How Two Films Sparked Riley Keough’s Passion for Acting

Growing up as Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough had a unique entry into the world of entertainment. While her family name opened doors, she’s proven herself as a standout performer, building a career on her own terms. Keough’s dedication to her craft is clear in her diverse roles, from independent films to major blockbusters. She’s taken on everything from Steven Soderbergh’s character-driven Magic Mike to George Miller’s high-octane Mad Max: Fury Road, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Lars von Trier’s The House That Jack Built, and the acclaimed Prime Video series Daisy Jones and the Six.

Despite her famous lineage, Keough didn’t always dream of being in the spotlight. She shared that her fascination with movies and actors didn’t really take hold until she was around twelve. That’s when a particular film changed everything for her.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

Keough credits Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! as the movie that first opened her eyes to the magic of storytelling.

“I was 12, and I was like, ‘Wow, I want to be Nicole Kidman, she made me feel so sad!’”

she recalled.

“I remember thinking how fulfilling it would be to do that, which is a big concept for a kid.”

The film’s blend of early 20th-century Bohemian flair and modern pop music left a lasting impression on her, showing her just how powerful a performance could be.

Moulin Rouge! became a cultural phenomenon, earning multiple Oscar nominations and even inspiring a Broadway show. For Keough, the connection ran even deeper. Years later, Luhrmann would direct the biopic Elvis, capturing the complexities of her grandfather’s life and career in a style reminiscent of Moulin Rouge! The film resonated with Keough and her family, shining a light on the challenges Elvis faced in his later years.

Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

While Moulin Rouge! was a major influence, Keough also found inspiration in a lesser-known film: The Secret Lives of Altar Boys. This coming-of-age dramedy, adapted from a graphic novel, struck a chord with her. She especially admired Emile Hirsch’s lead performance, which captured the feelings of isolation and longing that many young people experience.

The Secret Lives of Altar Boys wasn’t a box office hit, but its honest portrayal of adolescence made a lasting impact. Keough’s praise for Hirsch is notable, but it’s Kieran Culkin’s role in the film that has gained more recognition over time, especially as his career has flourished with projects like Succession and A Real Pain.

Carving Her Own Path

Keough’s journey shows that inspiration can come from both celebrated classics and hidden gems. Her early encounters with films like Moulin Rouge! and The Secret Lives of Altar Boys didn’t just spark her interest—they set her on a path to become one of the most compelling actors of her generation. Rather than relying on her family’s legacy, she’s chosen to pursue challenging roles and tell stories that matter to her, proving that true passion and talent can’t be inherited—they have to be earned.