Paris Hilton has a knack for attracting attention and always seems to be at the center of things. Sure, some people might feel that this isn't much of a virtue, but Paris is a born self-promoter -- despite her occasional protests to the contrary.

why is she famous?

"Paris the Heiress" is first-born in the latest generation of the Hilton family, of swanky hotel fame. Fat trust fund aside, she is also known for being a high-society party girl, part-time model, and quasi-actress.

Paris Hilton sets the standard for the wealthy, twenty-something socialites of the 21st century. Her privileged upbringing as heiress to the Hilton millions and her whirlwind itinerary of partying make her seem like a perfect subject for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Even a life that is such an Epicurean feast is not without its hiccups. Paris has garnered unwanted attention in the tabloids for her connections with movie stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Furlong. And she hasn't helped matters with her obnoxious conduct at a number of functions and parties at such high-profile venues as the notorious Studio 54, which has been duly publicized by the gutter press.
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quote

"I don't want to be known as the granddaughter of the Hiltons. I want to be known as Paris."
-Paris Hilton

biography

Paris Hilton was born February 17, 1981, to Rick and Kathy Hilton, making her the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of the family fortune -- estimated at $300 million. Her grandfather, Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Jr., also brought some notoriety to the family, as he was the first of Elizabeth Taylor's many ex-husbands. Paris' younger sister, Nicky (born in 1983), shares the throne as co-heiress of the Hilton empire.