Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie has become an increasingly well-recognized fixture on the talk show circuit in recent years. She has appeared on everything from “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Larry King Live” to the “Late Show” with “David Letterman” and “Howard Stern.” In addition to her frequent appearances as a guest and interviewee on such talk programs, she has also appeared in several cameo roles, including that an enthusiastic art buyer in “Six Feet Under.” We can all expect to see more from this young socialite in the years to come.

Nicole Richie was born September 21, 1981, in Berkeley, California. Her adopted father is the renowned singer and songwriter, Lionel Richie. He had initially been presented to the press as her biological father, but nosy tabloid reporters soon picked up on the rumors of someone else being her biological father. Nicole Richie stepped forward to clear up the rumors, explaining that Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey-Richie were not her biological parents, but had adopted her. She is in contact with her biological mother.

Tabloid headaches are nothing new for Nicole Richie, who has endured stories about her acknowledged former heroin addiction, as well as a number of unfounded rumors that she has an eating disorder. But Nicole is resilient and is pressing ahead with an album showcasing her musical talents—she can play the piano, cello and violin—as well as TV production deals regarding highly anticipated sit-coms and possibly a reality TV show to follow up on the “The Simple Life.”

“The Simple Life” was a FOX reality TV series in which Nicole Richie and longtime friend Paris Hilton went as millionaire debutantes to see how the other half lived. The show had them doing farm chores and generally being surrounded by values and a pace of life entirely not their own. The show produced an interesting mix of heated clashes and surprising revelations about its two stars. The show ended following the dissolution of Nicole and Paris’ friendship.

Nicole Richie continues to be a red carpet darling, showing up at awards shows and premieres. She is still a popular interview, and has written a novel that surprised the critics with its quality and vigor. Many expect her to prove herself as both an actress and a musician in the years to come.