Early Life and Hollywood Upbringing
Ashley George Hamilton was born on September 30, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up immersed in Hollywood’s entertainment culture. His father, George Hamilton, was a film and television icon known for his suave image, and his mother, Alana Stewart, was an actress and model who would later go on to co-host “George & Alana,” a short-lived daytime talk show. Ashley was also briefly the stepson of rock legend Rod Stewart during Alana’s marriage to the singer, further tying him to a world of celebrity and pop culture from a young age. Though his early years were privileged, Hamilton later revealed that the pressures of fame and addiction affected him deeply.
Acting Career
Hamilton made his feature film debut at age 19 in the 1993 comedy “Beethoven’s 2nd,” playing the boyfriend of Nicholle Tom’s character. That same year, he joined the cast of the TV series “Sunset Beach,” though his time on the show was short-lived. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Hamilton appeared in films such as “Lost in Africa,” “Off Key,” and “Iron Man 3,” where he portrayed the minor villain Jack Taggart (aka Firepower). He also appeared in episodes of shows like “CSI: NY” and “Saturday Night Live.” In 2009, Hamilton competed on Season 9 of “Dancing with the Stars,” partnered with Edyta Sliwinska. Though he was eliminated in the first week, his appearance marked a return to the spotlight and helped reintroduce him to a new audience.
Music Career and Songwriting
In addition to acting, Hamilton pursued a career in music. In the late 1990s, he fronted the rock band Fine, which released the album “Against the View” in 1999. Though the band didn’t achieve mainstream success, Hamilton’s work in music continued behind the scenes. He co-wrote several songs with major artists, including “Come Undone” for Robbie Williams, which became a UK hit in 2003. Hamilton’s songwriting skills earned him industry respect, and he remained active in the Los Angeles music scene, occasionally performing solo or collaborating with other musicians.
Other Creative Ventures
Hamilton eventually expanded his work into screenwriting and comedy. He co-wrote scripts and took up stand-up comedy in Los Angeles, often using his own chaotic upbringing and missteps in the industry as material. His wit, self-awareness, and willingness to confront personal issues head-on earned him a loyal audience in the alt-comedy scene. He also directed and starred in the 2013 documentary “Beaver Falls,” which chronicled the lives of
Personal Life
Ashley Hamilton’s personal life has often attracted as much attention as his professional career. In 1993, at the age of 19, he married actress Shannen Doherty just two weeks after meeting her. The impulsive marriage lasted only five months before ending in divorce, but it made headlines and cast a long shadow over his early career. In 1996, Hamilton entered another brief high-profile marriage, this time to model and actress Angie Everhart. Like his previous marriage, it ended in divorce within a few months. In later interviews, Hamilton reflected on how his youth, substance abuse issues, and the pressures of fame contributed to the instability of his personal relationships. Over the years, he has spoken openly about his battles with addiction, depression, and eating disorders. He entered rehab multiple times and eventually found stability through therapy, music, and writing. His candidness about mental health and recovery has helped reshape public perception, offering a more empathetic view of a man who grew up fast in the glare of Hollywood.
