Courtney Love

Courtney Love
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Name:
Courtney Love
Real name:
Courtney Michelle Harrison
Who is:
,
Birth date:
(61 y.o.)
Place of birth:
San Francisco
Height:
5'7 ft ()
Weight:
134 lb (61 kg)
Relationship:
single
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:

Photos: Courtney Love

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Biography of Courtney Love

Courtney Love is an American rock singer, poet, and musician who founded the punk band Hole, serving as its guitarist and vocalist. She is the widow of Kurt Cobain, the leader of the band Nirvana. Her platinum album "Live Through This" hit shelves just a week after her husband's death. She is also known as an actress. She earned "Best Supporting Actress" and "Most Promising Actress" awards for her role as Althea Flint in Milos Forman's acclaimed biographical film "The People vs. Larry Flynt."
In the photo: Courtney Love
In the photo: Courtney Love

Childhood and Adolescence

Courtney Michelle Harrison was born in the summer of 1964 to Hank Harrison and Linda Carroll, in the heart of hippie culture—San Francisco. Her father worked as a technician for the band Grateful Dead (young Courtney is pictured on the cover of their debut album "Aoxomoxoa," bottom row, right), and her mother became a psychotherapist. Their house parties drew all kinds of people who freely indulged in alcohol and drugs.
Courtney Love as a child
Courtney Love as a child
It later emerged that Courtney's maternal grandmother was writer Paula Fox, and Linda spent years trying to determine if her own father was the famous actor Marlon Brando, who'd had an affair with Paula in the early '40s.
Courtney Love and her biological father Hank Harrison
Courtney Love and her biological father Hank Harrison
In 1969, Hank lost his parental rights during the divorce—Linda testified in court that her husband had given LSD to their three-year-old daughter. Linda moved with Courtney to a hippie commune in Oregon and soon married Frank Rodriguez, having two more daughters with him. They also had a son who died in early childhood from a congenital heart defect.
Courtney Love with her younger sisters and brother
Courtney Love with her younger sisters and brother
Frank adopted Courtney, but the family didn't last long—in 1972, Linda packed up the kids and moved to New Zealand. In one of her interviews, the singer described her mother like this:
She always lied about us having no money, but we actually had plenty. She was so cheap that Jenny—my younger sister from one of her relationships—and I ended up paying her rent. Mom kept marrying complete idiots; one was either a transvestite or transsexual. Despite all that, I went to a good private school.
Courtney first attended elementary school in Eugene, and then, in New Zealand, she was placed in Nelson College for Girls. She was diagnosed with mild autism, and while teachers recognized her talent, Courtney had trouble connecting with other kids. Soon, she was sent back to Oregon to her stepfather.
Courtney Love with her mom, Linda Carroll
Courtney Love with her mom, Linda Carroll
At 14, she landed in juvenile detention for shoplifting a T-shirt with her favorite rock band "Cinderella's" logo—something she couldn't afford. The moment she got out, the future rock star started working to support herself—counting on her parents wasn't happening. She learned to strip, worked as a waitress, and DJ'd. She kept up her studies on and off, taking philosophy and English courses.
Courtney Love in her youth
Courtney Love in her youth
When her stepfather's parents gave her some money, Courtney decided to move to Ireland to study theology at Trinity College. She made it through two semesters before shacking up with musician Julian Cope, who taught her guitar. When Courtney got tired of Britain, she headed back to San Francisco and enrolled in art college. She then decided to explore Japan and worked there as a dancer.
Courtney Love at 16
Courtney Love at 16
The artist admitted she started using drugs at fourteen and didn't kick the habit until 2007.

