
In 2003, a leaked tape was hugely embarrassing, causing lifelong trauma
In 2003, Paris Hilton had her first real run-in with the dark side of being a public figure, when a bedroom tape that she'd made with her ex-boyfriend, Rick Saloman, was leaked to the press. "I feel embarrassed and humiliated," she told The Associated Press (via Entertainment Weekly) at the time. "I was in an intimate relationship and never, ever thought these things would become public."
In 2020, Hilton spoke to Sky News about the impact the leak had on her at the time. "Back then, they made me like I was the villain," she said. She went on to explain how the general consensus seemed to be that she'd made the tape on purpose in order to get headlines.
Hilton went on to say that since the #MeToo movement, she hopes women will be more respected by the media. "I'm happy for the future of women that they wouldn't have to go through something like that, because it's one of my biggest regrets ... and something that will traumatize me for the rest of my life," she said.
The Simple Life changed Paris Hilton's life -- and turned her into a character
In 2003, Paris Hilton starred on "The Simple Life," and the hit show made her internationally famous. "It changed my whole life since it was the first of its kind," she explained to Gay Times. "After that show, I got to go all around the world, and it really just started my career in this business."
Of course, Hilton's new level of fame could also be pretty exhausting and overwhelming; she confessed that dealing with both the paparazzi and the made-up stories in the media were a difficult adjustment.
Even though "The Simple Life" was marketed as reality TV, it turns out, Hilton was playing a character. In the 2020 documentary "This Is Paris," she opened up about how the bubbly, baby-voiced Paris of "The Simple Life" had become difficult to live with. "I just had this plan, and then created his brand and this persona and this character, and I've been stuck with her ever since," she confessed. "I didn't used to be that way."
Paris Hilton says she was abused by five of her boyfriends
Paris Hilton hasn't exactly been lucky in love. In the 2020 documentary "This Is Paris," the star confessed that at least five of her past boyfriends had been physically abusive. "I've been in a lot of relationships where people — they just get so controlling and get so angry that they become physical," she said.
A few of the instances of physical abuse were made public at the time, too. In 2004, the New York Post reported that her ex-boyfriend Nick Carter had allegedly given her some horrific bruises after a fight.
Hilton went on to explain that she was potentially more susceptible to abusive relationships because of her time at the boarding school in Utah. "I had become so used to it at Provo, that it made me feel like it was normal," she said. "Looking back, I can't believe I let people treat me like that." We have to say, it's incredibly tragic to hear about what was going on behind the scenes of Hilton's glamorous life.
Paris Hilton popularized the selfie in 2006
These days, it's pretty hard to imagine a time when we weren't snapping shots of ourselves on our smartphones for social media. In fact, for many Zoomers, the selfie is practically a necessity. However, when Paris Hilton was a young woman, selfies weren't exactly the cultural phenomenon they are today. As Hilton herself tweeted in 2017, "11 years ago today, me & Britney invented the selfie!"
According to W Magazine, Hilton is often credited with taking one of the very first selfies. And even if she didn't exactly invent the art form, it's pretty clear that she played a big role in making it a popular type of picture.
"If a beeper had a camera, I would have taken a selfie with it," she said. "I think I have a selfie from when I was a little kid, like on a disposable camera." Sounds like Hilton has always been desperate to get herself in front of the camera — even if no one else was around to press the button.
Paris Hilton released two albums and appeared in several films
After "The Simple Life," Paris Hilton pursued a career as an actor and a singer. She released her debut album, "Paris," in 2006; she made it with Romeo Antonio, who was also responsible for albums by Jessica Simpson — who's undergone a stunning transformation — and Kelly Rowland. The first single "Stars Are Blind" was actually pretty successful — as Paper noted, Lady Gaga once said it was "one of the greatest records ever."
However, after two albums, it was pretty clear that Hilton wasn't destined for a long career as a pop star. As BuzzFeed reported, her first single was probably the peak of her short-lived career.
In terms of acting, Hilton also met with little success. She took on tiny cameos in "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton," "Veronica Mars," "The Hills," "Snakes on a Plane," and other films and shows. Most often, she was cast as herself — or rather, as the caricature of herself that had become famous on "The Simple Life." Then in 2010, Hilton was given the Razzie for Worst Actress of the Decade. Ouch!
Paris Hilton started DJing in 2012 to prove she has real talent
After working as a model, a singer, a reality star, and an actor, Paris Hilton tried a fifth career path in 2012: DJing. Thanks to her connections, she didn't exactly have to work her way to the top of her field. As she told Billboard, her first gig was, "like 30,000 people, closing for Jennifer Lopez, it was so much fun."
