Paris Whitney Hilton (born February 17, 1981) is an American socialite, actress, fashion model, author, and singer. Her initial rise to fame was simply as an heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune, as well as of her father, Richard Hilton’s, real estate fortune. A videotape of her having sex with her boyfriend helped skyrocket her into the public eye, and that drew attention to her then-new participation in a reality series, The Simple Life. That was followed by a series of personal scandals and publicity stunts.
In addition to being a highly active socialite in both Manhattan and Los Angeles, Hilton participates in modeling, acting, and writing, within which venues she has accumulated much personal wealth. She has been described as a “celebutante,” a portmanteau of “celebrity” and “debutante.” However, in August 2006 she launched a serious bid at a music career, with her debut pop album Paris.
Personal life
Hilton has been widely discussed by tabloids. In 2000, the National Enquirer reported a casual friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio as something far more intimate. She has also been linked/had flings with other celebrities, including professional skateboarder Chad Muska, filmmaker Vincent Gallo, actor Edward Furlong, boxer Oscar De La Hoya, Chicago Bears football player Brian Urlacher, singers Deryck Whibley and Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, former University of Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, UK rap artist Joe Buckton, Australian tennis player Mark Philippoussis (whose girlfriend at the time, Australian singer/actress Delta Goodrem, had cancer), Australian Idol contestant Robert ‘Millsy’ Mills, oil heir Brandon Davis, fashion model Lucas Bain, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, NHL goaltender Jose Theodore, English cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Ex MTV Simon Rex.
Hilton was engaged to model Jason Shaw from mid-2002 to early 2003. On May 29, 2005, she announced her engagement to Paris Latsis, a Greek shipping heir. However, on October 1, 2005, Hilton announced that the five-month engagement had been called off. Soon thereafter, she began dating another Greek shipping heir, Stavros Niarchos III, but as of May 2, 2006, Hilton publicist Elliot Mintz told the press of the reported breakup.
In an attempt to “rediscover herself,” Hilton imposed a ban on sexual activity for one year. She told Regis and Kelly, “I’m doing it just because I want to. I feel I’m becoming stronger as a person. Every time I have a boyfriend, I’m just so romantic, and I’ll put all my energy into the guy, and I don’t really pay attention to myself. One-night stands are not for me. I think it’s gross when you just give it up. Guys want you more if you don’t just hand it to them on a platter. If they want you, then they will wait. You have to make them work for it. I think that’s the only way you know if they really want you or just want to be able to brag that they’ve been with you.”[2] Despite her comments of a single life, Paris was photographed kissing Brandon Davis on July 16, 2006 in West Hollywood. Hilton was also photographed making out with Stavros Niarchos III in St. Tropez on July 30, 2006. On July 31, 2006, Paris told People that she and Stavros are together again. The couple split in May after seven months of dating. “We’re together now here. We love each other,” Hilton says.
In 2006, Hilton told HX Magazine the reasons for her split with ex-best friend Nicole Richie. She claims that she and Nicole, “grew apart because of fame.” On 20 April 2005, amid media reports that their friendship was in trouble, Paris Hilton released a statement saying “It’s no big secret that Nicole and I are no longer friends,” and “Nicole knows what she did, and that’s all I’m ever going to say about it.”
Career
In recent years Hilton has gained recognition by appearing in television, movies, television commercials, and modeling photographs. According to Forbes, in 2003-2004 she earned approximately US $2 million for her television and movie roles, but in 2004-2005 her earnings from television, movies, modeling, and personal appearances have earned her an additional $6.5 million.
Fashion model
Hilton has signed with top modeling agencies: Ford Models Management in New York, Models 1 Agency in London, Nous Model Management in Los Angeles, & Premier Model Management in London.
Hilton has walked for top fashion designers such as Philippe Treacy, Jasper Conran, Heatherette, and Julien McDonald. She has appeared in numerous advertisements, including Iceberg, GUESS, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior, Samantha Thavasa, and Marciano.
She has been featured in several television commercials, including a T-Mobile commercial for which she was paid $250,000 and her Carl’s Jr. commercial for which she was paid $400,000 according to Forbes Magazine.
