15 Hollywood Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Related: Surprising Family Ties Revealed!

Have you ever wondered if some of your favorite Hollywood stars are related to each other? Well, you might be surprised to find out that some of them share more than just the spotlight. Here are 15 celebrities who have surprising family ties that you probably didn’t know about.

1. Tom Cruise and William Mapother

Tom Cruise is one of the most famous actors in the world, known for his roles in movies like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. But did you know that he has a cousin who is also an actor? William Mapother, who has appeared in shows like Lost, The Mentalist, and Another Earth, is Tom’s first cousin. They share the same grandfather, Thomas Cruise Mapother II.

2. Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts

Julia Roberts is an Oscar-winning actress who has starred in classics like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Notting Hill. Emma Roberts is a young actress who has made a name for herself in shows like American Horror Story, Scream Queens, and The Unfabulous. They are aunt and niece, as Emma is the daughter of Julia’s brother, Eric Roberts.

3. Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman

Nicolas Cage is a versatile actor who has played a variety of roles in movies like Leaving Las Vegas, Face/Off, and National Treasure. Jason Schwartzman is a quirky actor who has collaborated with director Wes Anderson in films like Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. They are cousins, as Nicolas is the nephew of Jason’s mother, Talia Shire.

4. Snoop Dogg and Brandy

Snoop Dogg is a legendary rapper who has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has won multiple awards for his music. Brandy is a singer and actress who rose to fame in the 90s with her hit songs and her sitcom Moesha. They are first cousins, as Snoop’s mother and Brandy’s father are siblings.

5. Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz

Al Roker is a weatherman and co-host of the Today show on NBC. Lenny Kravitz is a rock star who has won four Grammy awards for his music. They are distant cousins, as Al’s maternal grandfather and Lenny’s maternal grandmother were cousins.

6. Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is a hilarious actress who has starred in comedies like Bridesmaids, The Heat, and Spy. Jenny McCarthy is a former Playboy model who has also appeared in movies and TV shows like Scary Movie 3, Two and a Half Men, and The Masked Singer. They are first cousins, as their fathers are brothers.

7. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are best friends who have worked together in movies like Good Will Hunting, The Bourne Identity, and Dogma. They are also distant cousins, as they share a common ancestor who lived in 17th century Massachusetts.

8. Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning

Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning are sisters who have both been acting since they were young. Dakota is known for her roles in movies like I Am Sam, War of the Worlds, and The Twilight Saga. Elle is known for her roles in movies like Super 8, Maleficent, and The Neon Demon.

9. Meryl Streep and Brooke Shields

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, with three Oscars and 21 nominations to her name. She has starred in movies like The Devil Wears Prada, Sophie’s Choice, and Mamma Mia!. Brooke Shields is an actress and model who became famous as a child star in movies like The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love. They are second cousins once removed, as Meryl’s great-great-grandfather was Brooke’s great-grandfather.

10. Halle Berry and Sarah Palin

Halle Berry is an Oscar-winning actress who has played iconic roles like Storm in the X-Men franchise, Catwoman, and Bond girl Jinx. Sarah Palin is a former governor of Alaska and vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party in 2008. They are distant relatives, as they share a common ancestor who was an English settler in colonial America.

11. Madonna and Hillary Clinton

Madonna is a pop icon who has sold over 300 million records worldwide and has influenced generations of artists with her music and style. Hillary Clinton is a former first lady, senator, secretary of state, and presidential candidate for the Democratic Party in 2016. They are tenth cousins, as they descend from the same French-Canadian couple who settled in Quebec in the 17th century.

12. Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal are brother and sister who have both been nominated for Oscars for their acting. Jake is known for his roles in movies like Brokeback Mountain, Nightcrawler, and Donnie Darko. Maggie is known for her roles in movies like Secretary, The Dark Knight, and Crazy Heart.

13. Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore

Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential directors of all time, who has created classics like Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. Drew Barrymore is an actress and producer who has starred in movies like The Wedding Singer, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates. They are godfather and goddaughter, as Steven became Drew’s godfather after directing her in E.T. when she was six years old.

14. Beyoncé and Bianca Lawson

Beyoncé is a global superstar who has won 28 Grammy awards for her music as a solo artist and as part of Destiny’s Child. She has also acted in movies like Dreamgirls, The Lion King, and Black Is King. Bianca Lawson is an actress who has appeared in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Pretty Little Liars, and Queen Sugar. They are stepsisters, as Beyoncé’s father and Bianca’s mother married in 2015.

15. Prince Charles and Ralph Fiennes

Prince Charles is the heir apparent to the British throne and the father of Princes William and Harry. Ralph Fiennes is an acclaimed actor who has played roles like Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, M in the James Bond franchise, and Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List. They are eighth cousins, as they share a common ancestor who was King James II of England.

Summary

• Some Hollywood celebrities have surprising family ties that you might not know about.
• Some of them are cousins, such as Tom Cruise and William Mapother, Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman, Snoop Dogg and Brandy, Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Meryl Streep and Brooke Shields, Madonna and Hillary Clinton, Beyoncé and Bianca Lawson, and Prince Charles and Ralph Fiennes.
• Some of them are aunt and niece, such as Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts.
• Some of them are distant relatives, such as Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz, Halle Berry and Sarah Palin.
• Some of them are siblings, such as Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
• Some of them are godfather and goddaughter, such as Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore.