Liz Hurley raised her son Damian alone. A meeting with the two shows how well she succeeded.
He pulls the chair out for his mother, pushes her the glass of water and smiles at her before the interview begins at the Iberostar Selection Llaut hotel in Palma. Liz Hurley, 58, and her son Damian, 21, understand each other without words. They tell GALA what brought them together, before they are the star guests at luxury broker Marcel Remus’ lifestyle night.
Liz Hurley and her son Damian: One heart and one soul
How close is your relationship?
Liz Hurley: A lot has changed in the past year. Our connection entered a new phase because we worked together. Damian is now directing his first film, I’m a producer and I’m playing a role. So Damian is in charge for the first time as an adult, it’s his show. And we talk about it a lot.
Damian Hurley: Yeah I love that, we really are inseparable.
Maybe also because you lived as a couple for a while after Steve Bing didn’t want to take on the father role?
Liz: Yes, and even after my divorce from Arun Nayar in 2011, there was a time when we were on our own, that shaped us. But we have a big family, never felt alone.
How Elton John helped her
Did prominent godparents like Elton John also help with the upbringing?
Damian: We just visited Elton in southern France. He and his husband are both my godparents, they are so wonderful, so kind. They have always been in my life since I was born, we are the best friends in the world and see each other as often as possible, including with his amazing children.
Liz: At the time, Elton was very happy that I chose him to be my godfather. It really made a difference in Damian’s life, Elton was always very present with his love.
They look harmonious. Is there a fight between mother and son?
Liz: Rarely, and then we don’t argue, we discuss. It’s very good for business when you work with someone you’re very close to. Everything is faster, easier. I see when Damian is sad, when he needs support.
I care so much about him, he cares about me, we understand each other without words.
Damian: I feel very safe and protected with her.
Hollywood is waiting for him
Did your mother inspire you in your career choice?
Damian: Yes, and how! It was always clear to me that I would do something creative.
As a mother, didn’t you prefer something “serious”?
Liz: He was already holding a camera at the age of eight and making small films, he even wrote screenplays. I’ve always had the leading role. (laughs) So it was clear early on that he wanted to go into show business. I wanted him to find his way and do what he loves. In my eyes he has already found his mission.
In this respect, mother and son differ
You’ve just caused a stir again with bikini photos and you look absolutely amazing. How do you do it?
I made a career out of my looks and made a lot of money. Optics have always been an important part of my life. Keeping this look for as long as possible is my goal and I will do everything to achieve that. I am very careful about what I eat, don’t drink alcohol and sleep a lot. I learned young to be disciplined and I don’t know any different.
Do you sometimes find that difficult?
Of course, it would be easier to eat a lot of chocolate and not move. (laughs) Yes, that would definitely be easier. But it has become a habit to reach for the apple instead of the cookie.
Damian, did you inherit this discipline too?
Damian: I’m 21, I don’t want anything to do with discipline yet. I eat too much pizza, I like a glass of white wine and I’ve never exercised in my life. Maybe I should change something? But not yet. The most important thing is that you are happy anyway. That also gives my mother the glow.
Liz: And more importantly, love and be loved.
They agree on the choice of partner
Good cue! Are you actually jealous of Damian’s girlfriends?
Liz: When you love someone, you support them unconditionally. There is nothing I wish for more than Damian doing well, prospering and being happy. I love it when he has friendships and relationships.
And vice versa: What is it like when your mother has a partner?
Damian: I can’t even imagine what it’s like right now. We haven’t had that situation for a long time.
Liz: And I can’t imagine him disliking someone I love. We have very similar tastes. That will never be a problem.