Female Icons of the 2000s: Then and Now

#34: Paris Hilton Now

Two decades later, Paris Hilton has rewritten her own story. She’s a DJ, entrepreneur, wife, and mother — and far more self-aware than the “That’s hot” caricature she once played. Her documentary This Is Paris peeled back the gloss to reveal a thoughtful, driven woman reclaiming her narrative.

She’s also used her platform for advocacy, speaking out about reforming the troubled teen industry and supporting survivors’ rights. The glitz is still there, but it’s now paired with purpose. Paris Hilton didn’t just survive the 2000s — she outsmarted them, turning a cultural punchline into a lasting legacy.