Elizabeth Hurley pays tribute to "sweet, kind" ex Steve Bing after his death aged 55
Elizabeth Hurley has paid tribute to her ex Steve Bing, who has died at the age of 55.
The Hollywood film producer - who was the father of Hurley’s 18-year-old son Damian Hurley - is reported to have lost his life died after falling from the 27th story of a luxury apartment building in Los Angeles' Century City.
Hurley, 55, posted a series of picture of her herself and Bing on Instagram, writing: “I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end.
“Our time together was very happy and I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter. In the past year we had become close again.
“We last spoke on our son’s 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages.”
Damian has also responded to the “devastating” news of his father’s death.
He wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news. I’m trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness. This is a very strange and confusing time and I’m immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends.”
The model turned 18 on April 2nd. He is living in lockdown with his mother at her English country estate.
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Hurley dated Bing in 2001. The American businessman originally denied paternity, claiming he and Hurley did not have an exclusive relationship, but a DNA test proved he was Damian’s father. He also had a daughter, Kira, born to professional tennis player Lisa Bonder.
Bing financed Tom Hanks’ animated movie The Polar Express, investing $80m [￡64m] in the 2004 animated movie.
He produced and financed movies such as Sylvester Stallone's action film Get Carter and Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light. Bing also co-wrote the 2003 comedy Kangaroo Jack.
Bing was a prominent real estate developer, philanthropist and political donor. He was a long-time friend and supporter to Bill Clinton, lending the former US president his private jet for a 2009 mission to North Korea to free two American journalists.
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Clinton tweeted: “I loved Steve Bing very much. He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in. I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he’s finally found peace.”
Born in Los Angeles, Bing inherited around $600m [￡480m] at the age of 18 from his grandfather, property tycoon Leo S Bing, after whom the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Bing Theatre is named.