After her first show, Hilton developed a passion for spinning. She also learned more techniques and continued to work at festivals and shows around the world, becoming more and more confident along the way. "I'm proud to say I've gotten so many compliments and so much credibility from it," she continued.
Hilton added that she loves surprising audiences with her talent for DJing, and showing that she's not simply resting on her laurels. Nevertheless, Hilton doesn't shy away from self-promotion at her shows — apparently, she always ends her shows with her hit single "Stars Are Blind." We have to say, it's super cool that Hilton has found a creative outlet that she seems to excel at!
Paris Hilton took a step back from the limelight, but kept working super hard
After spending a few decades smack dab in the center of the limelight, Paris Hilton took a step back. And even though the heiress is no longer plastered all over the tabloids, she's stayed pretty busy behind the scenes. She spoke to Glamour about her decision to become more private in 2015. "When I first came onto the scene I was going out to every club every night, it was crazy," she recalled. "But I've grown up."
And what has Hilton been up to? She's been working — hard! "I'm on a plane 200 days of the year," she continued. "I'm 100% focused on my business and brand and I've never been happier."
Hilton's business is doing well, too, by any measure. In 2017, Evening Standard reported that Hilton's fragrances alone had brought in over £1 billion — that's well over $1.25 billion! Sounds like Hilton really has grown up since her crazy days in the spotlight, and has focused in on what she perhaps does best — building a brand.
Paris Hilton is a proud supporter of LGBTQ rights
Paris Hilton has long been an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, she posted a heartfelt message on Twitter to the community, writing, "Sending love to everyone in the #LGBTQ community! I stand for you, I support you, I applaud you for being free to be who you are."
Hilton later spoke to Gay Times about how she is keen to support gay and trans rights. "I have several friends in the trans community and have heard their stories of what they went through and the hardships," she said. Her compassion inspired her to stand up for the community and help to "give them a voice."
Hilton went on to say that she'd love to make her products as inclusive as possible — she's even considered creating a gender-fluid makeup line. Apparently, her fragrances are already a big hit among the community. It's so cool to see Hilton using her platform to take a stand on the political and social issues she cares about.
Paris Hilton embraced honesty and love in 2020 with a new documentary and a new boyfriend
Paris Hilton's 2020 documentary "This Is Paris" completely transformed the public's perception of the heiress, who's long left her ditzy, club-going days behind her. One of the biggest revelations in the film is that the high-pitched, childlike voice she used in "The Simple Life" was actually part of the act. "I easily could have made this some vanity project if I wanted to, but I feel like I've done that my entire career," she confessed in an interview with Vogue.
In 2020, Paris Hilton also entered into a new relationship with Carter Reum, and as the relationship began, it seemed the business owner was the real deal. "My life was always empty, like I was missing something," wrote on Instagram for their first anniversary. "You are my reason for me being so happy and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world!"
With her honest documentary and her healthy relationship, it seems like 2020 has been a pretty transformative year for Hilton! We can't wait to see where her new honest approach leads her.
Paris Hilton became a podcast host
During the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of people turned to podcasts for entertainment and encouragement — Paris Hilton included. In February 2021, she decided to get into the game herself. Her debut pod, "I Am Paris," was created via a partnership between iHeartMedia and her own company, London Audio. In an interview with The New York Times, Hilton was thrilled about the new venture. "I've always been an innovator and first mover when it comes to reality TV, social, DJing, and now I really believe that voice and audio is the next frontier," she said. "It is like another form of social media. I do so many things — being a DJ, a businesswoman, a designer, and an author — so there will be a lot for me to talk about."
Spotify describes "I Am Paris" as a show about "the hottest in movies, music, and television, innovators, creators, newsmakers, and icons," which often includes interviews with popular figures. So far, the podcast has hosted a star-studded lineup including Tiffany Haddish, Noah Centineo, Jameela Jamil, and Jonathan Van Ness.
"I Am Paris" isn't Hilton's only foray into the podcasting world. In 2022, she started recording "Trapped in Treatment," which details her abuse at Provo Canyon School. London Audio and iHeartMedia have even more in store. Over the next few years, they aim to release seven shows together, featuring a variety of hosts in addition to the heiress.
Paris Hilton starred in her own Netflix show
"I Am Paris" isn't the only passion project that Paris Hilton whipped up during the pandemic. She also created her own cooking show, aptly titled "Cooking with Paris," available via Netflix.
