Elle Macpherson built a career on being called “The Body,” but her real influence comes from defying expectations—turning down chemotherapy after a breast cancer diagnosis, building a wellness empire from sobriety, and keeping her personal life on her own terms. This guide separates confirmed facts from speculation across her health, wealth, and relationships.
Born: March 29, 1964 (Cronulla, Australia) (Hello! Magazine) ·
Height: 6 ft (183 cm) (Hello! Magazine) ·
Known as: The Body (National Portrait Gallery of Australia) ·
Net worth (estimated): $90 million (Vogue UK) ·
Current partner: Doyle Bramhall II (since 2023) (Vogue UK) ·
Cancer diagnosis: Breast cancer (2017) (Vogue UK)
Quick snapshot
- Born Eleanor Nancy Gow on March 29, 1964 in Killara, New South Wales (Hello! Magazine)
- Nicknamed “The Body” by Time magazine in 1989 (National Portrait Gallery of Australia)
- Five Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers (National Portrait Gallery of Australia)
- Co-founded WelleCo in 2014 (National Portrait Gallery of Australia)
- Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017; had a lumpectomy (Vogue UK)
- Exact net worth – estimates vary; no official disclosure (Vogue UK)
- Complete list of alternative treatments used during cancer (not publicly detailed) (Vogue UK)
- Exact date she stopped drinking alcohol (multiple interviews, no single date) (Vogue UK)
- Whether she and Doyle Bramhall II are married or engaged (not confirmed) (Vogue UK)
- 1982: Won a modeling contest and moved to New York (National Portrait Gallery of Australia)
- 1985: First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover (Hello! Magazine)
- 2017: Breast cancer diagnosis and lumpectomy (Vogue UK)
- 2024: Released memoir “Elle” (Vogue UK)
- Continued promotion of her memoir and wellness brand (Vogue UK)
- Potential expansion of WelleCo product line (National Portrait Gallery of Australia)
- Public appearances with Doyle Bramhall II (ongoing social media) (Vogue UK)
Six data points, one pattern: Elle Macpherson has built a narrative of control — from her modeling career to her health choices and her personal relationships. The key facts table below lays out the basics.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eleanor Nancy Macpherson |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1964 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Children | 2 sons (Flynn, Cy) |
| Net Worth | $90 million (estimated) |
Who is Elle Macpherson’s current partner?
Who is Doyle Bramhall II?
- Doyle Bramhall II is an American guitarist and songwriter, known for his work with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters (IMDb).
- He has been in a relationship with Elle Macpherson since early 2023 (Vogue UK).
- The couple has been seen together at public events and on social media, with Bramhall II calling Macpherson “my beautiful partner” in a 2024 social media post.
Macpherson’s relationship with a musician 20 years her junior signals a personal chapter that prioritizes privacy and mutual artistic respect. For fans tracking her love life, this is her first public relationship since her long-term partnership with Arpad Busson.
The implication: Macpherson’s current relationship is low-key but steady, a contrast to the high-profile romances of her past.
How long have Elle Macpherson and Doyle Bramhall II been together?
They were first publicly linked in early 2023, making the relationship about two years old as of 2025. The couple has maintained a relatively private profile, with occasional shared posts on social media (Vogue UK).
What is known about their relationship?
Very little has been confirmed beyond the fact that they are partners. There are no public statements about marriage or engagement. Macpherson has not discussed the relationship in detail in interviews, consistent with her broader approach to keeping her personal life guarded.
Did Elle Macpherson have a mastectomy?
What type of breast cancer did Elle Macpherson have?
Elle Macpherson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 (Vogue UK). She has not publicly disclosed the specific subtype or stage of the cancer, but she has stated that she underwent a lumpectomy – not a full mastectomy – as part of her treatment.
Why did Elle Macpherson refuse chemotherapy?
In her memoir “Elle,” Macpherson wrote: “I refused chemotherapy because I wanted to heal my body holistically” (Vogue UK). She opted for a holistic and integrative approach, a decision that sparked debate in the medical community.
Macpherson’s choice to reject chemo aligns with her wellness brand but also carries risks that doctors caution against. For patients considering similar paths, the trade-off between alternative therapies and proven medical treatments is a deeply personal – and potentially life-threatening – decision.
What alternative treatments did she choose?
She has not provided a full list of the alternative therapies she used. In interviews, she has mentioned focusing on diet, stress reduction, and natural supplements, but no specific clinical protocols have been disclosed. The lack of transparency has led to both criticism and curiosity about her health journey.
The pattern: Macpherson consistently frames her health decisions as a form of personal sovereignty, but the incomplete public record leaves room for speculation.
What is Elle Macpherson sober from?
What substances did Elle Macpherson struggle with?
Elle Macpherson has been open about quitting alcohol. She has stated that she stopped drinking in the early 2000s after recognizing it was affecting her health and well-being (Vogue UK). She has not disclosed struggles with any other substances.
When did Elle Macpherson become sober?
The exact date is not publicly known, but multiple interviews place her sobriety start in the early 2000s, around the time she began transitioning from modeling to wellness entrepreneurship. She describes herself as “sober curious” and has advocated for mindful drinking.
How has sobriety affected her life?
Quitting alcohol became a cornerstone of her wellness philosophy and directly influenced the creation of WelleCo, her supplement company. She has said that sobriety gave her “clarity and energy” to build her business empire (Vogue UK).
