As Courtney Love reaches the milestone of 60 years, we embark on a captivating journey through her life captured in unforgettable snapshots.
From her rebellious beginnings in the grunge scene to becoming an enduring icon of rock ‘n’ roll, each photograph tells a story of passion, controversy, and unapologetic authenticity.
Join us as we celebrate Courtney Love’s journey, reflecting on the moments that have shaped her career and defined her as a cultural force over the decades.
#1 Courtney Love: Then & Now
Courtney Love, born on July 9, 1964, has made an indelible mark as a musician and actress, renowned as the frontwoman of Hole and the former wife of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.
Raised by hippie parents, Courtney’s early years were nomadic, fostering her early immersion in local punk bands during her teens. Initially pursuing acting, she appeared in notable films like ‘Sid and Nancy’ (1986) and ‘Straight to Hell’ (1987).
In the late 1980s, Courtney formed Hole, achieving critical acclaim with their debut album produced by Kim Gordon. Their sophomore release, ‘Live Through This’ (1994), solidified their place in grunge history.
Courtney’s acting career flourished with a Golden Globe nomination for ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’ (1996) and appearances in ‘200 Cigarettes’, ‘Man on the Moon’ (1999), and ‘Trapped’ (2002), alongside roles in TV series like ‘Sons Of Anarchy‘ and ‘Empire.
#2 Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love In 1993
At the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards in LA, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love shared a kiss, accompanied by their baby daughter Frances Bean Cobain.
#3 Hole In 1995
In May 1995, Courtney Love and her band Hole performed on the British late-night show ‘Later With Jools Holland’. Courtney donned a lacy babydoll dress paired with ripped tights for the electrifying performance.
#4 Courtney Love In 1995
Courtney Love exudes groovy vibes in a scene from the 1996 film ‘Basquiat’, which explores the life of painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. In the movie, she portrays one of his love interests.
#5 ‘The People Vs Larry Flynt’
Courtney Love strikes a pose in a boudoir scene from ‘The People Vs Larry Flynt’, where she portrayed Althea, the wife of the infamous dirty magazine mogul. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for the role.
#6 Courtney Love At The 1997 Academy Awards
Courtney Love glows in white at the 1997 Academy Awards. She had blunt bangs and wore a diamond necklace.
#7 Courtney Love At The Premiere Of ‘Batman And Robin’
Courtney Love exudes coolness in a turquoise and blue dress at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Batman And Robin’ in 1997. Her hair was styled in curls with flowers woven through it, adding to her unique and eclectic fashion statement.
#8 Courtney Love In 1997
Courtney Love radiates elegance in pink at the 1997 VH1 Fashion Awards in New York. Her glam curls and shiny shoes complemented her chic and stylish appearance at the event.
#9 Courtney Love Plays The 1998 VMAs
Courtney Love rocked the stage with her band Hole at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards, exuding total rockstar vibes in a low-cut sparkling shirt paired with leather pants. Her charismatic presence and edgy style captivated the audience during their electrifying performance.
#10 Courtney Love In 1998
Courtney Love exuded elegance at the OASIS Preserve International Benefit Dinner on November 10, 1998, dressed in a sheer black dress adorned with numerous necklaces. Her hair was styled back with a chic headband, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble for the evening.
#11 Courtney Love At The Premiere Of ‘200 Cigarettes’
Courtney Love wore a sheer top, sparkling bandeau, and leather capris to the premiere of 200 Cigarettes in LA on February 10, 1999. She accessorized with wooden wedges and carried a beaded bag.
#12 ‘Man On The Moon’
Courtney Love appears in the 1999 film Man On The Moon, where she played the wife of comic Andy Kaufman. The biopic starred Jim Carrey.
#13 Courtney Love At The 2000 Golden Globes
Courtney Love wowed in a slashed black and silver dress at the 57th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 23, 2000. She complemented her look with dark lipstick and short, textured locks.
#14 Courtney Love In 2000
Courtney Love resembled a mermaid in a blue-grey dress at BMG’s Party during the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards on February 23, 2000. She completed her look with silky blue heels and a red lip.red lip.
#15 Courtney Love & Frances In Milan
Courtney Love glowed in pink as she and her daughter, Frances Bean, arrived at the Gianni Versace Spring-Summer show in Milan, Italy. Frances wore a little navy Versace dress with Greek-key trim.
#16 Courtney Love In 2001
Courtney Love is photographed waving outside the 2001 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 25. She wore a sparkling dress that she was practically spilling out of.
#17 Courtney Love At The 2004 Grammys
Courtney Love looked classic in black at the 46th Grammy Awards in LA on February 8, 2004. She wore her hair long and butter blonde, paired with striking red lipstick.
#18 Courtney Love At The Premiere Of ‘Catch-22’
Courtney Love was stylish in a spotted Alessandra Rich dress at the premiere of Hulu’s Catch-22 in LA on May 7, 2019. Silver heels and a matching clutch complemented the silver buttons on her polka-dot frock.
#19 Courtney Love At The 2019 MOCA Benefit
Courtney Love appeared stylish at the 2019 MOCA benefit at the Geffen Contemporary in LA on May 18, 2019, wearing a patterned dress and cute white boots.
#20 Courtney Love In 2020
Courtney Love looked radiant at the nominees’ party for the 73rd BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at London’s Kensington Palace on Feb. 1, 2020, wearing a shimmering champagne dress by The Vampire’s Wife.
#21 Courtney Love The National Portrait Gallery’s 2024 Gala
It sounds like the National Portrait Gallery’s 2024 gala was a star-studded affair, with a diverse lineup of attendees including Tracey Emin, Alexa Chung, Bella Freud, Courtney Love, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Sir Grayson Perry, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Sturridge, Es Devlin, and many others.
