You know Riley Keough, but do you know the man by her side? Meet Ben Smith-Petersen, the Australian stuntman who won her heart. From a movie-set meeting to a fast-tracked marriage and two children, we break down everything you need to know about their incredible Hollywood love story.
While Riley Keough has long been in the public eye as Hollywood and rock-and-roll royalty—the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and granddaughter of Elvis Presley—her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, maintains a lower profile. Yet, their love story is as compelling as any film script. He’s a talented stuntman, a devoted husband, and a loving father who shares an unbreakable bond with one of today’s most acclaimed actresses.
In a candid 2022 interview, Keough beautifully summarized their connection. “My husband is such a good person. He’s calm and loyal and strong and sensitive. He’s my best friend,” she revealed to Vogue Australia. “At the end of the day, there is no side of me that he doesn’t know or love, and vice versa.”
An Action-Packed Beginning
Smith-Petersen is a professional stuntman from Australia, with an impressive resume that includes high-octane films like The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and Suicide Squad. Fittingly, his romance with Keough began on the set of a modern action masterpiece: Mad Max: Fury Road.
The two first met in 2012 while filming the blockbuster, where Keough played Capable, one of Immortan Joe’s captive wives. While they were friendly, Keough was in another relationship at the time. The spark truly ignited a year later during reshoots in Smith-Petersen’s home country. It was a whirlwind from there. “It was still so early that we weren’t being forward, but I knew I was in love with him,” Keough told the Australian publication.
A Whirlwind Romance and Two Weddings
Their connection was immediate and undeniable. The couple moved in together after just two months of dating, and Smith-Petersen proposed six months later. Within a year, they were married. Their commitment was so profound they celebrated it twice: first, with an intimate Hindu ceremony in Nepal, and second, with a larger celebration for family and friends in Napa Valley, California.
Nothing signifies their spontaneous and deep-seated love more than the fact they got matching tattoos just three days into their relationship. Years later, Smith-Petersen showcased a more personal piece of ink: the name “Riley” tattooed in Old English script just below his navel.
Growing a Family
The couple has quietly welcomed two children, protecting them from the glare of the public spotlight. The world learned they were parents during the memorial service for Lisa Marie Presley in January 2023. Smith-Petersen read a letter on behalf of his wife, which revealed the existence of their daughter. “I hope I can love my daughter the way you loved me,” the tribute read. Their daughter, Tupelo Storm, was born in August 2022.
More recently, in September 2025, Keough’s grandmother, Priscilla Presley, confirmed the family had grown again. In an interview with People, she shared her joy for the couple. “I love her babies,” Presley said. “She’s got an amazing husband and two great children, so I’m happy for her very much.” The name and sex of their second child remain private.
That Awkward On-Screen Cameo
While primarily working behind the scenes, Smith-Petersen stepped in front of the camera for a memorable cameo alongside his wife in the hit series Daisy Jones & The Six. During an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Keough shared the hilarious story behind his brief role.
“The cameo came about because I have to have intercourse with a random person in the show, and the producers were, like, ‘It would be so funny if it was your husband,” Keough explained. The result, however, was not what you might expect. “It was more awkward!” she laughed. “Because, I mean, like, for one, I’ve never had pretend sex with my husband.” She added that the scene was filled with giggling, a stark contrast to their real-life intimacy.
From an explosive on-set meeting to building a quiet family life, Ben Smith-Petersen and Riley Keough have crafted a partnership built on genuine friendship, deep respect, and a love story worthy of Hollywood itself.
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