Film Career and Music

In 1985, Courtney—who'd adopted the stage name Love—returned to the States. When she heard that director Alex Cox was planning to make a film about the life of Sid Vicious, the bassist of the Sex Pistols, she went to the casting, hoping to land the role of the guitarist's girlfriend, Nancy. To her disappointment, she only landed the role of Gretchen, the main character's friend.
Courtney Love in the film 'Sid and Nancy' (1986)
Courtney Love in the film 'Sid and Nancy' (1986)
However, in her next film, "Straight to Hell," Cox offered Courtney the female lead role of Velma. She even appeared on Andy Warhol's talk show as an emerging film star.
A shot from the film 'Straight to Hell'
A shot from the film 'Straight to Hell'
But the novice actress's initial enthusiasm quickly faded, and she decided to focus on music—especially since she'd already tried forming her own band, "Sugar Baby Doll." She auditioned for the vocalist position in "Faith No More," but the band, initially seeking a female voice, ultimately went with a male vocalist.
Sugar Baby Doll
Sugar Baby Doll
Love didn't stick around with "Pagan Babies" either. Courtney stopped searching for new bands and decided to form her own punk group, "Hole," featuring Eric Erlandson (guitarist), Lisa Roberts (bassist), and Caroline Rue (drummer). Soon, Jill Emery replaced Lisa. With this lineup, the band recorded their debut album "Pretty on the Inside."
Hole. 1990 Concert
Following this, many events happened in Courtney's life: her marriage to Kurt Cobain, pregnancy, and the birth of her daughter Frances Bean Cobain.
The band Hole with Kristen Pfaff and Kurt Cobain
The band Hole with Kristen Pfaff and Kurt Cobain

Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain: A Love Story

From age fourteen, Courtney lived a pretty wild lifestyle. She was never short of admirers. She even married James Moreland, the lead singer of "The Leaving Trains," in Las Vegas, later dismissing it as a joke.

But the rock singer's one true love was Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. In 1990, fresh off her breakup with Corgan, Courtney headed straight to a Nirvana show. She'd had her eye on Kurt for ages. After the concert, she went to the dressing room. What happened next seemed inevitable to everyone watching: she punched Kurt in the stomach, he hit back, they wrestled on the floor – and then they kissed. Soon after, they appeared as a couple at the Rock for Choice concert.
Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain were called 'the new Sid and Nancy'
Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain were called 'the new Sid and Nancy'
Many assumed it was just another rock-and-roll hookup, but their love and marriage endured until Cobain's death in spring 1994. They shared the same reckless approach to life, constantly stirring up controversy.

Critics called their romance "destructive," blaming Courtney for Kurt's addiction and suicide. Others insisted they truly loved each other – that wild, fun-loving Courtney actually helped Kurt battle the depression that came with sudden fame. "A new version of Sid and Nancy, but much more talented," the press called them.
Their romance began in 1991
Their romance began in 1991
Just months into their romance, Courtney got pregnant and they tied the knot on February 24, 1992. After the wedding, Kurt spiraled back into depression, withdrawing and refusing to tour. In a 1992 Vanity Fair interview, Courtney said:
We went on a drug binge. We did everything – tons of drugs – and hit the clubs. Then I was on heroin for two months.
Months before their daughter arrived, they both tried getting clean – but failed. In August, their daughter Frances Bean Cobain was born. Kurt talked about leaving Nirvana, getting clean, and focusing on being a dad – but none of it happened. They almost lost custody right after Frances was born, but fought in court to keep their daughter.
Courtney Love with her husband and daughter
Courtney Love with her husband and daughter
They were both crazy about their daughter – friends consistently backed this up. But drugs slowly poisoned their relationship, making it increasingly toxic. Love later claimed Kurt's suicidal thoughts started when she asked for a divorce during their Rome tour in March 1994 – and when he refused, he deliberately overdosed.

Back home, Kurt locked himself in his room with a gun, threatening suicide. Courtney called the cops but took back her statement when they showed up. Kurt claimed he just wanted space after their fight. Late in March, the Nirvana frontman checked into rehab – then bolted from the facility. Courtney hired a private detective to find him. But it wasn't the detective who found Kurt – it was an electrician who came to his house on April 8 and discovered his body.
Frances Bean Cobain now
Frances Bean Cobain now

