Celebrities often feel like they exist in a world far removed from our own, but many of them are linked to one another through family connections. Some ties are well-known, while others are hidden in fascinating histories. These family connections not only highlight Hollywood’s tight-knit nature but also bring an additional layer of history and legacy to these celebrities’ stories. From direct mentoring to distant historical ties, these relationships remind us of the human connections behind the fame.
Here’s a look at 20 pairs of celebrities who are related and the backstory of their connections.
Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight
Relation: Father and Daughter
Jon Voight, an Academy Award-winning actor (Coming Home), is Angelina Jolie’s father. While Jon was already a Hollywood staple, Angelina grew up to eclipse his fame with her acting and humanitarian work. Their relationship has been tumultuous; Jolie has publicly spoken about their estrangement, though they’ve reconciled sporadically over the years.
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Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts
Relation: Niece and Aunt
Emma Roberts, best known for American Horror Story and Scream Queens, is the niece of Julia Roberts, a Hollywood icon. Emma’s father, Eric Roberts, is Julia’s brother. While Eric and Julia had a strained relationship, Julia has often supported Emma’s career, creating a family bond through Hollywood success.
Jon Kopaloff
Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine
Relation: Brother and Sister
Warren Beatty, an Oscar-winning actor and director (Reds), is Shirley MacLaine’s younger brother. Despite differing career paths—Beatty in filmmaking and MacLaine in eclectic roles and spiritual exploration—they’ve always had a close bond, often appearing together at events.
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Beyoncé and Bianca Lawson
Relation: Stepsisters
Beyoncé and Bianca Lawson (Queen Sugar) became stepsisters when Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, married actor Richard Lawson. Despite their separate careers, the two maintain a warm relationship, occasionally posting family photos together.
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Kate Middleton and Elle Fanning
Relation: Distant Cousins (19th Cousins)
Elle Fanning’s connection to the British royal family stems from King Edward III, an ancestor shared with Kate Middleton. While they don’t interact personally, their historical lineage showcases how small the world of fame and royalty can be.
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Tom Hanks and Abraham Lincoln
Relation: Distant Cousins (3rd Cousins, 4x Removed)
Through Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks, Tom Hanks shares a familial bond with the 16th U.S. President. This connection gives Hanks, known for his portrayals of American icons, a fascinating link to history.
Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy
Relation: Cousins
Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) and Jenny McCarthy (The View) grew up in Illinois, forging a close family bond. Jenny initially rose to fame as a TV personality, while Melissa transitioned from stand-up comedy to Hollywood stardom.
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Snoop Dogg and Brandy (and Ray J)
Relation: First Cousins
Snoop Dogg’s connection to singers Brandy and Ray J lies in their shared grandparents. Brandy, known for her smooth R&B voice, and Ray J, a singer and entrepreneur, often credit their family’s strong support system for their successes.
Dakota Johnson and Melanie Griffith (and Tippi Hedren)
Relation: Daughter and Granddaughter
Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) is a third-generation star. Her grandmother, Tippi Hedren, gained fame in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, and her mother, Melanie Griffith, starred in iconic films like Working Girl. Johnson often speaks about growing up in a household steeped in Hollywood legacy.
Coliena Rentmeester
Nicolas Cage and Francis Ford Coppola
Relation: Nephew and Uncle
Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather, is the uncle of Nicolas Cage. Cage, born Nicolas Coppola, adopted a stage name to carve his path in acting without leaning on his family’s legacy, though he later worked with his uncle on Peggy Sue Got Married.
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Gwyneth Paltrow and Blythe Danner
Relation: Mother and Daughter
Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) is the daughter of Blythe Danner, an acclaimed actress known for Meet the Parents. Their mutual love for acting and holistic living often comes across in interviews.
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Chris Pine and Anne Gwynne
Relation: Grandson and Grandmother
Chris Pine, known for Star Trek and Wonder Woman, is the grandson of Anne Gwynne, a prominent 1940s actress. Gwynne was one of the first scream queens, establishing a legacy Pine proudly carries forward.
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Liev Schreiber and Pablo Schreiber
Relation: Half-Brothers
Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) and Pablo Schreiber (The Wire, Orange Is the New Black) share a father but grew up in different households. Despite the distance, they’ve both found success in Hollywood, specializing in intense, gritty roles.
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Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz
Relation: Distant Cousins
Al Roker, a TV host, is related to musician Lenny Kravitz through Kravitz’s mother, Roxie Roker, an actress known for The Jeffersons. Their shared Bahamian roots highlight their rich family history.
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Blake Lively and Robin Lively
Relation: Sisters
Blake (Gossip Girl) and Robin Lively (Teen Witch) are siblings who grew up in a Hollywood family. Their mother, Elaine Lively, worked as a talent manager, shaping both their careers from a young age.
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Ralph Fiennes and Prince Charles
Relation: Distant Cousins (8th Cousins)
Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter) is distantly related to King Charles III through royal lineage, tracing back to King James II of Scotland. This connection intertwines royalty and Hollywood in an unexpected way.
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Mariska Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield
Relation: Mother and Daughter
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU) is the daughter of 1950s sex symbol Jayne Mansfield. After losing her mother in a tragic car accident, Mariska found her own path to fame, paying tribute to her late mother through her work.
Taylor Hill/Getty Images; Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Lily Allen and Alfie Allen
Relation: Siblings
Singer Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones) share a close sibling bond, often referencing each other’s successes. Alfie was the inspiration for Lily’s song “Alfie,” a humorous take on his younger self.
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Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher
Relation: Mother and Daughter
Debbie Reynolds (Singin’ in the Rain) and Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) shared a complex but deeply loving relationship. Their simultaneous deaths in 2016 symbolized their inseparable bond.
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Maya Rudolph and Minnie Riperton
Relation: Mother and Daughter
Maya Rudolph, a comedic powerhouse, is the daughter of Minnie Riperton, the singer of the classic hit “Lovin’ You.” Maya often credits her mother’s creativity as the foundation of her own artistic journey.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Harry Langdon/Getty Images