Like so many great dishes, "Cooking with Paris" was born via a happy accident. According to Variety, it all started when Hilton recorded a video teaching fans how to make lasagna, and her tutorial went unexpectedly viral. Soon, networks were knocking at her door with offers.
"Cooking with Paris" didn't take itself too seriously, presenting cooking as an uplifting and communal experience rather than focusing on complicated recipes. Hilton invited several A-list friends and family members into her ritzy kitchen, including Saweetie, Kim Kardashian, and sister Nicky and mother Kathy. The series showed them bantering and bonding as they tried their hand at a number of scrumptious delights. "I'm not a trained chef. I don't know what I'm doing. Most cooking shows are very boring and I don't watch them. I wanted to 'Paris-ize' it," she told Variety. In her interview, she made it clear that in the wake of her previous TV show, she had learned to straddle the line between the real Paris and the performative Paris persona: "I'm very playful and I'm a kid at heart. 'Cooking with Paris' reminds me of 'The Simple Life' because that's how I was on that show. But now, I'm very self-aware of what I am doing."
Paris Hilton tied the knot with Carter Reum
In February 2021, just after the launch of her podcast empire, Paris Hilton experienced another exciting milestone: getting engaged to the love of her life. According to Vogue, Carter Reum proposed to her during her birthday. She had some sweet words to share in an interview with the magazine: "I am excited about this next chapter and having such a supportive partner. Our relationship is one of equals. We make each other better people. He was absolutely worth the wait!"
On November 11, 2021, Hilton and Reum said "I do" at a private estate in Bel-Air. Hilton provided a rundown of the big day on her blog. Singer Kim Petras kicked off the ceremony with a cover of Hilton's smash hit, "Stars Are Blind." She continued with a cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love" as Hilton walked down the aisle. After Hilton and Reum exchanged vows, they proceeded to the reception, where they shared a dance to "I Will Always Love You," performed by none other than Demi Lovato. After Hilton and Reum danced with their father and mother, respectively, the evening concluded with a DJ set.
Hilton let fans in on her unfolding romance with "Paris in Love," a reality series that chronicled her journey toward her wedding day that aired on Peacock.
Paris Hilton published a memoir
Not only is Paris Hilton a business mogul, reality TV icon, podcast host, DJ, pop star, and wife — she can now add "author" to her list of titles. Her book "Paris: The Memoir" hit shelves in March 2023, proving that there's little the heiress can't do.
According to Vogue, Hilton was inspired to put pen to paper after opening up about her trauma via "This Is Paris," her 2020 documentary. "That documentary changed my entire life. It was just the beginning of this whole path of self-discovery," she said in an interview. "The media has really controlled my narrative and my story for over 20 years. I feel like it's time to say the truth myself." The memoir delves into some of the most vulnerable periods of Hilton's life, including her experiences with the "troubled teen" industry and the aftermath of her sex tape leak, as well as some more lighthearted moments in her story, such as her escapades with partner-in-crime and "The Simple Life" co-star Nicole Richie.
Hilton's book was released to critical acclaim. It even scored a starred review from Kirkus. "Perhaps the most impressive thing about this memoir is the gracious and compassionate eye with which Hilton views her past. Unlike many other similar stories, there is no tone of self-pity or martyrdom," the reviewer wrote. "Hilton has always been acutely aware of the agreement between celebrities and their fans ... She signed up to play the fame game and is determined to win."
Paris Hilton gave birth to a baby boy
After a year of being happily married, Paris Hilton and Carter Reum decided that they were eager to usher in the next chapter of their lives together by welcoming a baby. In a 2022 interview with People, Hilton disclosed that she was ready to take the next steps after beginning the IVF process in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We started going and doing it like a few months in because the world was shut down. We knew we wanted to start a family, and I was like, 'This is perfect timing ... Let's just get all of the eggs stocked and ready,' and we have tons of them just waiting."
In January 2023, the couple finally brought home a baby boy named Phoenix, birthed via surrogate. Talking to People once more, Hilton was overflowing with joy. "It's always been my dream to be a mother and I'm so happy that Carter and I found each other. We are so excited to start our family together and our hearts are exploding with love for our baby boy," she said.
Hilton announced little Phoenix's birth on social media with a sweet Instagram post showing the infant's hand grasping her manicured fingers. "You are already loved beyond words," she wrote in the caption. She sounded off with the blue heart emoji. Plenty of friends congratulated her in the comments, including Donatella Versace, Kimora Lee Simmons, Lele Pons, and Kris Jenner.