Talulah Riley: Her Two Marriages to Elon Musk and Divorce

Most people know Talulah Riley through two very different lenses: as an English actress with a sharp screen presence, and as the woman who said “I do” to Elon Musk not once, but twice. Her story weaves together Hollywood roles, a notoriously public private life, and a quiet rebuild that few people talk about.

Born: 1985 ·
Marriages to Elon Musk: 2 ·
Children: 0 ·
Notable Role: Westworld

Six key facts at a glance – from birth name to notable screen credits.

How Much Did Talulah Riley Get From Elon Musk?

Reported divorce settlement amount

• Celebrity‑finance outlets frequently report that Riley received roughly $20 M from her two divorces from Musk. However, the figure has never been officially confirmed by either party – Screen Rant celebrity finance

Assets and property division

• At the time of the second divorce (2016), Musk’s net worth was growing rapidly, but Riley’s settlement is believed to have covered assets rather than a prolonged alimony arrangement. No public court records detail the split – Business Insider biography

The catch: the $20 M figure is widely cited but soft. Without an official disclosure, it remains a probable range rather than a confirmed number. What is clear is that Riley walked away with enough financial independence to restart without marrying for money.

Does Talulah Riley Have Any Kids?

Talulah Riley’s children status

• Riley has no biological or adopted children – Business Insider biography

Elon Musk’s children from other relationships

• Musk has at least 11 known children from previous relationships (with Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis). None are with Riley – TV Insider celebrity profile (general context)

Why this matters: Riley’s decision not to have children with Musk, despite two marriages, often surprises readers. It may have contributed to the amicable nature of their split – no custody wrangling.

What Happened Between Talulah Riley and Elon Musk?

The whirlwind engagement and first marriage

• Riley met Musk in 2008, and they married in a private ceremony in 2010 – Business Insider biography

First separation and divorce (2012)

• The couple separated in 2012, and the divorce was finalised the same year – Business Insider biography

Remarriage and second divorce (2016)

• They reconciled and remarried in 2013. By 2016, they divorced a second time – Business Insider biography

Are Elon Musk and Talulah Riley still friends?

• Yes. In 2024, People reported that Musk attended Riley’s wedding to Thomas Brodie‑Sangster, and the two remain on good terms – People celebrity news

The pattern: a classic on‑again, off‑again romance that eventually settled into genuine friendship. The fact that Musk showed up at her third wedding suggests zero animosity.

Why Did Elon Musk Marry Talulah Riley Twice?

Reasons for the first divorce

• The first split in 2012 was reportedly driven by Musk’s intense work schedule and the strain of his SpaceX and Tesla responsibilities – Business Insider biography

Reconciliation and second marriage

• Riley and Musk remained close after the 2012 divorce. In 2013 they remarried, with Musk later describing Riley as “amazing” – People celebrity news

Differences between the two marriages

• The second marriage lasted longer (three years vs. two) but ended for similar reasons – incompatible lifestyles and Musk’s escalating commitments – Business Insider biography

The trade‑off: Riley reportedly valued a more private life, while Musk was becoming a global celebrity. Two attempts at compromise couldn’t bridge that gap.

Which Wife Did Elon Love the Most?

Comparing Musk’s relationships is tricky because he rarely ranks them publicly. But a few data points exist.

Musk has never declared a favourite wife. What stands out: Riley is the one he married twice – a unique signal of affection and regret. The implication: actions speak louder than public statements.

“She’s a great person. We’re still friends.”

Elon Musk, as reported by People celebrity news

“I got what I needed to move on.”

Talulah Riley, as reported by People celebrity news

Timeline signal

“We’ve remained friends. He’s a great person.”

Talulah Riley, speaking about Elon Musk in 2024 – People celebrity news

For anyone wondering what happened to the woman who starred in Westworld and married one of the world’s richest men, the answer is: she moved on. Riley is now building a quieter life as a novelist and newlywed. The pattern is clear – she walked away from the frenzy and chose substance over spotlight.

Talulah Riley’s career in Westworld and Inception often overshadows the public fascination with her two marriages to Elon Musk.

Frequently asked questions