Hollywood might seem like a big place, but many stars are connected in ways that go far beyond red carpets and film sets. From cousins to in-laws, here are 29 celebrities who are actually related, some in ways that may completely surprise you.
1. Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz
The famous weatherman and the rock icon are distant relatives. Their grandfathers were cousins, making this an unexpected but real family tie.
2. Nicolas Cage and Sofia Coppola
Sofia is the daughter of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, and Nicolas Cage is her cousin. He changed his last name to distance himself from the family name early in his career.
3. Snoop Dogg and Brandy
Rapper Snoop Dogg and singer Brandy are first cousins. They’ve both spoken proudly about their family connection.
4. Tom Hanks and Fred Rogers
The talented actor is actually a sixth cousin of the beloved Mister Rogers. The connection made headlines when Hanks played Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
5. Halle Berry and Sarah Palin
In a bizarre twist, actress Halle Berry and former politician Sarah Palin are distant relatives. Berry once joked about finding out they shared “some twisted gene pool.”
6. Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy
These two comedic stars are first cousins. They’ve both made major names for themselves in Hollywood, albeit in different genres.
7. Glenn Close and Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields is Glenn Close’s second cousin once removed. Their grandmothers were sisters, linking two powerful women in showbiz.
8. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci is married to Blunt’s sister, Felicity. That makes Tucci Blunt’s brother-in-law, and the two actors are known to be very close.
9. Maya Rudolph and Minnie Riperton
Maya Rudolph is the daughter of soul singer Minnie Riperton. Her hit “Lovin’ You” was written for Maya when she was a child.
10. Kate Middleton and Dakota and Elle Fanning
Believe it or not, the Duchess of Cambridge is distantly related to the Fanning sisters. They all share ancestry that traces back to King Edward III.
11. Lily Allen and Alfie Allen
Singer Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen are siblings. Lily even wrote the hit song “Alfie” about her brother.
12. Quincy Jones and Rashida Jones
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones is the father of actress Rashida Jones. Rashida has spoken about how her dad’s influence shaped her life and career.
13. Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts
Emma is the niece of Julia Roberts. The young actress followed in her aunt’s footsteps to become a successful star.
14. Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt
Jason Sudeikis is the nephew of George Wendt, best known as Norm on Cheers. Comedy clearly runs in the family.
15. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine
These two acting legends are brother and sister. Despite their different last names, they both rose to fame on their own terms.
16. Mariska Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield
Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of 1950s bombshell Jayne Mansfield. She inherited her mother’s beauty and talent, making a name for herself on Law & Order: SVU.
17. Melissa Gorga and Ralph Macchio
Real Housewives star Melissa Gorga is cousins with Karate Kid actor Ralph Macchio. This unlikely family link often surprises fans.
18. Beyonce and Bianca Lawson
Bianca Lawson is Beyoncé’s stepsister. Her father, Richard Lawson, married Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, making them family.
19. Jonah Hill and Beanie Feldstein
These two talented actors are siblings. Both have made a big mark in comedy and drama alike.
20. Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher, famous for playing Princess Leia, was the daughter of legendary actress Debbie Reynolds. Their relationship was famously complicated but full of love.
21. Phil Collins and Lily Collins
Actress Lily Collins is the daughter of musician Phil Collins. She’s carved out her own path in Hollywood while acknowledging her famous roots.
22. Gwyneth Paltrow and Katherine Moennig
Gwyneth Paltrow and The L Word actress Katherine Moennig are cousins. Their mothers are sisters.
23. Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
News anchor Anderson Cooper is the son of fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt. His lineage ties him to one of America’s most storied families.
24. Steven Spielberg and Jessica Capshaw
Jessica Capshaw, known for her role on Grey’s Anatomy, is Spielberg’s stepdaughter. Her mother, Kate Capshaw, is married to the iconic director.
25. Barbra Streisand and Josh Brolin
The legendary singer is Josh Brolin’s stepmother. She married Brolin’s father, actor James Brolin, in 1998.
26. Denzel Washington and John David Washington
John David Washington is Denzel Washington’s son. He transitioned from football to acting and has quickly made a name for himself.
27. Dakota Johnson and Melanie Griffith
Dakota is the daughter of actress Melanie Griffith and actor Don Johnson. Her grandmother is Tippi Hedren, making acting a three-generation legacy.
28. Gracie Abrams and J.J. Abrams
The singer is the daughter of acclaimed filmmaker J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath.
29. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
Affleck and Damon are 10th cousins, once removed. Their longstanding friendship has roots deeper than most realized.
