40 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Related to Old Hollywood Icons
40 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Related to Old Hollywood Icons
In showbiz, it's all about who you know — and these lucky celebs' connections are all in the family. While these stars achieved fame thanks to their undeniable talents, they are also part an elite club of glamorous, Old Hollywood descendants. Elvis Presley's granddaughter in Mad Max: Fury? Minnie Riperton's daughter on SNL? Who knew! Read on for more surprising celebrity pairs you probably didn't know were related.
Tippi Hedren and Dakota Johnson
Fifty shades of talent! You may know Dakota Johnson from her famous parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. What you may not know is that the Fifty Shades of Grey star is actually a third-generation Hollywood star. Her grandmother, Tippi Hedren, was one of Alfred Hitchcock's favorite actresses, starring in The Birds and Marnie.
Peggy Lipton and Rashida Jones
Model good looks run in this family. Peggy Lipton was known as a member of The Mod Squad in the late '60s and '70s — and before that, she was queen of the catwalk. The actress and model had two daughters during her 16-year marriage to composer Quincy Jones. The youngest, Rashida Jones, is an actress and producer known for her work on Parks and Recreation, The Office, and On the Rocks.
Elvis Presley and Riley Keough
Is this the most badass bunch in Hollywood? Despite not using her famous family name, actress Riley Keough bares a striking resemblance to her late grandfather, Elvis Presley. The Mad Max: Fury star is the eldest grandchild of the King of Rock 'n Roll, born after her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, married rocker Danny Keough in 1988.
Zsa Zsa Gabor and Paris Hilton
We certainly see a family resemblance between Zsa Zsa Gabor and Paris Hilton — even though they are just related through marriage. The Hungarian-born Old Hollywood star married Hilton Hotel founder — and Paris Hilton's great-grandfather — Conrad Hilton Sr., in 1942. In 1947, the couple welcomed daughter Francesca Hilton, who would become the great-aunt of Paris Hilton. And that's pretty hot.
Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli
Like mother, like daughter. Liza Minnelli seemed to inherit Judy Garland's talent for singing and acting. Liza, Judy's eldest child from her first marriage to director Vincent Minnelli, is known for her Broadway numbers and Academy Award-winning performance in Cabaret.
Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross
It's "Endless Love" in this family. Diana Ross began her career in the most famous female singing group of the '50s, The Supremes. She later went on to pursue a solo career, and starred in films like Mahogany. In 1972, Ross welcomed her eldest daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, from her marriage to Robert Ellis Silberstein. Tracee has built a successful acting career, known for roles in Black-ish and High Note.
Julio Iglesias and Enrique Iglesias
Muy caliente! Not only are Julio Iglesias and his son, Enrique, near doubles for one another, they both have successful music careers. Julio was one of the most famous Latin American singers during the '60s and '70s, while Enrique is known as the King of Latin Pop.
Anne Gwynne and Chris Pine
Little did we know, Hollywood heartthrob Chris Pine is a third-generation actor. The Star Trek star's maternal grandmother was 1940s pinup and one of Hollywood's first "scream queens," Anne Gwynne. His father, Robert Pine, was also a popular actor in the '70s.
Minnie Riperton and Maya Rudolph
This mother-daughter duo knows a thing or two about love and laughter. Minnie Riperton was a famous singer-songwriter known for her songs such as "Lovin' You," and her high pitch known as whistle register. She welcomed daughter, Maya Rudolph, in 1972 with fellow singer-songwriter Richard Rudolph. Fans know the hilarious Maya from her work on Saturday Night Live, Bridesmaids, and countless other comedies.
Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis was quite literally born into the spotlight. The actress is the daughter of one of Old Hollywood's most beloved couples, Psycho star Janet Leigh and '50s heartthrob Tony Curtis.
Clint Eastwood and Scott Eastwood
These are some good genes. Out of Clint Eastwood's eight children, his youngest son Scott Eastwood has followed in his acting footsteps. Keeping in line with his father's Dirty Harry legacy, Scott has appeared in action films like The Outpost, The Fate and the Furious, and Suicide Squad.
Rosemary Clooney and George Clooney
You may think it was purely luck that led to George Clooney's box office fame, but family also played a big role in getting the actor to where he is today. It turns out his aunt was famous 1950s singer and actress Rosemary Clooney.
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding Jr.
The royal family of Hollywood? Elizabeth Taylor welcomed Michael Wilding Jr. with her second husband, Michael Wilding. The couple was married from 1952 until 1957, and had two children together. With a nearly-identical appearance to his famous mother, Wilding Jr. pursued acting and can be seen in projects like The Guiding Light, Dallas, and Deadly Illusion.
Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
We can thank famous jazz musician Nat King Cole for songs like "Unforgettable" and "L-O-V-E." His eldest daughter, singer Natalie Cole, has kept those tracks alive today.
Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas followed in his father's footsteps, winning not one, but two Academy Awards throughout his career. Michael is the eldest son of Spartacus star Kirk Douglas from his marriage to Diana Douglas.
Jayne Mansfield and Mariska Hargitay
The star of Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit, Mariska Hargitay, is no stranger to Old Hollywood. Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, was known as a 1950s pinup and actress, starring in 20th Century Fox productions like The Girl Can't Help It. Tragically, a 3-year-old Mariska was a passenger during the automobile accident that killed her mother in 1967.
Gregory Peck and Ethan Peck
Someone's caught the acting bug! Gregory Peck's grandson, Ethan, has continued the actor's legacy into 2021. The only son of Gregory's son, Stephen, Ethan has appeared on television shows like Star Trek, Gossip Girl, and 10 Things I Hate About You.
Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, and Billie Lourd
The Force is strong in this family. Hollywood's girl next door, Debbie Reynolds, and famous singer Eddie Fisher were married for four years, from 1955 to 1959 — until Eddie infamously left the actress for her friend, Elizabeth Taylor. In 1956, they welcomed their eldest child, daughter Carrie Fisher. Carrie rose to her own level of Hollywood fame by starring as Princess Leia in Star Wars. The late actress gave birth to daughter Billie Lourd in 1992, who quickly found showbiz success as well, starring in Scream Queens and American Horror Story.
Natalie Wood and Natasha Gregson Wagner
Natasha Gregson Wagner is the eldest daughter of Hollywood golden girl, Natalie Wood. Natasha was born during Wood's second marriage to British film producer, Richard Gregson. She was later adopted by Robert Wagner after her mother reunited with him in 1972. Not only is she the spitting image of her late mother, who tragically drowned in 1981, she has earned roles in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lost Highway. Married to Seventh Heaven actor Barry Watson, Natasha also recently produced the documentary, Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind.
John Barrymore and Drew Barrymore
Talk about a star-studded family. As a member of the famous Barrymore clan, Drew Barrymore began acting at 5 years old, making her film debut in the '80s sci-fi film, Altered States. While her parents, paternal grandparents and great-grandparents were all on-screen stars, her grandfather, John Barrymore, was by far the most successful.
Charlie Chaplin and Oona Chaplin
Hollywood can't stay silent about this family. After starting out in silent films, Charlie Chaplin was considered Hollywood's first great star. His name has been carried on by his daughter, Geraldine Chaplin — one of the 11 children he fathered throughout his life — and her daughter, Oona Chaplin, who has appeared on Game of Thrones and James Bond's Quantum of Solace.
Errol Flynn and Sean Flynn
You may recognize Errol Flynn's grandson, Sean Flynn, from Zoey 101. The actor appeared on the popular Nickelodeon show as a teenager. In 2013, Sean starred in the biopic about his famous grandfather, The Last of Robin Hood. Errol was the leading man during the Golden Age of Hollywood — one of his most well-known roles was in the 1938 film, The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Maureen O'Sullivan and Mia Farrow
Maureen O'Sullivan entered the Hollywood jungle after portraying Jane in the Tarzan film series alongside Johnny Weissmuller. She married famous director John Farrow, and welcomed their daughter Mia Farrow in 1945. Mia would go on earn roles in films such as Rosemary's Baby and The Great Gatsby.
Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda
The Fondas are known as one of the most famous family dynasties in Old Hollywood. The family patriarch, Henry Fonda, enjoyed a film career that lasted more than fifty years — while Jane Fonda earned fame in the early '60s and is still acting at 83 years old.
Cary Grant and Jennifer Grant
Cary Grant welcomed his only child with his third wife, Dyan Cannon, in 1966. His daughter, Jennifer Grant, became an actress herself, appearing in television shows Beverly Hills, 90210 and Movie Stars.
Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard
Hollywood director Ron Howard started his career as a child actor on the set of Happy Days. Naturally, his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard followed him into show business. She is known for her work in The Help and the Jurassic World franchise.
Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson
Vanessa Redgrave is not just one of Old Hollywood's biggest stars — she is a legend. The English actress has attained the Triple Crown of Acting (winning an Emmy, Oscar, and Tony), and is a member of the American Theater Hall of Fame. Her daughter, the late Natasha Richardson, was beloved for her roles in films like The Parent Trap and Nell.
Lauren Bacall and Sam Robards
Of Lauren Bacall's three children, her youngest son is the only one who followed her into acting. The child of her second marriage to Jason Robards, you may recognize Sam from A.I. Artificial Intelligence and American Beauty.
Diane Ladd and Laura Dern
Laura Dern's parents were Hollywood stars Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern. After a lengthy career in television and film, Diane earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the 1972 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Almost 50 years later, her daughter took home the same award at the 2020 Academy Awards for her role in Marriage Story.
Ryan O'Neal and Tatum O'Neal
Ryan O'Neal began his career on the popular '60s show, Peyton Place. His daughter, Tatum, was born during his first marriage to Joanna Moore, and began acting at a young age. In 1974, she became the youngest person to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at just 10 years old for her performance in Paper Moon.
Ingrid Bergman and Isabella Rossellini
Ingrid Bergman's affair (and later marriage) to Italian director, Roberto Rossellini, caused a huge Hollywood scandal back in the day. The actress was essentially cast out of the industry for a time, during which she welcomed three children with her second husband. Her daughter, Isabella Rossellini, has since picked up the torch of the Casablanca star. In the '80s and '90s, she built a career as a fashion model and starred in hit films like Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her.
Grace Kelly and Princess Caroline of Monaco
Known for films such as Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, and High Society,Grace Kelly bid farewell to Hollywood when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. Her eldest daughter, Princess Caroline, continued her royal legacy. After two previous marriages, Caroline married Prince Ernst August of Hanover in 1999, and holds the Rose Ball in her mother's honor.
Clark Gable and John Clark Gable
Clark Gable welcomed his only son, John Clark Gable, during his fifth and final marriage to actress, Kay Williams. While we can certainly see the physical resemblance between the father and son, John also has an interest in acting — he's starred in films such as Bad Jim and Sunset at Dawn.
Walter Huston and Anjelica Huston
While Anjelica Huston's father was famous Hollywood director, John Huston, it may be less known that her grandfather was a talented actor just like the Prizzi's Honor star. Walter Huston was one of the greats during the '30s and '40s. In 1949, he won an Academy Award for his role in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, which was directed by his son.
Ruby Dandridge and Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was a huge success in the '40s and '50s, becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the 1955 Academy Awards. While her talent and beauty were certainly what led her to achieve Hollywood fame, her mother started out as a radio star in the '20s, and appeared in movies and television well into the '50s.
Doris Day and Terry Melcher
Doris Day was one of the biggest actresses in the '50s, starring in films like Calamity Jane and Pillow Talk. Her only child, Terry Melcher, was born from her third marriage to film producer Martin Melcher. Terry chose a career outside of film, but still made a name for himself in Hollywood producing albums for the Beach Boys and The Byrds in the '60s.
Edgar Bergen and Candice Bergen
Candice Bergen began her career as a fashion model in the '70s, but soon branched into acting. Candice was no stranger to Hollywood, as her father was famous actor and ventriloquist, Edgar Bergen.
Richard Burton and Kate Burton
Before there was Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, the Scottish actor was married to Sybil Williams and had two children. The eldest, Kate Burton, is an established actress and best known for portraying Scandal's Vice President Sally Langston.
Rita Hayworth and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
Screen siren of the '40s, Rita Hayworth, married third husband Prince Aly Khan in 1949. The couple welcomed a daughter, Princess Yasmin, that same year. While Princess Yasmin didn't go into show business herself, she is well known for her charity work — focusing on fighting Alzheimer's disease, which claimed her mother in 1987.
John Wayne and Patrick Wayne
John Wayne was the king of Western film, with his work as The Duke spanning decades. His son, Patrick Wayne, similarly caught the Western bug. He has appeared in over 40 films — 11 of which he co-starred with his late father.
Old Hollywood's glitz and glamour is still very much alive and strong in the industry, thanks to these surprise celebrity family members and relations.