Life After Kurt's Death

To this day, many Nirvana fans still blame Courtney Love for their idol's death. Kurt's fans would gouge out Courtney's eyes on Hole posters, while conspiracy theorists spun theories that Love ordered Cobain's murder. Once called "the new Sid and Nancy," she's now been dubbed "the second Yoko Ono"—suggesting she destroyed Nirvana just like Yoko Ono destroyed The Beatles.
After Cobain's death, Courtney Love's career took off
After Cobain's death, Courtney Love's career took off
The release of Hole's album "Live Through This" only added fuel to the fire—dropping just days after Kurt's death (and two months after bassist Kristen Pfaff's overdose). Despite the controversy surrounding the vocalist, the album went platinum.
Hole – Doll Parts
Courtney didn't abandon her destructive lifestyle. She kept using drugs and constantly found herself in scandals. In 1995, she caused a scene on a plane and later attacked Kathleen Hanna—vocalist of Bikini Kill, a band she despised—at the Lollapalooza festival. With tens of millions from Kurt's estate, she could pursue her passions without worrying about haters and critics.

In 1996, Love landed the lead female role in Milos Forman's "The People vs. Larry Flynt." The insurance premiums for Courtney were so high that she, the director, and star Woody Harrelson had to pay them out of pocket—the studio refused. But the gamble paid off: the film about the Hustler magazine creator won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival.
Courtney Love in 'The People vs. Larry Flynt'
Courtney Love in 'The People vs. Larry Flynt'
Next, Courtney played Lucy in the comedy "200 Cigarettes" and Lynn Margulies in the drama "Man on the Moon" opposite Jim Carrey. All were substantial leading roles. In 1998, Hole's last album, "Celebrity Skin," was released.
Hole – Celebrity Skin
In 2002, the band officially disbanded, and Courtney's solo album attempt largely flopped. Her film roles also flew under the radar: "Beat" (Joan Vollmer Burroughs), "Trapped" (Cheryl Hickey), and "Julie Johnson" (Claire).
Courtney Love in her youth
Courtney Love in her youth
After hitting 40, Courtney spiraled into depression, attempted suicide, and checked into rehab. In 2007, after multiple attempts to get her life together, she finally beat her addiction. According to Courtney, she's been "clean" ever since—no more illegal substances.

In 2009, Love attempted to revive Hole with the album "Nobody's Daughter," but faced disappointment once again when fans gravitated toward their earlier work and showed little enthusiasm for the new material. Love went solo for a period, occasionally teasing that she was crafting new songs and albums.
Hole - Nobody's Daughter (live 2010)
In 2015, Courtney Love toured with Lana Del Rey, and a year later launched her clothing line "Love, Courtney."
Courtney Love and Lana Del Rey
Courtney Love and Lana Del Rey
Love never remarried, though she did have her share of romances. Among her boyfriends were musician Billy Gould, producer James Barber, model Jamie Burke, comedian Steve Coogan, singer Billy Corgan, and actor Noel Fielding. She was even engaged to actor Edward Norton, but the couple broke up after two years.
Courtney Love and Edward Norton
Courtney Love and Edward Norton
Her relationship with her daughter was also troubled. Due to her drug addiction, Courtney lost custody of her daughter. Frances was primarily raised by her grandmother, choosing to distance herself from her troubled mother. When Frances turned 17, they had a major falling out and didn't speak for five years. Frances didn't invite her mother to her wedding. However, in 2016, they managed to reconcile.
Courtney Love with her daughter
Courtney Love with her daughter

Courtney Love Now

In 2020, Love announced that during the coronavirus lockdown, she'd started writing a book. Love also dropped hints that Hole might resume making music. Courtney boldly announced a new solo album she'd begun working on in London. She claimed to have discovered fresh singer-songwriters she was eager to collaborate with.
Courtney Love in 2017
Courtney Love in 2017
In March 2021, Love revealed that in 2020 she'd dropped to just 44 kilograms, battled anemia, and nearly died.

In 2022, Love completed her autobiography "The Girl with the Most Cake," a project nearly ten years in the making.
070 Shake, Courtney Love - Song To The Siren
In 2024, Courtney's vocals could be heard in the song "Song to the Siren," which was included in the album "Petrichor" by the singer 070 Shake.