Few models have managed to stay in the spotlight for as long as Elle Macpherson. The Australian-born supermodel decided to quit drinking 20 years ago (Sportskeeda), a move that paved the way for a wellness empire. This guide walks through her current relationship, the reasons behind her sobriety, how she built her wealth, and the key milestones that shaped her life.
Full name: Eleanor Nancy Macpherson ·
Born: March 29, 1964 ·
Occupation: Model, businesswoman, TV host, actress ·
Sports Illustrated covers: 5 ·
Current partner: Doyle Bramhall II
Quick snapshot
- Partner: Doyle Bramhall II (Now To Love)
- Musician and songwriter (WHO)
- Relationship became public in 2022 (WHO)
- Stopped drinking 20 years ago (Sportskeeda)
- Health-driven decision (Sportskeeda)
- Advocates for holistic wellness (Wikipedia)
- Built wellness brand WelleCo (Wikipedia)
- Modeling career spans 5 SI swimsuit covers (Wikipedia)
- Ranked among the wealthiest models (Wikipedia)
Six key facts about Elle Macpherson, pulled directly from her biography, show a pattern of steady career reinvention and personal discipline.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eleanor Nancy Macpherson (Wikipedia) |
| Date of birth | March 29, 1964 (Wikipedia) |
| Place of birth | Sydney, Australia (Wikipedia) |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) (Wikipedia) |
| Notable covers | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (5 times) (Wikipedia) |
| Business | WelleCo (nutritional supplements) (Wikipedia) |
Is Elle Macpherson in a relationship now?
Who is Elle Macpherson’s partner?
- Elle Macpherson is in a relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall II (Now To Love).
- Doyle Bramhall II is a guitarist and singer-songwriter (WHO).
- They have been together for several years, first fueling rumors in October 2022 (WHO).
The catch: the couple is private about marriage plans. Macpherson has been married twice before — to photographer Gilles Bensimon (1986–1989, per Wikipedia) and billionaire Jeffrey Soffer (2013–2017, per Sportskeeda).
History of her relationships
Beyond Bramhall, Macpherson’s romantic history includes two high-profile figures. She dated singer Billy Joel in the early 1980s (Wikipedia) and actor Kevin Costner in the 1990s (Ranker). She also had a long-term relationship with financier Arpad Busson, with whom she has two sons (Sportskeeda).
The implication: her relationship status is stable, but marriage remains off the table for now.
Why is Elle Macpherson sober?
Elle Macpherson’s decision to quit drinking
- Elle Macpherson quit drinking 20 years ago (Sportskeeda).
- She cited health and wellness as primary reasons (Sportskeeda).
- She has spoken about the positive changes sobriety brought (Wikipedia).
Macpherson’s sobriety coincides with her pivot to wellness entrepreneurship. By shedding alcohol two decades ago, she built a brand — WelleCo — that markets “goddess with guts” energy, a tagline she uses on her Instagram bio.
The pattern: giving up drinking wasn’t just a lifestyle tweak — it became the foundation of a business that sells nutritional supplements and wellness retreats.
How rich is Elle Macpherson?
Elle Macpherson’s net worth
- Elle Macpherson’s net worth is estimated at $95 million (Wikipedia).
- She earned her wealth through modeling, business ventures, and endorsements (Wikipedia).
- She is consistently listed among the wealthiest models (Wikipedia).
Comparison to other top models
Among female models, Macpherson’s net worth places her near the top but below newcomers like Kendall Jenner and established moguls like Gisele Bündchen. A quick comparison:
Four models, one pattern: the richest have transitioned from catwalk to brand ownership.
| Model | Estimated net worth | Primary source |
|---|---|---|
| Elle Macpherson | $95 million (Wikipedia) | Modeling + WelleCo |
| Gisele Bündchen | $400 million (Wikipedia) | Modeling + endorsements |
| Kendall Jenner | $60 million (Wikipedia) | Modeling + social media |
| Kylie Jenner | $700 million (Wikipedia) | Cosmetics empire |
The implication: brand ownership beats runway income in the long run.
What has happened to Elle Macpherson?
Recent career moves
- Elle Macpherson launched her wellness brand WelleCo (Wikipedia).
- She authored a book titled Elle (Sportskeeda).
- She remains active in philanthropy and public appearances (Wikipedia).
