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Hollywood might look like a sparkly big universe, but when you dig deeper, it’s more like a family reunion with A-list stars. Yep, you heard it right, many of your favorite Hollywood celebrities are secretly related and the connections are as wild as a plot twist in a soap opera. While we’re all familiar with the famous dynasties like the Kardashians or the Smiths, the web of celebrity connections goes beyond siblings and parents.
For starters, were you aware that there are celebrities who are cousins, sometimes super distant cousins, but still connected? That’s right, stars like Nicolas Cage, Emma Roberts, and Julia Roberts share family tree branches. And it doesn’t stop there. The list of Hollywood icons tracing their lineage back to royalty is too long (we’re looking at you, Benedict Cumberbatch). Who would’ve guessed our favorite action star might share DNA with a former US president? Crazy, right?
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And then there’s the curveball of media elites being tied to the British monarchy. Yes, indeed some stars can claim a distant link to Queen Elizabeth II or even Kate Middleton. Imagine going from the red carpet to a royal tea party, a wild royal ride!
Whether it’s actors, directors, or even musicians, the connections in the industry are as random as they are fascinating. In simpler terms, Hollywood is a “who’s who” of surprising relatives, and once you start digging, it’s hard to stop. Let’s buckle up and get ready for some jaw-dropping revelations because this list of 30 Hollywood celebrities that are related to each other will definitely blow your mind.
1Tom Cruise and William Mapother
Do you knowMission: Impossible’sTom Cruise’sreal name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV? Yep, and once you hear that, the resemblance to his cousin, actor William Mapother is impossible to see. Just check out their chins, they’re practically twins.
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While Cruise has been the ultimate action hero, Mapother has made a niche for himself by playing mysterious characters. Want to know a fun fact? Well, the two have teamed up in films likeVanilla SkyandMission: Impossible II.So, next time you see them together on the big screen, just imagine them at a family barbecue swapping Hollywood stories.
2Lance Bass and Britney Spears
In 2021, Lance Bass was hit with a family plot twist straight out of a pop culture fever dream. While he was filmingAncestry’s 2 Lies & a Leafwith husband Michael Turchin, he was asked which music icon was hiding in his family tree, Faith Hill,Britney Spears, or Elvis Presley.
Naturally, Lance hoped for Spears before going with Presley. He said,
I wish! I really hope it’s Britney, but there’s no way.
However, Turchin guessed Toxic Singer, and boom, turns out, Bass and Spears are sixth cousins once removed. Now imagine the NSYNC singer losing his mind,
Are you kidding me? … This is amazing. Oh my gosh! Look, I wanted to be related to the Queen. Well, now I’m related to the queen of pop!
Of course, he couldn’t get over the cosmic coincidence, especially since they grew up an hour apart. He further explained that he always “felt like she was my little sister”, and well, surprise, she’s his little cousin. This is wild! From boy band royalty to actual bloodlines, Bass is now living his best pop family fantasy. What’s next? A Spears-Bass family reunion? Fingers crossed!
3Ashely Tisdale and Austin Butler
Another mind-blowing duo is Ashley Tisdale andAustin Butler. They aren’t just Hollywood BFFs, they’re actually family. Though the pair shared the screen inAliens in the AtticandSharpay’s Fabulous Adventure,the two had no clue that they were 10th cousins once removed.
While in a conversation with her sister, Jennifer Tisdale in an episode ofAncestry’s 2 Lies & a Leaf, Ashley shared,
Austin and I always say that we’re like fraternal twins born very far apart because he’s much younger, and we’ve always had that connection. I’m telling you, when we first met, I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ We were like brother and sister from the minute we met.
From day one, they were like brother and sister, something Ashley even gushed about in a sweet Instagram birthday post, dubbing Butler her “twin born 7 years later.”
