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Some celebrity family connections are well known, but others have faded from public memory over the years. Whether they’re siblings, cousins, or part of a famous Hollywood dynasty, these surprising relationships often catch fans off guard.
In this list, we’ll take a look at 13 celebrities who are related in ways many people have forgotten. From award-winning actors to chart-topping musicians, these unexpected family ties prove that talent often runs in the family.
1. Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts
Most people recognize Emma Roberts from her roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, but many forget she’s actually Julia Roberts’ niece.
Emma grew up watching her aunt become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, which inspired her own acting career.
The family connection gave Emma early exposure to the entertainment world, though she worked hard to build her own reputation.
Julia has been supportive of Emma’s journey, offering advice and guidance along the way.
The two share similar facial features and that famous Roberts smile.
Despite the family tie, Emma has carved out her own unique path in television and film, proving she’s more than just a famous last name.
2. Jason Schwartzman and Nicolas Cage
Here’s a wild one: quirky actor Jason Schwartzman and action star Nicolas Cage are actually cousins!
Their connection comes through the famous Coppola family—Jason’s mom is Talia Shire, who is Francis Ford Coppola’s sister, and Nicolas Cage is Francis’s nephew.
This makes Jason and Nicolas first cousins once removed, though they seem worlds apart in their acting styles.
Jason is known for his offbeat roles in Wes Anderson films, while Nicolas has become famous for intense action movies.
The Coppola family tree is packed with talent, including director Sofia Coppola.
Despite their different career paths, both actors share that creative DNA that runs deep in their legendary family.
3. Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy
Comedy queen Melissa McCarthy and television personality Jenny McCarthy are cousins, though you’d never guess it from their completely different careers.
Melissa rose to fame through Gilmore Girls and Bridesmaids, becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable comedic actresses.
Jenny, on the other hand, started as a Playboy model before transitioning to television hosting and activism.
The two grew up in Illinois and share Irish-Catholic roots.
While Jenny became known for her outspoken personality on talk shows, Melissa focused on creating memorable characters in comedy films.
Their family connection rarely gets mentioned in interviews, making it one of Hollywood’s most overlooked relationships.
Both women have found massive success in entertainment, just through very different doors.
4. Brandy and Snoop Dogg
R&B singer Brandy and rap legend Snoop Dogg are first cousins, which blows many people’s minds when they first hear it.
Both grew up in California and entered the music industry in the 1990s, dominating different genres.
Brandy became famous for her smooth vocals and acting roles, while Snoop revolutionized West Coast hip-hop with his laid-back flow.
Their families remained close throughout their rises to fame.
Snoop has mentioned their relationship in interviews, often with pride about his talented cousin.
The two occasionally collaborate and support each other’s projects.
Despite moving in different musical circles, they’ve maintained their family bond while building separate legendary careers that have lasted decades.
5. Jonah Hill and Beanie Feldstein
Superbad star Jonah Hill has a younger sister who’s also making waves in Hollywood—Beanie Feldstein!
Beanie broke out with her hilarious performance in Lady Bird and then starred in Booksmart, proving comedy runs in the family.
The siblings grew up in Los Angeles, where they both developed their love for acting and entertainment.
Jonah changed his last name early in his career, which is why many people don’t realize they’re related.
Beanie kept the family name Feldstein and has embraced her brother’s support throughout her career.
They’re both known for bringing authenticity and humor to their roles.
Watching them both succeed in comedy has been a treat for fans who finally discovered the connection between these two talented performers.
6. Jesse Eisenberg and Hallie Eisenberg
Remember the adorable Pepsi girl from those 1990s commercials?
That was Hallie Eisenberg, and she’s actually Jesse Eisenberg’s younger sister!
Hallie was a child star who appeared in numerous commercials and films before stepping away from acting.
Jesse, meanwhile, went on to become an Academy Award-nominated actor known for The Social Network and Zombieland.
The siblings grew up in New Jersey in a creative household.
While Hallie chose to pursue education and a more private life, Jesse continued climbing Hollywood’s ladder.
Their paths diverged significantly, with Jesse becoming one of his generation’s most recognizable actors.
Few people connect the famous Pepsi kid with the star of major blockbusters, making this one of Hollywood’s most forgotten sibling relationships.
7. Lenny Kravitz and Al Roker
Rock star Lenny Kravitz and beloved weatherman Al Roker are second cousins, which might be the most random celebrity connection ever!
Their family relationship came to light when Al mentioned it during a Today Show segment, surprising viewers everywhere.
Lenny’s mom, actress Roxie Roker from The Jeffersons, was related to Al’s family through their Bahamian roots.
