Nicole Richie, born Nicole Camille Escovedo on September 21, 1981, in Berkeley, California, is an American media personality, fashion designer, and actress.
She gained fame as a star of the reality series The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton.
Adopted by singer Lionel Richie at age nine, she faced early challenges but pursued a career in entertainment and fashion.
Richie has authored two novels and appeared in various television shows, including Candidly Nicole and Great News.
Parents
Nicole was born to Peter Michael Escovedo and Karen Moss on September 21, 1981.
Her biological father, a musician, was part of Lionel Richie’s band, while her mother worked as a backstage assistant.
Due to financial difficulties, Nicole was placed with Lionel and his then-wife Brenda when she was four.
They officially adopted her at age nine, and she took Lionel’s last name, becoming Nicole Richie.
Over the years, she has maintained a relationship with her biological parents, particularly with her mother.
Early career
Richie first rose to fame with the reality television series The Simple Life, which premiered in December 2003.
The show featured Richie and her then-best friend Paris Hilton as they navigated life in rural America, taking on various jobs and experiencing life outside their privileged backgrounds.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for five seasons until 2007, and it helped establish both women as prominent figures in pop culture.
Following the success of The Simple Life, Richie made guest appearances on several television shows, including American Dreams and Eve.
She also had a recurring role on the sitcom Chuck in 2008.
These early acting endeavors showcased her comedic talent and ability to engage with audiences beyond reality TV. In addition to her television work, Nicole Richie ventured into writing.
Her first novel, The Truth About Diamonds, was published in 2005. This semi-autobiographical book explores themes of fame, fortune, and personal struggles.
She followed this with a second novel, Priceless, in 2010, which further established her as an author.
Later career
In the later stages of her career, Richie made significant strides in the fashion industry.
In 2009, she launched her jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, named after her daughter.
The brand quickly gained popularity for its bohemian-inspired designs and expanded to include clothing and accessories.
Nicole’s keen sense of style has made her a respected figure in fashion circles.
After The Simple Life, Richie continued to explore opportunities in television.
She starred in Candidly Nicole from 2014 to 2015, a reality series that provided a more personal look at her life, showcasing her family dynamics and career pursuits.
The show received positive reviews for its humor and authenticity.
Additionally, she served as a mentor and judge on Fashion Star from 2012 to 2013, where she provided guidance to aspiring fashion designers, further solidifying her status in the fashion industry.
In the sitcom Great News, which aired from 2017 to 2018, Richie played a supporting role that highlighted her comedic timing and acting skills.
In recent years, Nicole has continued to diversify her career by appearing as a guest judge on Amazon Prime’s fashion competition series Making the Cut in 2020.
She has also maintained an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she shares insights into her life as a mother, fashionista, and entrepreneur.
Her engaging content resonates with millions of followers.
Richie’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest.
She married musician Joel Madden in 2010, and they have two children together: Harlow Winter Kate Madden and Sparrow James Midnight Madden.