4Gwyneth Paltrow and Katherine Moennig
Before Katherine Moennig gained fame onThe L Word,she was already fielding questions about her famous and blonder cousin,Gwyneth Paltrow. And let’s just say, she wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. In an interview withThe Observer, Moenning’s reaction to Paltrow’s question was priceless as her expression literally screamed, “Really? Again?” vibes. She later explained her relief about their differences,
We’re totally different people. We look very different, too. No one’s judging me solely on the fact that I am her cousin.
Fair enough, Katherine being linked to Goop royalty isn’t everyone’s dream!
5Sofia Coppola, Nicolas Cage, and Jason Schwartzman
The Coppola family isn’t just a Hollywood dynasty, it’s basically the Avengers of the entertainment industry. You heard that right! It all started with composer Carmine Coppola, whose kids Francis Ford Coppola and Talia Shire took over the industry in their unique ways. While Francis became the legendary director behindThe GodfatherandApocalypse Now,Talia starred as the iconic Adrian in theRockyseries.
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But fast-forward a few decades, the next generation of Coppola cousins jumped into the family business. Francis’ daughter,Sofia Coppolabecame an acclaimed director while Talia’s son, Jason Schwartzman made a career as the king of quirky indie films. Meanwhile,Nicolas Cage, Francis’ nephew, decided to skip the family name entirely and borrowed “Cage” from his superhero favorite, Luke Cage, and well, became, Nicolas Cage.
But wait, there’s more! Roman Coppola, Francis’ son co-wrote Wes Anderson games likeMoonrise KingdomandThe Darjeeling Limited,and Jason’s younger brother, Robert Schwartzman, is the lead singer of Rooney. Overall, the Coppolas are Hollywood’s ultimate power family with a flair for drama that runs deep in the DNA.
6Brandy and Snoop Dogg
A fun fact that’ll blow your ‘90s nostalgia mind, Brandy andSnoop Doggare cousins. Yep, the two of the biggest icons from the decade share more than just chart-topping talent, they have family ties. And honestly, it feels like this is one of those tidbits that should be way more widely known. Maybe it’s because imagining them at a family cookout is too surreal, or maybe it’s because it adds a whole new layer to their 2009 collaboration, Special.Let’s be real, writing a love song with your cousin would feel a little, awkward.
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Still, talent clearly runs in the family, and now we’re wondering if Thanksgiving at their house includes impromptu performances.
7Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy
Jenny McCarthyisn’t just a TV star, she’s also the ultimate cousin goals. Back in the ‘90s,The Masked Singerjudge and wife ofBlue Bloodsstar Donnie Wahlberg helped her older cousin,Melissa McCarthya major career boost. Evidently, Jenny helped Melissa land her first TV gig as a guest star on her MTV sketch series,The Jenny McCarthy Show.This a great example of a family looking out for family!
Fast-forward to today, both McCarthy’s are powerhouses in Hollywood. While Jenny’s always had Melissa’s back even publicly shutting down haters criticizing her cousin, there’s one thing these two have proven, the talent and loyalty run in McCarthy’s.
8Cory Booker and RuPaul
Another celebrity twist? New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and drag queen iconRuPaulare distant cousins. This is an absolute cooker. They uncovered this jaw-dropping family connection on different episodes ofFinding Your Roots,and in April 2021, they shared the surprising news to a whole new audience when Booker made a cameo onRuPaul’s Drag Race.
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Obviously, the moment was pure gold and Booker thanked RuPaul on stage adding, “Thank God for you, thank God for America, and thank God for my cousin, RuPaul.” Can you imagine the family reunions with these two? Politics and glam, all in one family tree!
9Michael Douglas and Scarlett Johansson
Imagine finding out you’re a distant cousin of none other thanScarlett Johansson. Well, that happened withMichael Douglaswho couldn’t hide his excitement when he found out about this crazy relationship. The legendary actor was absolutely thrilled during an episode ofFinding Your Roots,where he shared with theNew York Post,
Ahh! Are you kidding? That’s amazing. Alright, this is cool. This is so cool. That’s incredible. Well, I look forward to seeing Scarlett next time.
