Jump to:
Overview (4) |
Mini Bio (1) |
Family (4) |
Trade Mark (6) |
Trivia (63) |
Personal Quotes (33) |
Salary (1)
Overview (4)
| Born | in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA |
| Birth Name | Priscilla Ann Wagner |
| Nicknames |
Cilla Pris Satnin Nona |
| Height | 5' 4" (1.63 m) |
Mini Bio (1)
Priscilla Presley's stepfather was an Air Force officer stationed in West Germany when as a teenager she met Elvis Presley in 1959, then four years into his meteoric career in rock and roll and serving with the U.S. Armed Forces. After an eight year courtship, she married him on 1 May 1967. As their marriage was winding down, she began studying karate and acting. After his death she went into business and began work in movies and TV, notably playing the part of Jenna Wade (1983-88) in the very successful series Dallas (1978). She more recently established herself as Jane Spencer in the "Naked Gun" (The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)) movies.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>
Family (4)
| Spouse | Elvis Presley (1 May 1967 - 9 October 1973) (divorced) (1 child) |
| Children |
Navarone Garibaldi Garcia Lisa Marie Presley |
| Parents |
James Wagner
Ann Beaulieu |
| Relatives |
Benjamin Keough (grandchild)
Harper Lockwood (grandchild) Finley Lockwood (grandchild) Riley Keough (grandchild) Michelle Beaulieu (half sibling) |
Trade Mark (6)
Sparkling blue eyes
Long, jet black hair, teased into a bouffant
Her poised, calm, cool and collected demeanor
Soft voice
Surreally youthful, almost geisha-like visage
The hair flipping gesture
Trivia (63)
Dated Marco Garibaldi from October 1984 to March 2006.
Received an honorary degree (doctor of humanities) from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. [1998]
Elected to the board of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. [September 2000]
Has regular chemical peels to get rid of wrinkles and brown spots.
The developer of an international fragrance line since 1988. Her fragrance line including Moments, Experiences, Indian Summer, and Roses and More. Moments was worth $90 million a year in 1996.
A successful boutique owner in 1973-76, clients included Carol Burnett, Victoria Principal, Liza Minnelli, Lana Turner, Julie Christie, Natalie Wood, Suzanne Pleshette, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Dyan Cannon, Michelle Phillips, Diana Ross, Mary Tyler Moore and Jill Ireland.
She was born to Anna Lillian (Iversen) and James Frederick Wagner. Her biological father James was killed in a plane crash when she was six months old. She was formally adopted at age five, by her mother's second husband, Paul Beaulieu.
Turned down a main role on the television series Charlie's Angels (1976).
Chosen by People Magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. [1992]
Her father had German, and smaller amounts of Swiss-German, Scottish, Irish, and English, ancestry. Her maternal grandfather, Albert Henry Iversen, was an emigrant from Egersund, Rogaland, Norway. Her maternal grandmother, Lorraine Grace (Davis), was born in New London, New London Co., Connecticut, and had a Colonial American (English) lineage, with deep roots in the state.
Was, very briefly, the mother-in-law of singer Michael Jackson.
In 1988, she left Dallas (1978) after five seasons because she became unhappy with the direction of the series and her character.
Is portrayed by Antonia Bernath in Elvis (2005), Susan Walters in Elvis and Me (1988), Season Hubley in Elvis (1979) and Olivia DeJonge in Elvis (2022).
Serves as Ambassador of the Dream Foundation, a Santa Barbara-based wish-granting organization for terminally ill adults.
Walked Lisa Marie Presley down the aisle at her wedding to Michael Lockwood. [January 2006]
Presley reportedly confronted Garibaldi over his commitment to their romance and the argument led to Marco being asked to vacate her Beverly Hills compound. At the beginning of their relationship, Presley made Garibaldi sign a promissory agreement that if they should break up, he will not write a book about her.
In 1983, became the third actress to play Jenna Wade on Dallas (1978), after Morgan Fairchild in 1978 and Francine Tacker in 1980.
Met future husband Elvis Presley in Bad Nauheim, Germany in 1959 when she was fourteen years old. They started living together in 1962.
Hal B. Wallis, a Hollywood producer who financed several of Elvis' earlier films, was interested in signing Priscilla to a contract. Elvis, however, had no intentions of allowing his wife to have a career of any kind; in his opinion, albeit a very common one at the time, "a woman's place is in the home looking after her man".
