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Riley Keough on being related to Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson: 'I don’t think about it, ever'


UPDATED FEBRUARY 7, 2019 10:57 AM EST

Riley Keough wants to create a legacy based on herown merit and not those of her famous relatives. While she is Elvis Presley’sgranddaughter and was Michael Jackson’s stepdaughter, the 26-year-old revealedto Esquire magazine that she has always been keen on making a name for herself.

“I always wanted to have my own money — not myfamily’s money,” the actress said. “I don’t think any of it had to do with mebeing Elvis’ granddaughter. None of my drive was ‘I need to get away from myfamily legacy.’”

Elvis, Riley and Michael Photos: Getty Images/Online USA

Riley is the daughter of the legendary "Can't Help Falling in Love" singer’sonly child, Lisa Marie Presley. “Peoplealways ask, ‘How crazy is it that your grandpa was Elvis and your stepdad wasMichael Jackson?’ I make them happy and say, ‘Yeah, it’s soooo crazy!’” sherevealed.

In actuality, the King of Rock and Roll’s granddaughteradmitted that she doesn’t "think about it, ever.” She explained, “The realityis I know as much about my grandpa as you’d know about a grandpa you never met.”Elvis died in 1977, years before the The GirlfriendExperience actress was born.

As for her famous stepdad, who was married to Riley's mom from1994-1996, she recalled selling a present he once gifted her. She shared, "I remember this Disney watch that Michael gave me. I thinkI sold that for five (dollars)."

When it comes to her own career, the actress, who starredin the blockbuster hit Mad Max: Fury Road, admitted, “You don't have to go onthings you don't want to go on. Riley added, “I don't care if I do one movieevery two years. That's important."