Celebs You Didn’t Know Are Related – #4 Is Practically Royalty

The entertainment industry is replete with familial ties that often escape public notice. While some connections are well-documented, others remain obscured by time or circumstance. Delving into these lesser-known relationships not only satiates curiosity but also offers insight into the intertwined nature of Hollywood’s elite. Here are some surprising celebrity family connections:​

1. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Samuel L. Jackson

In a revelation that astonished both parties, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph discovered she is related to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson. This discovery was made during an episode of “Finding Your Roots,” where it was unveiled that they share a common ancestor through a significant stretch of DNA on their 16th chromosomes. Ralph expressed her amazement, noting that Jackson always reminded her of her brother. ​

2. Stephen Amell and Robbie Amell

Actors Stephen and Robbie Amell are first cousins, a fact that adds depth to their on-screen collaborations. Growing up together in Toronto, they shared a close bond, which translated into their professional lives. They first appeared together in a 2014 crossover episode of “The Flash” and “Arrow,” and later co-produced and starred in the Netflix films “Code 8” and its sequel. Their familial connection enhances the chemistry evident in their joint projects. ​

3. Eva Longoria and Meryl Streep

Actress Eva Longoria was taken aback to learn that she is related to Hollywood icon Meryl Streep. This connection was unveiled through the television show “Finding Your Roots.” Longoria shared that upon discovering their familial tie, Streep warmly greeted her as “cousin” at the Golden Globes, highlighting the unexpected nature of their relationship. ​

4. Taylor Swift and King Louis XIV

Pop sensation Taylor Swift’s lineage has been traced back to royalty. Research by MyHeritage revealed that Swift is the 11th cousin of King Louis XIV of France, sharing a common ancestor from the late Middle Ages. This connection underscores the diverse and sometimes surprising backgrounds of contemporary celebrities. ​

5. Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus

Beyond their well-known godmother-goddaughter relationship, Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are actually blood relatives. Ancestry.com uncovered that they are seventh cousins once removed, with a common ancestor named John Brickey, born in Virginia in 1740. This familial tie adds another layer to their already close personal and professional bond.

6. Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy

Comedic actresses Jenny and Melissa McCarthy share more than just a surname; they are cousins. Jenny played a pivotal role in Melissa’s early career by helping her land her first TV role on “The Jenny McCarthy Show.” Their familial bond has been a cornerstone in both their personal and professional lives. ​

7. Tom Cruise and William Mapother

Actor Tom Cruise, born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, and character actor William Mapother are first cousins. Their shared lineage is evident not only in their surnames but also in their collaborative work, having appeared together in films such as “Magnolia” and “Mission: Impossible II.”

8. Brandy, Ray J, and Snoop Dogg

R&B artists Brandy and Ray J are siblings who share a first cousin relationship with rapper Snoop Dogg. This familial connection among prominent musicians highlights the close-knit nature of certain circles within the entertainment industry. ​

9. Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler

Actors Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler discovered they are 10th cousins once removed. This revelation came as a surprise to both, especially considering their longstanding friendship and professional collaborations.

10. RuPaul and Cory Booker

In an intersection of entertainment and politics, renowned drag performer RuPaul and U.S. Senator Cory Booker are cousins. This unexpected familial link bridges the worlds of pop culture and public service. ​

These revelations serve as a testament to the intricate web of relationships that exist within the celebrity realm. Such connections, often hidden beneath the surface, offer a fascinating glimpse into the personal histories of public figures, reminding us of the shared humanity that binds us all.