Contestant on season 6 of Dancing with the Stars (2005). Eliminated during fifth week. [April 2008]
Though originally from the East coast, she grew up primarily in Austin, Texas. Her family moved there from Maine when she was in fourth grade and left the summer before she started high school.
Former father-in-law Vernon Presley appointed Priscilla as executor of his son's estate in 1979, thereby giving her licensing to Elvis' name, image and likeness. Through legal maneuvering, she removed Colonel Tom Parker's hold over any of her ex-husband's assets and in 1981, incorporated Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE). Graceland opened for tours a year later. Priscilla relinquished duties as chairman of the board to daughter Lisa Marie in 1998 and now serves in an advisory position. In 2004, Lisa Marie sold 85% interest in the company for a $100 million payout, retaining sole ownership of Graceland as well as Elvis' personal effects.
Launched worldwide line of bed linens in 2006, partnered with Australian designer Bruno Schiavi. Also has a furniture line called the Priscilla Presley Home Collection.
Used to be friends with Kris Jenner.
Was crowned Queen of Del Valley Junior High by classmates in Austin, TX.
Had long-term relationships with karate champion Mike Stone, male model Michael Edwards and television producer Nigel Lythgoe. Other past consorts include lawyer Robert Kardashian, hairdresser Elie Ezerzer, financier Kirk Kerkorian, crooner Julio Iglesias, actor Richard Gere, restaurateur Richie Palmer, variety entertainer Barry Crocker and disc jockey Toby Anstis. The ex-lover pseudonymously referred to as "Mark" in her autobiography is rumored to be dance instructor Steve Peck, but she denies it's him.
Won an August 1998 defamation judgment against Currie Grant, a retired U.S. airman who claimed they had sex in 1959 before he introduced her to Elvis. In 2005, she considered suing photographer Terry O'Neill for his claim that they had an affair in the mid-'70s.
Half-siblings: Donald Beaulieu (b. 1949), Michelle Beaulieu (b. 1954), Jeffrey Beaulieu (b. 1959), and twins Thomas Beaulieu & Timothy Beaulieu (b. 1962). Thomas died in 2013.
Owns two Tennessee Walking Horses, which she stables at Graceland.
Is a celebrity advocate for the Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team.
Succeeded Jaclyn Smith as spokesmodel for Wella Balsam shampoo (1979/80).
Raised Catholic, she joined the Church of Scientology in 1978, introduced to the religion by John Travolta, and lectures for its anti-psychiatry front group, Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR). Presley achieved status of "clear" in 1982.
The song "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode was inspired by Priscilla's 1985 autobiography.
Considers her work with Leslie Nielsen in the Naked Gun trilogy the highlights of her acting career. They had a riot recreating the Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore pottery scene from Ghost (1990) in The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991).
Made her pantomime debut as the Wicked Queen in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon in 2012 and reprised the role at the Opera House in Manchester in 2014.
Played the genie in a pantomime production of "Aladdin" at the Milton Keynes Theatre in Buckinghamshire, UK. [December 2015]
(2016-2019) Touring Europe with The Wonder of You, a concert featuring her late ex-husband's voice with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, then embarking on a nationwide speaking engagement hosted in collaboration with CID Entertainment, An Evening With Priscilla Presley: An Open Conversation.
As of January 2017 she was dating Tom Jones.
Rejected offer to play female lead in James Bond film A View to a Kill (1985).
Due to the protective lifestyle she lived as Elvis's wife, she never actually signed a check until she was 29 years old.
Began modeling while living in West Germany.
She was named after actress Priscilla Lane.
Media reports that she left Scientology were immediately denied by her publicist. [October 2017]
Graduated from Immaculate Conception Cathedral School in Memphis, Tennessee, class of 1963, where she was voted Best-Looking.
She was named godmother of the largest steamboat ever built, American Queen, christened 27 April 2012 at its home port of Memphis, Tenn.
There were rumors that, after the divorce, Priscilla changed her mind and tried to go back to Elvis.
In 2006, when still a vocal Scientologist, she helped inaugurate the Narconon Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center in Albion, Michigan. Narconon is based on principles developed by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, and is "capable of eliminating the very cravings that drive addicts in recovery back to drugs," Presley said in a statement. Both her children have battled substance abuse.
Stepfather Paul Beaulieu passed away January 4, 2018, eight months shy of what would've been his 70th wedding anniversary with her mother, Ann Beaulieu.