Can you imagine the conversation at their next family gathering? Hollywood royalty, now officially united by blood.
10Phil Collins and Lily Collins
The legendary voice behind In the Air Tonight is the father of none other than our belovedEmily in Parisstar,Lily Collins. In her 2017 book of personal essays, Lily opened up about her relationship with her infamous dad sharing,
I forgive you for not always being there when I needed and for not being the dad I expected. I forgive the mistakes you made. And although it may seem like it’s too late, it’s not. There’s still so much time to move forward. (Daily Mail)
Lily’s heartfelt words showed that, despite their ups and downs, she’s ready to heal and move forward with her dad.
11Denzel Washington and John David Washington
John David Washingtonmight beDenzel Washington’stwin, but the resemblance doesn’t stop there, they’re also both award-winning actors. In 2018, when John David received a Golden Globe nomination for his role inBlackkKlansman,his dad was right by his side, feeling the proud moment.
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John David even recalled the moment toPeopleadding,
I was watching it with my old man. When they called the name it was like super slow motion. I heard the ‘Johhh’ and then he grabbed me and we hugged for what felt like ten minutes. We just held on to each other.
Talk about a powerful family moment. It’s clear the Washingtons share more than just looks, they’ve got a bond that’s as strong as their acting chops.
12Bruce Dern and Laura Dern
Laura Dernbelongs to a Hollywood dynasty, as both her parents, Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, were A-list actors in their own right. In fact, they even played the role of her parents on screen in films likeEnlightenedandRambling Rose.Moreover, when Laura was nominated for Best Supporting Actress forWildin 2015, her dad was her date to the Oscars. Between the three of them, the Dern family has racked up a total of seven Oscar nominations, serious goals right there!
In an interview with The Telegraph, Laura shared how she and her dad share more than just genes. She said,
We have the same sense of humor and the same level of irreverence. And we are similar as actors. My dad was always interested in characters he didn’t understand–he was such a great bad guy in movies.
Clearly, it’s no surprise that acting runs deep in this family.
13Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus
At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards,Miley Cyruspaid a heartfelt tribute toDolly Parton, but their bond goes way beyond just sharing a love for the classic song Jolene. Turns out, Parton is actually Miley’s godmother! The two country legends’ connection goes way back, thanks to Parton’s lifelong friendship with Miley’s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.
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Dolly has been a guiding force in Miley’s life, both personally and professionally, and their sweet relationship is one of the ultimate godmother-goddaughter duos in country music.
14Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts
Popularly known for her role inAmerican Horror Story,Emma Robertsis surprisingly the niece of none other thanPretty Womanstar,Julia Roberts. Well, turns out, that Emma’s dad, Eric Roberts, is Julia’s brother, so clearly it makes them family through and through. And if you ever doubted how fun their family gatherings must be, just take a peek at Julia’s Instagram.
TheHomecomingactress once shared a playful snap from a game night, where her niece Emma beat her in a heated round of Mahjong. Talk about family rivalry! It’s clear these two share more than just genes, they’ve got plenty of laughs too.
15Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire
Who says in-laws can’t get along? The infamous talk show hostKelly Clarksonand country legend Reba McEntire have proven that family can be both fun and fabulous. It turns out, that Kelly married Reba’s stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in 2013, and since then, the two have become close.
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In fact, they even teamed up in April 2018 at the Academy of Country Music Awards to perform McEntire’s iconic hit, Does He Love You? Talk about a powerhouse performance. It’s clear these two not only share a family bond but a musical one too. Reba and Kelly are living proof that in-laws can be a winning duo.
16Kate Middleton and Dakota and Elle Fanning
Not onlyDakotaand Elle Fanning are actresses, but surprisingly, they also have a connection to royalty. In an interview with People, a family historian from Ancestry.com confirmed that the Fanning sisters are descendants of King Edward III, who reigned over England from 1327 to 1377. Though the connection feels too distant, but still, it’s still noteworthy.