Personal life updates
In 2024, Macpherson publicly disclosed a breast cancer diagnosis she received seven years prior (Sportskeeda). She told The Australian Women’s Weekly it was “a shock” (Sportskeeda). According to reports, she declined chemotherapy and opted for holistic treatment (Sportskeeda).
Macpherson’s choice to forgo conventional treatment sparked debate. Medical experts remind that HER2-positive breast cancer typically requires targeted therapy. Readers should not see her story as medical advice.
The catch: her unconventional health decisions mean her legacy will always carry a note of controversy.
Did Kevin Costner and Billy Joel date Elle Macpherson?
Kevin Costner’s relationship with Elle Macpherson
- Elle Macpherson dated Kevin Costner in the late 1980s/1990s (Ranker).
- The relationship was widely covered in the media (Wikipedia).
Billy Joel’s romance with Elle Macpherson
- Billy Joel had a romantic involvement with Elle Macpherson in the early 1980s (Wikipedia).
- Both relationships were widely covered in the media (Wikipedia).
The pattern: Macpherson’s early dating history reads like a who’s-who of 80s and 90s celebrity. But neither relationship lasted long, and both men have since moved on to other marriages.
Key Milestones in Elle Macpherson’s Life
- 1964 – Born in Sydney, Australia (Wikipedia)
- 1980s – Began modeling career; appeared on Sports Illustrated covers (Wikipedia)
- 1987–1990s – Dated Kevin Costner (Ranker)
- 1990s – Acting roles in The Edge, Friends, Batman & Robin (Wikipedia)
- 1999 – Quit drinking alcohol (Sportskeeda)
- 2000s – Launched WelleCo wellness brand (Wikipedia)
- 2010s–present – Relationship with Doyle Bramhall II; published memoir elle (Sportskeeda)
The pattern: each decade brought a reinvention, from modeling to sobriety to entrepreneurship.
What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Elle Macpherson’s relationship with Doyle Bramhall II (Now To Love)
- She quit drinking 20 years ago (Sportskeeda)
- She holds the record for most Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers (5) (Wikipedia)
- She founded WelleCo (Wikipedia)
- Dated Kevin Costner and Billy Joel (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure varies by source; $95 million is a rough estimate (Wikipedia)
- Current living arrangements and marriage plans with Bramhall
- Specific details of Billy Joel relationship duration (early 1980s, but not precisely dated)
- Whether she will marry again after two divorces
- Full timeline of her cancer diagnosis relative to divorce from Jeffrey Soffer
The implication: some details remain private, but the core facts are solid.
Quotes from Elle Macpherson
“I wanted to be healthy and present.”
– Elle Macpherson, on quitting drinking, as told to Vanity Fair (via Sportskeeda)
Macpherson described the diagnosis as a shock in The Australian Women’s Weekly (Sportskeeda).
The trade-off: Macpherson’s openness about her health has made her a target of criticism from medical professionals, but it has also deepened her connection with fans who admire her independent choices.
Summary
Elle Macpherson’s story is one of deliberate reinvention — from supermodel to sober wellness advocate to survivor. For Australian fans who have followed her since the 1980s, the lesson is that personal discipline and business acumen can outlast any fashion trend. The catch: her unconventional health decisions mean her legacy will always carry a note of controversy. For the Australian public, the choice is clear: view her as a cautionary tale or an inspiration — she’s probably okay with either.
Frequently asked questions
Does Elle Macpherson have children?
Yes, she has two sons with financier Arpad Busson: Arpad Flynn Alexander Busson (born 14 February 1998) and Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson (born 4 February 2003) (Sportskeeda).
What is the name of her wellness brand?
WelleCo (Wikipedia).
How many times was she on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
She appeared on the cover five times (Wikipedia).
Is Elle Macpherson married?
No. She was married to Gilles Bensimon (1986–1989) and Jeffrey Soffer (2013–2017). She is currently in a relationship with Doyle Bramhall II but not married (Sportskeeda).
What movies has she acted in?
She appeared in The Edge (1997), Batman & Robin (1997), and had a cameo on Friends (Wikipedia).
What is Elle Macpherson’s height?
6 ft (183 cm) (Wikipedia).
Does Elle Macpherson still model?
She occasionally models but focuses primarily on her wellness business and speaking engagements (Wikipedia).
Related reading
Rachel Walsh leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Aussie Report.