Priscilla Presley's stepfather Paul Beaulieu was born was born June 18, 1925, deceased January 4, 2018. Paul entered the United States Air Force in 1949 continuing his long military career that began as a United States Marine in WWII. From the Korean War flying B-29's to the Cold War in Germany flying daily missions to Berlin during the time the Russians were building their great Wall. During this tumultuous time, Paul also kept close eyes on Elvis Presley who had an interest in his daughter Priscilla. In 1968-1969 Priscilla's stepfather spent a year in Vietnam where he engaged in his third war. He retired in 1976 as the Special Assistant to the Commander 21st Air Force managing many Special Programs. After he retired from the USAF he moved to Brentwood, CA with his wife of 69 years, Ann Iversen Beaulieu, where he completed a very successful career as a contractor.
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl chose her as its 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award winner.
Protested alongside Kim Basinger, Donna D'Errico and Elizabeth Daily at the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles to end canine meat trade. [July 2018]
Her role in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) was originally offered to Bo Derek.
Born at 10:40 PM (EWT).
Her father, Ensign James Frederick Wagner, was a Naval submariner and later a pilot during World War II, having enlisted for six years in December 1940, just one year before America entered the war. Although war had officially ended by November 3, 1945, Wagner was still on active duty as a pilot when he was killed when his single-engine, two-seat SNJ Navy training plane crashed near the border of New York and Connecticut.
By age 10 she had attended six schools.
Ex-granddaughter-in-law of Minnie Mae Presley.
Personal Quotes (33)
[her reaction to Suzanne Finstad's 1996 biography of her, "Child Bride"] Talk about 5 minutes [of fame]! There are people in that book I've never even heard of. That woman made me out to be some kind of prostitute. I dated. But that was just my life...
[on marrying Elvis Presley] I was so young and naive at the time, there was just no way I could have made a success of that marriage. I realized I couldn't give him the kind of adulation he got from his fans, and he needed that adulation desperately. Without it he was nothing.
I don't care about being a superstar, but I feel I have something to give and to share, and if I can do that and maintain my values...well, I can.
[about her guest arc on Melrose Place (1992)] Writers had envisioned a Nurse Ratched, right out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). I saw her differently. There's already so much bitchiness on the show, and I didn't want to do what the audience would expect.
[on why she won't marry Marco Garibaldi, 1988] Marriage is somewhat of a business, and as of now our relationship is not a business.
[on becoming a grandmother in 1989] There was no planning whatsoever. She just came to me and said, 'Mom, you know, I'm pregnant.' Every emotion hit me at the same time. I felt anxiety and even anger.
[on the friendship she developed with Naked Gun co-star O.J. Simpson] I don't want to touch that with a 10-foot pole.
I used to blame myself for a lot of things. My life turned around when I realized the mistakes of others, not just your mistakes, can cause problems. I also learned not to avoid confrontation, and I learned the importance of just talking things out.
[on the suggestion that she was only cast in Dallas (1978) because of the publicity she would bring to the series] I'm sure people would have other considerations. But then it's up to me to go, "Okay, they have their motive. Well here's my motive: I wanna act and I'll do it." I have to look at the overall picture.
Sometimes I look at myself and go, 'My God! You're still trying to prove yourself, you don't need to do this anymore.' I've come a long way from a 14-year-old kid who wasn't even planning on getting into the business. And I don't think anyone ever thought that I would. So I look at all the accomplishments that I've had and I go, 'Geez, it's not so bad.'
I would never go with a guy who wasn't boss. I mean the man would definitely have to be the more dominant person.
I'll tell you why I have no lines: Elvis used to used to slap me in the forehead every time I looked up. I'd be sitting in the kitchen doing my homework, and I'd look up at Elvis - like this - and he'd tap me on the forehead. He'd tell me not to use my forehead to look up, only to use my eyes. Pow! I still feel his hand there. I've never had Botox, any of that, in my forehead.
Ask yourself what your best feature is. Then go for it. Your worst? Don't pay attention to it. Sometimes, the more you try to hide a part of you, the more it sticks out!
You can't be a naive parent today. You have to think one step ahead. I've seen kids who were high and the parents had no idea what was going on. Not knowing is a sorry excuse.
Any time you create a mystery, people want to know. And when you don't want people to know a lot of things, they create their own stories.
[regarding nudity onscreen] I have a son to answer to. I don't want my son seeing me nude. I don't know how these mothers do it. I don't know how Demi Moore does it. I'm sorry--she's got three kids. I don't know how Cybill Shepherd does it. I don't know, it's just not in me. It just isn't in me. I've got an aunt and my grandchildren. I don't want to embarrass them.
