For us millennials, Liv Tyler was the epitome of beauty; she was the personification of our dreams; she was Arwen Undómiel, and she will remain that for us. Otherwise, Tyler is an American actress, model, and producer known for her versatile roles in Hollywood films and television.
Early Life
Liv Tyler, born Liv Rundgren on July 1, 1977, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, New York. Her mother, Bebe Buell, was a model, singer, and former Playboy Playmate. She is the daughter of Aerosmith’s lead singer, Steven Tyler. Though initially Bebe Buell’s then-boyfriend, rock musician Todd Rundgren, was considered her father and signed her birth certificate, she later found out that Steven was her father. She then changed her surname from Rundgren to Tyler but chose to keep Rundgren as a middle name. She is the half-sister of Mia Tyler, Chelsea Anna Tyler Foster, and Taj Monroe Tallarico.
Liv’s maternal grandmother, Dorothea Johnson, founded the Protocol School of Washington. Liv grew up between Maine and Washington, D.C., with her mother, grandmother, and aunt, experiencing an unconventional childhood amid rock and roll influences.
Tyler attended the Congressional School of Virginia, Breakwater School, and Waynflete School in Portland, Maine. She moved back to New York City with her mother at age 12. She then attended York Preparatory for junior high and high school, chosen by her mother for its ability to accommodate Tyler’s ADHD.
Liv Tyler On Screen
Liv began modeling at 14, appearing in campaigns for brands like Guess. She transitioned to acting after appearing in Aerosmith’s “Crazy” music video in 1993, directed by her father.
She then decided to focus on acting and went on to achieve critical recognition with starring roles in “Heavy” and “Empire Records” (both 1995).
Heavy, directed by James Mangold, is an indie drama about a shy cook and his diner. Liv Tyler plays Callie, a compassionate waitress who attracts the cook’s affection. Her performance showcased her ability to convey depth with minimal dialogue. The film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance and grossed modestly. Tyler’s chemistry with Pruitt Taylor Vince stands out.
Her role as Lucy Harmon in Stealing Beauty (1996) showcased her coming-of-age journey in Italy, earning critical praise. That Thing You Do! (1996) is a comedy-drama directed by Tom Hanks, set in the 1960s. Liv Tyler plays Faye Dolan, the girlfriend of a young drummer in an emerging rock band, The Wonders. Her character brings a quiet charm, balancing the band’s chaos with her supportive demeanor. Tyler’s performance highlights her early ability to blend innocence with strength.
Liv Tyler, The Star
She then starred in Pat O’Connor’s coming-of-age movie “Inventing the Abbotts (1997),” based on a short story by Sue Miller. In 1998, she starred in the sci-fi disaster movie “Armageddon (1998),” with Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck’s characters, which became the highest-grossing film of 1998 worldwide.
She then acted in Cookie’s Fortune, directed by Robert Altman, a Southern comedy-drama. Liv Tyler portrays Emma Duvall, a girl caught in a family mystery after her aunt’s death. Her role adds a layer of vulnerability and wit to the ensemble cast, including Glenn Close and Julianne Moore. The film received praise for its quirky narrative and beautiful performances.
Her other notable films in that era were “Onegin” (1999) with Ralph Fiennes, Jake Scott’s historical comedy “Plunkett & Macleane” (1999), “Dr. T & the Women” (2000), and Harald Zwart’s neo-noir black comedy “One Night at McCool’s” (2001) with Matt Dillon, Paul Reiser, John Goodman, and Michael Douglas.
“Arwen Undómiel—Liv Tyler
However, it was her portrayal of the ethereal elf Arwen Undómiel in the Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy that brought her international acclaim and solidified her place in cinematic history. The films, released from 2001 to 2003, transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. Although her role was not central to the plot, it was essential for its emotional quotient and character arc of Aragon. Tyler learned Elvish for authenticity and trained for horse riding and sword fighting.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy won 17 Oscars. The Return of the King (2003) alone won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, a rare sweep. Apart from Oscars, the trilogy also won around 475 awards.
Following the success of Lord of the Rings, Tyler has appeared in a variety of roles, including the films Jersey Girl (2004), Lonesome Jim (2005), Reign Over Me (2007), The Strangers, The Incredible Hulk (both 2008), Super (2010), and many more.
Liv Tyler—The Performer
In 2012 Liv starrred in sci-fi comedy-drama Robot & Frank, directed by Jake Schreier. She appears as Madison, a concerned daughter visiting her aging father, played by Frank Langella, who bonds with a robot. Her role adds warmth to the story, balancing technology themes with family dynamics. The film won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance.
Space Station 76, directed by Jack Plotnick, is a retro-futuristic comedy-drama. Liv Tyler plays Jessica, a new arrival on a dysfunctional space station, navigating personal and professional tensions. Her role adds a grounded presence in the satire. Tyler’s chemistry with Patrick Wilson enhances the humor.The film found a niche audience on streaming platforms.
Liv Tyler stars as Ellen Cooper, a sheriff protecting a girl with a dark secret in Fritz Böhm’s horror-fantasy film Wildling (2018). Her character blends authority with maternal instincts, showing immense strength with compassion. Tyler’s performance highlights her range in genre films. In 2019, Liv starred in sci-fi space epic Ad Astra, directed by James Gray. She plays Eve McBride, the estranged wife of astronaut Roy McBride, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Her brief but pivotal role underscores the protagonist’s personal stakes. The film received Oscar nominations for sound and cinematography. 17 years after playing Betty Ross in The Incredible Hulk (2008), she reprised the in Captain America: Brave New World (2025).
Other Work
Outside of films, she starred in the HBO supernatural drama series The Leftovers (2014–2017), the BBC period drama series Gunpowder (2017), the ITV/Hulu period drama series Harlots (2018–2019), and the Fox procedural drama series 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020).
Tyler is also a singer; having sung with composer Howard Shore, she appeared as a guest vocalist on The Lemonheads’ album “Varshons (2009),” singing a cover of the Leonard Cohen song “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.” She appeared on the 2017 bonus disc of Evan Dando’s album Baby I’m Bored (2003), providing featured vocals for the song “Shots Is Fired.” In 2011, she released her debut single, “Need You Tonight.”
Personal Life
Tyler was in a relationship with Joaquin Phoenix from 1995 to 1998. She met her future husband, British musician Royston Langdon, in 1998; they married in 2003 and had a son named “Milo William” in 2004. The couple separated in 2008.
She began a relationship with British sports and entertainment manager David Gardner in 2014 and has two children with him: a son, Sailor Gene, and a daughter, Lula Rose. They part ways in 2021.
Liv Tyler is also known for her philanthropic work. She has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the United States since 2003, advocating for children’s rights and welfare. Her role as a spokesperson for Givenchy’s line of perfume and cosmetics highlights her influence in the fashion and beauty industries.
Liv Tyler on IMDB
