Nicole Richie is an American television personality, fashion designer, and author, best known for her role in the reality television series "The Simple Life," in which she co-starred with her then-best friend Paris Hilton. Born on September 21, 1981, in Berkeley, California, she was adopted by musician Lionel Richie and his then-wife Brenda Harvey. Nicole Richie transitioned from her reality TV fame to various ventures in the fashion and entertainment industry. As a fashion designer, she launched her own line called House of Harlow, and has been involved in other fashion-related projects. As an author, Nicole Richie wrote the semi-autobiographical novel "The Truth About Diamonds" (2005), which delves into the life of a celebrity and the challenges of Hollywood lifestyle, mirroring aspects of her own experiences in the limelight. The book received attention for its insider’s perspective on fame and personal growth amidst the chaos of the entertainment world. Richie has since maintained a public presence through her work in fashion, television, and her engagement in social media and lifestyle branding.