Paris Hilton is the eldest of four children of Richard Hilton and Kathy Richards. Her younger sister is Nicky Hilton, and her younger brothers are Barron Hilton II and Conrad Hilton II. Hilton shot to prominence when a sex tape of her with then-boyfriend Rick Salomon was leaked onto the Internet shortly after The Simple Life debuted. Hilton has been widely discussed and publicized in the tabloids due to her lavish life-style, personal relationships and late night partying.

In recent years Hilton has gained recognition by appearing in television, movies, television commercials, and modeling photographs. According to Forbes, in 2003-2004 she earned approximately US $2 million for her television and movie roles, but in 2004-2005 her earnings from television, movies, modeling, and personal appearances have earned her an additional $6.5 million.