The two have very different public personas—Lenny with his cool rock and roll image, and Al with his friendly, approachable television presence.
Despite their different careers, they’ve acknowledged their family connection with warmth and humor.
Al has joked about having such a stylish cousin in interviews.
This unexpected relationship reminds us that family trees can connect the most unlikely celebrities in surprising ways.
8. Alfre Woodard and Bokeem Woodbine
Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard and character actor Bokeem Woodbine are cousins, though this connection rarely gets mentioned in Hollywood circles.
Alfre has built an incredible career spanning decades, earning Emmy Awards and Oscar nominations for her powerful performances.
Bokeem has carved out his own niche playing memorable supporting roles in films like Fargo and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Both actors are known for bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.
They come from a family that values education and artistic expression.
While Alfre became a household name through prestigious projects, Bokeem has been that actor you recognize but might not know by name.
Their family connection highlights how talent can run deep in a family while manifesting in different career trajectories and levels of mainstream recognition.
9. Tom Cruise and William Mapother
Mega-star Tom Cruise has a cousin who’s also an actor, and you’ve probably seen him without realizing the connection!
William Mapother has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, most notably as Ethan Rom on Lost.
The cousins grew up in Kentucky and both caught the acting bug, though their careers took dramatically different paths.
Tom became one of the world’s biggest movie stars, while William built a steady career as a character actor.
William has spoken about how he deliberately avoided using his famous cousin’s name to get roles, wanting to succeed on his own merits.
They share similar facial features if you look closely.
This family tie is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets, proving that even megastars have talented relatives working quietly in the industry.
10. Gabrielle Union and Saweetie
Actress Gabrielle Union is actually rapper Saweetie’s aunt by marriage, creating a cool connection between Hollywood and the music industry.
Gabrielle married NBA star Dwyane Wade, whose cousin is Saweetie’s father, making Gabrielle Saweetie’s aunt through family ties.
This relationship surprised many fans when it became public knowledge on social media.
Gabrielle has been in the entertainment business for decades, starring in films like Bring It On and Being Mary Jane.
Saweetie burst onto the music scene more recently with hits like Icy Grl and My Type.
The two have shown support for each other on social media and at events.
Their connection represents how modern families blend entertainment dynasties across different industries, creating unexpected relationships that span generations and artistic mediums.
11. Troian Bellisario and Michael Bellisario
Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario is the daughter of legendary television producer Donald P.
Bellisario, creator of shows like NCIS, Magnum P.I., and Quantum Leap.
Growing up on TV sets, Troian had entertainment in her blood from day one.
She even appeared in episodes of her father’s shows as a child before landing her breakthrough role as Spencer Hastings.
Donald built a television empire creating some of the most successful shows in history.
Troian chose acting over producing, though she’s also directed episodes of Pretty Little Liars.
Her half-brother Sean Murray stars in NCIS, keeping the family business alive.
This entertainment dynasty shows how Hollywood families pass down not just genes but also opportunities, connections, and creative instincts that shape entire careers across multiple generations of performers and creators.
12. Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty
Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty are one of Hollywood’s best-known sibling pairs, yet people still forget they come from the same family.
Maybe that’s because they built such different screen identities, with Shirley leaning into warmth and wit while Warren perfected classic leading-man charm.
Their careers ran side by side, but never in a way that made the connection feel obvious.
Both became major stars with influence that stretched across generations.
Shirley earned praise for films like Terms of Endearment, while Warren left his mark with Bonnie and Clyde and Reds.
Their combined success makes that family tree look pretty remarkable.
13. Rob Schneider and Elle King
A lot of people know Elle King for her gritty voice and rebellious style, but fewer realize she’s Rob Schneider’s daughter.
That relationship often catches fans off guard because Elle carved out a music career that feels separate from her father’s comedy background.
Their images are so different that the family connection can be easy to miss.
Even so, both built careers by leaning into strong, unmistakable personalities.
Rob became a familiar face through movies and stand-up, while Elle broke through with songs that mixed country, rock, and blues into something bold.
Once you hear they’re related, the same fearless streak becomes easier to spot.
14. Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones
Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones are another celebrity family pairing people tend to forget, even though the connection is right there in the last name.
Rashida built her own path as an actress and writer, which helped her step out from her father’s enormous music legacy.
Since they work in different corners of entertainment, the relationship does not always come to mind right away.
Quincy shaped modern music as a producer and composer, while Rashida won fans through Parks and Recreation, The Office, and smart creative work behind the camera.
Once you remember they’re related, that shared talent across generations feels impossible to miss.