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In fact,Kate Middleton’smother, Carole Middleton, also traces her lineage back to Edward III, making the Fannings and the Duchess of Cambridge distant relatives. In this political context, Elle Fanning stands as Kate’s 21st cousin. While this connection may not influence politics directly, it certainly adds an interesting layer to the Fanning sisters’ public personas. After all, in the world of power and influence, every royal tie matters, even if it’s 21 generations removed.
17Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci
Another twisting celebrity relationship is betweenStanley TucciandEmily Blunt. Interestingly, Tucci is married to Blunt’s older sister, Felicity Blunt, who is a literary agent. This means that theA Quiet Placestar is also an aunt to Tucci’s two children. And the twist, Emily and Stanley despite being family starred together in the 2006 comedyThe Devil Wears Prada.It sounds pretty hilarious to think that years before they were family, they were sharing scenes on-screen.
18Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Across the Hollywood pond, royal marriages have sometimes been a bit closer than expected and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s union is no exception. In fact, the Queen and the third Duke of Edinburg are third cousins, and their shared ancestry can be traced back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were their great-great-grandparents. That’s some deep connection right there!
Well, this relation highlights a longstanding tradition among European royals, where familial ties often run deeper than one might think.
19Blake Lively and Robyn Lively
XOXO, gossip girl alert!Gossip GirlstarBlake LivelyandTeen Witchactress Robyn Lively are actually half-sisters. Well, Blake and Robyn share the same mom, Elaine Lively, and the fun twist? In 2012, Robyn recreated her famousTeen Witchdance at Blake’s wedding to Ryan Reynolds.
Not only this, Robyn once shared the details on thePop My Culture podcastadding,
I got a blue dress, a blue tutu, and the music comes on.
She even took the iconic necklace from herTeen Witchcharacter, tossed it to Blake, and brought a little bit of her own movie magic to the wedding. What a sweet sisterly moment.
20Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson
The beauty and the talent in one family!Fifty Shades of GreystarDakota Johnsonis part of a Hollywood dynasty that spans three generations. Interestingly, her mother, Melanie Griffith, and grandmother, Tippi Hedren, are both legendary actresses who made their own mark on the big screen. But that’s not all, Dakota’s dad is none other than actor Don Johnson, adding even more star power to the family tree.
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The mother-daughter duo has always shared a love for fringe bangs and have been each other’s biggest cheerleaders. From theWorking Girldays toFifty Shades, it’s clear that talent runs in the family, along with some seriously stylish hair.
21Lenny Kravitz and Al Roker
Now here’s a family connection that’ll make you do a double-take. RockerLenny Kravitzis actually the second cousin ofTODAYShow anchor Al Roker. How, you ask? Well, Lenny’s mom, Roxie Roker, who famously played Helen onThe Jeffersons, is Al’s cousin. And just in case you didn’t know, Lenny Kravitz is also the proud dad ofBig Little Liesstar Zoë Kravitz. So, between the weather forecasts and rock ‘n’ roll hits, this family has it all, from the small screen to the big stage.
22Beyonce and Solange
Beyonceand Solange are sister goals, literally! Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles are not just family, they’re global superstars in their own way. In 2016, the duo made history when both their albums hit number one on the Billboard charts, Solange with her masterpieceA Seat at the Table, and Beyoncé with the iconicLemonade.
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But the magic didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, the sisters reunited for an epic performance of Get Me Bodied during Beyoncé’s headlining set at Coachella, showing us all that sibling power is truly unbeatable. From chart-topping music to unforgettable performances, these sisters keep proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.
23Amy Schumer and Chuck Schumer
It’s uncommon to find a Hollywood comedian and a New York senator in the same family tree, but in the case ofAmy Schumerand Chuck Schumer, it’s true. While celebrities often share the same last name and aren’t actually related, Amy and Chuck are the real deal. Turns out, Chuck is actually Amy’s father’s first cousin, making the two of them second cousins. Who knew politics and comedy could run so deep in one family?