When I went to Patricia Stevens [finishing school] I overdid it with makeup, because at that time I was going through the Cleopatra stage. But it was fun. I still love to fool around with cosmetics, but not as much as when I was younger. I think every girl goes through that stage. How attractive I thought I looked at the time! Now I see those old pictures of me with all that makeup and I think, 'Oh, how blind I was!' I wish that Elvis had said something, but he must have liked it because he never commented. I do think that men in show business like to have women in makeup because they are used to seeing women looking the best that they possibly can.
I felt karate wasn't very feminine. So I decided to go back into ballet.
I think that there can be a very good relationship between two people that marriage can ruin. In marriage, you can easily take each other for granted. You begin to feel obligated. I see it happening to my friends - everyone is divorced - and I saw it happen to me. It's a slow gradual change.
I always arrange time to be by myself. I have to be able to sit back and think, to reason things out. Otherwise, I tend to let problems become bigger than they really are. I make time for my family too. I really need them ... and they need me.
I believe God helps those who help themselves.
Elvis brought out this mothering quality. I cut his meat up for him. I tasted it before he ever had it. I would fix his deviled eggs, cut off the top, put his butter in, prepare all his food as a mother would for a child. I would test it to see if it was too hot. Even making his coffee...I loved doing it for him. We'd all baby him. Then you'd see him on stage and he looked so strong and so virile, it was like 'Oh my god!' But there was this child that was still in there.
Elvis was faithful to me during our marriage. I cheated on him. He passed a lie detector test and until he learned of my indiscretions, Elvis never cheated. Only after I left him. Elvis was a loving, sincere man who respected his home and family. His career took him away from us and being so young and naive I thought wrongly that he just didn't care anymore. Had I known then what I do now about this business, I would have been more patient, more able to help him.
[on Fire Island] I've never seen so many beautiful men in all my life. Are you sure they're all gay?
When I was little, I knew that whatever I did--and I didn't know what it would be--but I knew that whatever it was, I would give everything to it. I think a lot of kids feel that way. You just want to be the best at whatever you do. I've been through a lot of conflict. There's been tragedy to cope with. There's been a fight for survival. Now I feel certain of myself. I can say: this is me, this is who I am, and I accept that.
[November 29, 2010] I want to say how deeply stunned and saddened I am, as we all are, by the sudden passing of Leslie Nielsen. Having had the great fortune of working with Leslie on several films, I know firsthand how truly generous, funny and talented he was; he was always teaching me something new and he made coming to work so much fun. He was a brilliant and unique individual who was forever young at heart and he will truly be missed. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.
Inner beauty should be the most important part of improving one's self.
To be a producer in this town, it has to be a hobby because, believe me if you're waiting around for something to get done it just doesn't happen.
Elvis was absolutely the love of my life, and there's no sadness about it because I have my memories, and they're delicious and they're all mine.
Yes, some men I've been with have mattered to me, but Elvis was my first love, he'll be my last.
I have always loved animals. I used to rescue dogs, cats, rabbits. Any stray that came my way when I was a very young girl. Because of my love and interest, I hosted a show called Those Amazing Animals (1980) and learned from many of our guest experts about farm animals that are raised in cages and are so close together they can not move. Elephants, who are very social creatures that have shown remarkable displays of helping, empathy and compassion, who were separated from their herds put into a circus and grieved for their family. Dogs, like Pit Bulls, who by the way, are amazing dogs when in the hands of loving owners, are bred and made to fight for their own survival in betting rings i.e. Michael Vick. Man has a very inhumane side and have done unthinkable acts toward these creatures who share this planet with us, i. e. Walter Palmer in the barbaric killing of Cecile, the lion. Knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes made me an activist.
I have a soft spot for the south. And I miss it very much. I don't get there nearly as much as I'd like. And I miss my southern friends who are steadfast, loyal and true.
[following the death of Joe Esposito] Losing Joe is a monumental loss in my life. He has been a loving, supportive and lifelong friend and was there from the very first time I met Elvis to the day he left us. I spoke to him 3 days before he passed, his last words before we hung up..."I love you Cilla." He was devoted to Elvis and served him well. The friends he acquired during his lifetime... says it all. Joe, you may have left the building too, but you will never be forgotten my friend. Give our man a big hug and kiss and that he's still loved by us all and we're still taking care of business.
Salary (1)
| Dallas (1978) | $30,000 per episode |
