The Stuntman & The Heiress: 5 Shocking Facts About Riley Keough’s Husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, Amid Latest Court Claims

As of December 19, 2025, the life of actress and Elvis Presley's granddaughter, Riley Keough, is under an intense media spotlight, not just for her booming Hollywood career but for a series of deeply personal and sensational revelations. At the center of her stable personal life is her husband, Australian stunt performer Ben Smith-Petersen, a man whose high-octane career contrasts with their refreshingly private relationship. They have been married for nearly a decade, building a quiet family life away from the glare of the Presley legacy, a stability that is now being tested by a bombshell lawsuit and the recent welcoming of their second child. The couple, who first met on the set of the blockbuster action film *Mad Max: Fury Road*, represent a unique Hollywood pairing: the scion of rock royalty and the fearless stuntman. While Keough navigates her status as the sole owner of the iconic Graceland estate and her rising fame following projects like *Daisy Jones & the Six*, Smith-Petersen continues his work on major blockbusters, ensuring their bond is grounded in mutual respect and shared experience in the film industry.

Riley Keough: A Brief Biography & Profile

Danielle Riley Keough is an American actress, producer, and director, and is the eldest grandchild of music legend Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. Her life has been marked by both immense privilege and profound tragedy, most recently inheriting her mother’s estate.

• Full Name: Danielle Riley Keough
• Date of Birth: May 29, 1989
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 36
• Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Parents: Lisa Marie Presley (Mother) and Danny Keough (Father)
• Grandparents: Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley
• Spouse: Ben Smith-Petersen (m. 2015)
• Children: Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen (Daughter, born via surrogate in 2022) and Baby No. 2 (Child, born in early 2025)
• Notable Roles: *The Runaways* (2010), *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015), *American Honey* (2016), *Logan Lucky* (2017), *The Lodge* (2019), *Zola* (2020), *Daisy Jones & the Six* (2023).
• Directorial Debut: *War Pony* (2022), which won the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
• Estate Status: Sole owner and trustee of the Graceland estate following the passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley.

The Man Behind the Star: Who is Ben Smith-Petersen?

Ben Smith-Petersen is far more than just "Riley Keough's husband"; he is a highly respected Australian stunt performer, actor, and stunt coordinator in the global film industry. His career is built on a foundation of athleticism, precision, and an ability to take on high-risk, demanding roles. Smith-Petersen’s work involves everything from complex stunt rigging to performing utility stunts and acting as a stunt double for major stars. His dedication to his craft has seen him contribute to some of the biggest blockbuster franchises in recent memory.

The couple’s love story began on the set of the 2015 action epic, *Mad Max: Fury Road*. While Riley had a supporting role as one of the Wives, Ben was part of the rigorous stunt team. Their initial connection was formed during the intense filming process, but it wasn't until they reunited for reshoots in Ben's native Australia that their relationship truly blossomed, leading to a romantic engagement and a beautiful wedding in Napa, California, in February 2015. Their marriage has been a testament to navigating Hollywood life while maintaining a fiercely guarded privacy.

Ben Smith-Petersen's Blockbuster Stunt Filmography

Ben Smith-Petersen's impressive resume highlights his versatility across multiple genres, from fantasy epics to comic book adaptations. His work as a stunt performer is a crucial, yet often unsung, part of the filmmaking process.

His notable contributions to cinema include:

• *Barbie* (2023): Smith-Petersen was part of the stunt team for the globally successful film, showcasing his ability to handle diverse production demands.
• DC Extended Universe: He served as a stunt rigger in *Suicide Squad* (2016) and as a utility stunts performer in the sequel, *The Suicide Squad* (2021).
• Fantasy & Action Franchises: His early career saw him contribute stunt work to major films like *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies* and *The Great Gatsby*.
• *The Hunger Games* (2012): Ben also lent his skills to one of the biggest young adult franchises, adding to his extensive list of high-profile action credits.

He even had a small acting cameo in Keough's hit series, *Daisy Jones & the Six*, proving their professional lives occasionally intersect in creative ways. This shared experience in the demanding world of film production is a key element of their enduring relationship.

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The Shocking Lawsuit & The Keough-Smith-Petersen Family Life

The couple's otherwise low-key family life was recently rocked by a sensational legal claim that has captured global attention. In a shocking new court filing dated December 18, 2025, a lawsuit has alleged that Riley Keough is the biological mother of John Travolta’s youngest son, Ben.

While the details of this claim are still unfolding in court, the news has drawn immense scrutiny to the Keough-Smith-Petersen family, particularly their own growing brood. Riley and Ben have been open about their journey to parenthood, which includes two beautiful children.

The Children: Tupelo Storm and Baby No. 2

Riley Keough and Ben Smith-Petersen are devoted parents to two children, with their family expanding in the last few years.

• Daughter Tupelo Storm: Their first child, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, was born via surrogate in 2022. The name Tupelo holds deep significance, as it is a tribute to Keough's late brother, Benjamin Keough, and is also the birthplace of her legendary grandfather, Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi.
• Second Child (Baby No. 2): The couple secretly welcomed their second child in early 2025. This news was confirmed by her grandmother, Priscilla Presley, but the child's name and sex have been kept private, underscoring the couple's commitment to their children's privacy.

The decision to use a surrogate for their first child, Tupelo, was openly discussed by Keough as a necessary choice due to her ongoing health challenges, a personal detail that brought a layer of vulnerability and honesty to their public image. This family foundation, built on love and resilience, is what allows them to weather the storms of sensational claims and the pressures of the Presley legacy.

Riley’s Career Trajectory and the Graceland Legacy

Beyond her personal life, Riley Keough’s career has continued its upward trajectory, securing her position as a respected actress and filmmaker. Her recent projects, coupled with her new role as the sole owner of Graceland, cement her status as a powerful figure in Hollywood and keeper of a cultural icon.

In 2024, Keough starred in the unique and critically-discussed film *Sasquatch Sunset*. She also has several other ambitious projects on the horizon, including the upcoming film *Out of This World* and the comedy-drama ensemble film *Jay Kelly*, demonstrating her commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

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Her role as a director, which earned her the prestigious Caméra d'Or at Cannes for *War Pony*, shows her dedication to the creative process from all angles. However, her most significant new role is as the sole trustee and owner of Graceland. This responsibility places her at the heart of the Elvis Presley estate, a role she took on following the tragic passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley. This monumental task of preserving her family's legacy ensures that Riley Keough's life will forever be intertwined with rock and roll history, a journey she shares with her supportive husband, Ben Smith-Petersen.

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