24Kiefer Sutherland and Sarah Sutherland
Best known for her role inVeep,Sarah Sutherland comes from a legendary acting lineage. Her father,Kiefer Sutherland, is of course a star in his own right while her grandfather, Donald Sutherland, is a film icon. Despite sharing a rich Hollywood heritage, Sarah once toldHarper’s Bazaarthat she and her dad “don’t talk about work very much.”
25Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt
Did you know the king of comedy,Jason Sudeikis, has a famous uncle inCheersstar George Wendt? That’s right! Sudeikis is actually Wendt’s nephew. In an interview withPlayboy, Sudeikis admitted that while Wendt was always supportive, they didn’t exactly have heart-to-heart talks about comedy timing or acting techniques. He shared,
He’s always been very encouraging, but there was no Tuesdays With Morrie kind of relationship between him and I. He didn’t take me to the park to explain comic timing. There was nothing like that. He was just a good example that being an actor was a viable option.
Sometimes, the best lessons come from simply seeing someone you admire making it in the industry. Looks like Sudeikis took that inspiration to heart, and the rest is history.
26Rob Schneider and Elle King
Elle King and her dad, Rob Schneider, are practically twins, surprising right? But the journey to their close bond wasn’t always smooth. Born as Tanner Elle Schneider, Elle opened up withPeopleabout her childhood sharing that her dad’s workaholic tendencies created a rift between them. She shared,
Now, the relationship I have with my father is what I always wanted.
Despite that, Elle shared that they’ve now mended their relationship, and it’s exactly what she’d always hoped for. Sometimes, it takes a little time to bridge the gap, but it looks like the father-daughter duo has come out stronger on the other side.
27Alfie Allen and Lily Allen
Talk about a sibling dynamic,Alfie Allen, theGame of Thronesstar known for his role as Theon Greyjoy, has a famous sister, none other than English singer-songwriter Lily Allen.
In 2007, Lily dropped the track Alfie, a song all about her brother, which, unsurprisingly, sparked a fair share of family drama. In aMarie Claire interview, she admitted that the song became the “subject of many family arguments.” Guess when you have a famous sibling, it’s hard to keep things private, but it sure makes for some juicy tunes.
28Jonah Hill and Beanie Feldstein
If their shared facial features didn’t reel you in,Jonah Hilland Beanie Feldstein are indeed siblings. TheSuperbadstar is the proud big brother ofBooksmartactress Beanie, and their bond is pretty solid. In fact, to celebrate Beanie’s Broadway debut inHello, Dolly!Jonah got a tattoo of her name. You heard it right! Nothing says “I love you” like a permanent ink on your body. The duo clearly has each other’s backs, both in their careers and in their hearts, how sweet is that?
29Barbra Streisand and Josh Brolin
The legendary singer and actress, Barbra Streisand is actually Josh Brolin’s stepmother. Well, it turns out, she’s been married to his father, James Brolin since 1998. Now, with Josh expecting his first daughter with wife Kathryn Boyd, it looks like Streisand is ready to take on the role of grandmother. Talking withPeople, Barbra shared that she’s super excited about the new addition to the family.
She is really into it and I love that she is into it.
Looks like this Hollywood family is all about supporting each other, no matter the generation.
30Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson are pretty much the definition of family goals. And the bond between this mother-daughter pair just got even stronger with the arrival of Kate’s daughter, Rani, in October 2018. The trio recently graced the cover ofPeople, showing off their fun-loving, laid-back family vibe. It’s clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, Kate’s got her mom’s energy and warmth, and now Rani gets to enjoy all the love from this iconic Hollywood family.
Samridhi Goel
Content Writer
Articles Published :376
Samridhi breathes HOLLYWOOD. A seasoned professional content writer boasting three years of experience. Her expertise shines in the realm of entertainment, where she skillfully craft narratives that breathe life into movies, music, and pop culture. She has completed her Masters in Commerce but her obsession with Hollywood lead her to curate content for the same.
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