Rielle Hunter American actress and producer Date of Birth: 20.03.1964 Country: USA

1. American Actress and Producer Riel Hunter
2. Early Life and Education
3. Family Background and Scandal
4. Literary Connection
5. Marriage and Film Career
6. Post-Divorce and Production Companies
7. The Scandal and Aftermath

American Actress and Producer Riel Hunter

Riel Hunter, an American actress and producer, found herself at the center of a political scandal during the campaign of Democrat John Edwards. It was revealed that the presidential candidate had an affair with Riel, whose company was producing a campaign video for Edwards' campaign. This affair, as many noted, ultimately destroyed the ambitious politician's political career.

Early Life and Education

Riel Hunter, originally known as Riel Drak, was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her parents, James and Gwen, owned a large farm in Ocala, Florida. James Drake was a successful insurance lawyer who even owned his own plane. Riel received her education at St. John Lutheran School and North Marion High School in Ocala. After graduating from high school, she initially attended the University of Tampa but transferred to the University of Florida after two years.

Family Background and Scandal

In 1982, James Drake was accused of insurance fraud by the FBI. He was killing horses on his farm in inhumane ways in order to collect large insurance payouts. That same year, Gwen and James divorced, and Riel remained with her mother.

Literary Connection

In 1988, well-known writer Jay McInerney, who personally knew Riel and her family, wrote the novel "Story of My Life." He later admitted that the main character, Alison Poole, was based on Riel Drake. McInerney revealed that Riel's story, particularly her relationship with her father, "shocked and intrigued" him, inspiring him to write the novel.

Marriage and Film Career

In 1991, Riel Drake married renowned lawyer Alexander Hunter III. The wedding ceremony took place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on August 3rd. That same year, Riel made her film debut in the movie "Ricochet." Many note that Riel Hunter was able to enter the big screen thanks to her husband's financial support. Alexander also sponsored her producing debut in the film "Savage in Limbo."

Post-Divorce and Production Companies

In October 1999, Riel and Alexander divorced. A year later, she wrote a screenplay and produced the comedy "Billy Bob and Them." With a significant fortune acquired after the divorce, Riel established her own company, "R Hunter Films." In 2006, she co-founded "Midline Groove Productions LLC" in New Jersey with her business partner Mimi Godfrey Hockman. It was this company that became involved in the scandal with John Edwards.

The Scandal and Aftermath

In August 2008, Edwards publicly admitted his affair with Riel Hunter after he had to withdraw from the presidential race. The American press also discovered that the politician may have paid Hunter $100,000 from his own campaign funds for her silence. However, Edwards vehemently denied this, claiming that the $100,000 was a payment for Hunter's work. Despite his denials, the US prosecution became seriously interested in the expenses of John Edwards' campaign.