Nicole Richie

Adopted by singer Lionel Richie, Nicole Richie grew up in privileged L.A. society, where her playmates included hotel heiress Paris Hilton. In 2003, the pair starred in the reality show, The Simple Life. After arrests and problems with drugs, Richie found herself in rehab.

Often accused of being too thin, Richie became a style icon, with endless coverage of her shrinking frame. She continued working with Hilton although they famously fell out, but reconciled in 2006 before starring in their show's fifth season.

The former wild child has become a domesticated goddess with rocker fiancé Joel Madden, with whom she has two children, daughter Harlow and son Sparrow.




Nicole Richie may have parted from her past party girl ways, but she can still throw a good bash – especially if she's celebrating her son's first birthday.

Richie, along with fiancé Joel Madden and big sis Harlow, 2 ½, held a party for Sparrow Saturday. He turns 1 on Sept. 9.

About 50 guests, including actress Ellen Pompeo and her daughter Stella Luna, 11 months, and Sparrow's uncle Benji Madden, gathered in the backyard of the family's Hollywood Hills home and noshed on birthday cake. The backyard was decorated with red, green, orange and purple "Happy Birthday" balloons for the occasion.

PHOTOS: They're now a family of four! Joel Madden and Nicole Richie dote on daughter Harlow and new son Sparrow


"Nicole was keeping the party simple to not overwhelm Sparrow," a source at the party tells PEOPLE. "Everyone seemed to have a great time."