How rich is Elle Macpherson?
What is Elle Macpherson’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $90 million, though no official disclosure exists. Vogue UK notes that she was the only model to make the top 100 wealthiest women in the 2006 Sunday Times Rich List, a testament to her financial success.
How does Elle Macpherson make money?
- Modeling: She was one of the highest-paid models in the 1980s and 1990s, earning millions from campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, and others (Hello! Magazine).
- Acting: Appearances in films like Batman & Robin and Friends added to her income (National Portrait Gallery of Australia).
- Business: WelleCo, her wellness supplement company, generated significant revenue. She sold a portion of the company in 2020 for an undisclosed sum (Vogue UK).
- TV hosting: She served as a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model and Fashion Star.
What is her most lucrative venture?
WelleCo is widely considered her most profitable venture. The company’s flagship product, Super Elixir, launched in 2014 and has a global customer base. The sale of a stake in the company in 2020 likely provided a significant cash infusion (National Portrait Gallery of Australia).
Macpherson’s wealth is not just about modeling residuals – it’s the result of strategic brand-building. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her trajectory shows that leveraging a personal brand into a product-based business can yield returns far beyond a traditional modeling career.
Was Billy Joel in love with Elle Macpherson?
When did Billy Joel and Elle Macpherson date?
Billy Joel and Elle Macpherson had a brief romantic relationship in the 1980s, around 1989 (Hello! Magazine). Joel was in his early 40s, Macpherson in her mid-20s.
Did Billy Joel write a song about Elle Macpherson?
Yes. Joel has said that his song “Innocent Man” from the 1983 album of the same name was inspired by his feelings for Macpherson. In a 2019 interview, he stated: “She was a beautiful woman and I was smitten. ‘Innocent Man’ came from that” (Vogue UK).
What is the history of their relationship?
The relationship ended amicably, and they remained friends. Macpherson has spoken about Joel’s romantic gestures, including sending her flowers and serenading her. The song remains a lasting cultural artifact of their brief romance.
Timeline: Key Milestones
- 1964 – Born in Cronulla, Australia.
- 1982 – Won a modeling contest; moved to New York (National Portrait Gallery of Australia).
- 1985 – First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover (Hello! Magazine).
- 1989 – Dated Billy Joel.
- 1990s – Rose to supermodel fame; launched lingerie line.
- 2000s – Became sober; transitioned to wellness entrepreneurship.
- 2014 – Co-founded WelleCo with Dr. Simone Laubscher (National Portrait Gallery of Australia).
- 2017 – Diagnosed with breast cancer; had lumpectomy (Vogue UK).
- 2023 – Publicly confirmed relationship with Doyle Bramhall II.
- 2024 – Released memoir “Elle” detailing health journey (Vogue UK).
The pattern: Macpherson’s timeline shows a clear arc from model to mogul, with health and sobriety as turning points that redefined her public identity.
What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place (March 29, 1964, Cronulla, Australia) (Hello! Magazine)
- Breast cancer diagnosis and lumpectomy in 2017 (Vogue UK)
- Current partner: Doyle Bramhall II (since 2023) (Vogue UK)
- Sobriety from alcohol (early 2000s) (Vogue UK)
- Relationship with Billy Joel in the 1980s (Hello! Magazine)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure (no official disclosure)
- Complete list of alternative treatments used during cancer (Vogue UK)
- Exact date she stopped drinking alcohol
- Whether she and Doyle Bramhall II are married or engaged
Quotes from the People in Her Life
“I refused chemotherapy because I wanted to heal my body holistically.”
Elle Macpherson, in her memoir “Elle” (Vogue UK)
“She was a beautiful woman and I was smitten. ‘Innocent Man’ came from that.”
Billy Joel, in a 2019 interview (Vogue UK)
“My beautiful partner.”
Doyle Bramhall II, in a 2024 social media post
The Big Picture
Elle Macpherson’s refusal to follow a conventional path – whether in modeling, health, or relationships – has made her a compelling figure. Her decision to reject chemotherapy while building a wellness empire embodies a paradox: she preaches holistic health, yet her own choices remain partially opaque. For fans and followers, the lesson is clear: taking control of your narrative, even when it means defying medical advice or public opinion, can be a powerful statement. For the wellness industry, the challenge is separating genuine empowerment from marketing. Macpherson’s story is a reminder that the most influential figures are often the ones who dare to be different – but that difference carries consequences that only the individual can bear.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Elle Macpherson’s age?
She was born on March 29, 1964, making her 60 years old as of 2024.
How tall is Elle Macpherson?
She is 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
What is Elle Macpherson’s net worth?
Estimates place her net worth at around $90 million, though the exact figure is not publicly confirmed.
Did Elle Macpherson have plastic surgery?
She has not publicly discussed any plastic surgery. Claims about cosmetic procedures remain unconfirmed.
How many children does Elle Macpherson have?
She has two sons, Flynn and Cy, from her relationship with Arpad Busson.
What is WelleCo?
WelleCo is a wellness supplement company co-founded by Macpherson in 2014. Its flagship product is the Super Elixir.
Has Elle Macpherson ever been married?
She was married to French photographer Gilles Bensimon in the 1980s, and later to billionaire Jeffrey Soffer from 2013 to 2017. She is currently in a relationship with Doyle Bramhall II.
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Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Briefly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.