Talulah Riley: Life, Career, and Marriages to Elon Musk

When you hear the name Talulah Riley, the first thing that often comes to mind is her connection to Elon Musk. But there’s a fascinating career and personal story that stands entirely on its own — she has built a notable path as a British actress and novelist, from period dramas to science fiction blockbusters, and in 2023 she published her debut novel The Quickening.

Full name: Talulah Jane Riley-Milburn ·
Born: 26 September 1985, Hertfordshire, England ·
Occupation: Actress, novelist ·
Notable works: Pride & Prejudice (2005), St. Trinian’s (2007), Inception (2010), Westworld (2016) ·
Marriages to Elon Musk: 2010–2012 and 2013–2016 ·
Children: None

The table below summarizes key biographical data.

How Much Did Talulah Riley Get from Elon Musk?

The divorce settlement between Talulah Riley and Elon Musk is one of the most-asked questions about her—and the answer comes with caveats. Reports from established sources peg the amount at roughly $20 million in SpaceX stock, but no legally binding document has ever been made public.

Reported settlement amounts

• Media reports, including from Business Insider, state that Riley received approximately $20 million as part of the 2016 divorce settlement.
• The settlement was reportedly paid in SpaceX stock, not cash, which has since grown significantly in value.

Legal terms of the divorce

• The 2016 divorce filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court was sealed, meaning the exact terms remain private.
• California community property law would have entitled Riley to half of the couple’s assets accrued during marriage, but the final amount was likely negotiated privately.

The secrecy around the settlement underscores the private nature of their financial dealings.

Did Talulah Riley Have Children with Elon Musk?

The short answer is no, and understanding why touches on their personal choices and the broader context of Musk’s family life.

No children from their two marriages

• All reliable biographical sources confirm that Riley had no children during either marriage to Musk.
• Neither Riley nor Musk has ever publicly stated a reason for not having children together.

Elon Musk’s children from other relationships

• Musk has 14 children from relationships with three other women: Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis.
• This contrast has led to speculation about whether the difference was a matter of timing, personal preference, or relationship dynamics—but no verified explanation exists.

The absence of children is notable, but both parties have kept the reasoning private.

What Happened Between Elon Musk and Talulah Riley?

Their relationship spanned six years and two marriages, with a timeline that reveals both deep connection and fractious disagreements.

First marriage (2010–2012) and divorce

• The couple met in 2008 and married at Dornoch Cathedral in Scotland in 2010.
• Riley filed for divorce in 2012, citing irreconcilable differences.
• Musk later described the split as partly driven by his extreme work schedule at Tesla and SpaceX.

Second marriage (2013–2016) and final divorce

• They reconciled in 2013 and remarried in a civil ceremony.
• Riley filed for divorce again in 2016, this time finalizing the separation permanently.
• Musk tweeted at the time: “It was an amazing four years. I will love you forever. You will make someone very happy someday.”

Post-divorce friendship

• Both have stated they remain on good terms. They have been seen together at events post-divorce.
• In a 2024 interview with The Times, Riley described the marriage as ‘a rollercoaster’ but expressed no bitterness.

The resilience of their personal bond, despite professional incompatibility, defines the arc of their shared history.

Why Did Elon Musk Marry Talulah Riley Twice?

Remarrying the same person is uncommon, and the reasons behind it offer insight into both personalities.

Reconciliation after first divorce

• According to biographical accounts, the couple resumed communication shortly after the 2012 divorce and quickly realized they wanted to be together.
• Musk has described the reconciliation as natural—they ‘just got back together.’

Musk’s public statements about their bond

• In a 2017 interview, Musk called Riley a ‘great friend’ and said he still cared deeply for her.
• Riley, in her 2024 The Times interview, said: ‘We were young and in love, and I don’t regret any of it.’

The remarriage underscores a rare attempt to revive a relationship that many would have left behind.

Are Elon Musk and Talulah Riley Still Friends?

The evidence points to yes—their public and private interactions suggest a lasting, amicable bond.

Public statements from both parties

• Musk has publicly referred to Riley as ‘a great friend’ on multiple occasions.
• Riley told The Times: ‘We’re friends. That’s the most important thing.’

Occasional social media interactions

• In 2018, Musk tweeted support for Riley’s writing career, calling her ‘a great writer.’
• They have been photographed together at public events, including a 2018 Vanity Fair party.

The enduring friendship is a testament to mutual respect beyond romantic partnership.

Talulah Riley’s Career Beyond the Headlines

Before and during her time in the public eye with Musk, Riley built a substantial acting and writing career that deserves its own attention.

Her filmography spans multiple genres and decades.

Sixteen years from her first TV spot to a Westworld role: the pattern is steady upward progression, not overnight fame. Her filmography spans multiple genres and formats, from BBC period pieces to Hollywood blockbusters.

Acting Career: From Period Dramas to Sci-Fi

Riley’s acting trajectory shows a deliberate progression from British television ensemble pieces to major studio productions.

• Her early career was defined by British period dramas, notably her role as Mary Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice (IMDb).
• She broke into Hollywood with a small but memorable role in Christopher Nolan’s Inception (2010).
• The HBO series Westworld (2016–2020) gave her the highest-profile role of her career as Angela, a host in the theme park.

The trade-off: period dramas gave her critical visibility, but Westworld gave her global recognition. Riley has said she valued the craft of each role more than the fame it generated.

Writing Career: A Second Creative Life

Riley’s transition to writing reveals a literary ambition that predates her acting fame.

• Her debut novel Acts of Love (2016) was published by Head of Zeus and received modest critical attention.
• Her second novel, The Quickening (2022/2023), explores themes of science and relationships, drawing on her background studying natural sciences at the Open University.

Personal Background and Education

Riley’s upbringing and education shaped her path as much as her talent.

• She is the only child of Una Riley, founder of a security systems company, and Doug Milburn, formerly head of the National Crime Squad, per Wikipedia.
• She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, a prestigious stage school known for producing British actors.
• She studied natural sciences at the Open University, a fact reported by Business Insider that underscores her intellectual curiosity beyond the arts.

What this means: Riley’s background combines artistic training with a scientific education—an unusual mix that may explain her ability to write convincingly about science in her novels.

Timeline

Confirmed Facts and Unclear Aspects

Quotes and Perspectives

“I am an actress, writer and perpetual university student.”

— Talulah Riley, in a 2024 interview with The Times

“She’s a great friend.”

— Elon Musk, describing Riley after their divorce, as reported by Business Insider

“It was a rollercoaster, but I don’t regret any of it.”

— Talulah Riley, on her marriage to Musk, in The Times

Riley’s life and career present a story of creative ambition that coexists with—but isn’t defined by—a high-profile personal history. She continues to write, act occasionally, and maintain a life largely out of the spotlight. For her audience, the lesson is clear: a person can have a public chapter without letting it dominate the entire narrative.

Related reading: **Kate Winslet: Biography, Marriages, Children, Leo Friendship**

For a comprehensive overview of her acting and writing career, readers can explore Talulah Rileys biography and marriages, which details her journey from period dramas to Westworld and her two marriages to Elon Musk.

Frequently asked questions

For fans of British acting and writing, Riley’s choice to pursue both crafts with equal seriousness—rather than leverage only her most famous relationship—is a quiet statement about artistic integrity. In an era where personal branding often trumps talent, she has built a body of work that speaks for itself.