MomSkoop
Hollywood families often have more connections than you might think. Many famous actors and actresses are related to other celebrities, but these relationships aren’t always obvious. From distant cousins to surprising siblings, the entertainment industry is full of unexpected family ties that might shock you!
1. Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Most people know these two talented actors from their impressive film careers, but many fans don’t realize they’re actually brother and sister. Jake became famous for movies like Donnie Darko and Spider-Man: Far From Home, while Maggie earned critical praise in films like The Dark Knight and Secretary.
Both grew up in a showbiz family with their director father, Stephen, and screenwriter mother Naomi. They even appeared together in the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko, where Maggie played Jake’s older sister—art imitating life! Their parents encouraged creativity from a young age, which clearly paid off.
Today, both continue thriving in Hollywood with their own unique styles and choices.
2. Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy
These two McCarthy women share more than just a last name—they’re actually first cousins! Jenny started her career as a model and MTV host before becoming a television personality and activist. Melissa took a different path, working her way up through comedy clubs and eventually landing her breakout role on Gilmore Girls.
Their family gatherings must be hilarious with so much comedic talent in one room. Melissa went on to star in blockbuster comedies like Bridesmaids and Spy, earning Oscar nominations along the way. Jenny found success hosting shows and speaking about various causes close to her heart.
Despite their different career paths, both women have made significant marks on entertainment.
3. Alfre Woodard and Bokeem Woodbine
Despite sharing an almost identical last name and both being respected actors, Alfre and Bokeem aren’t related at all! This common misconception has followed both throughout their careers. Alfre earned fame through powerful performances in films like 12 Years a Slave and shows like Desperate Housewives, racking up four Emmy Awards.
Bokeem built his reputation with memorable roles in Fargo and Spider-Man: Homecoming. The similarity in their surnames is purely coincidental—just one letter difference causes all the confusion. Fans frequently assume they’re siblings or cousins, but there’s no family connection whatsoever.
Both have expressed amusement over the years about this persistent Hollywood myth that just won’t die.
4. Lily Collins and Phil Collins
When you think of Phil Collins, you probably picture the legendary musician behind hits like “In the Air Tonight.” What you might not know is that his daughter Lily became a major Hollywood star in her own right. She rose to fame starring in films like The Blind Side and the Netflix series Emily in Paris.
Growing up with a famous father wasn’t always easy for Lily, and she’s spoken openly about their complicated relationship. Despite early challenges, she pursued acting with determination and carved out her own identity separate from her dad’s musical legacy.
Their relationship has improved over the years, showing that even famous families face real struggles and reconciliation.
5. Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard
Ron Howard transformed from a child star on The Andy Griffith Show to an acclaimed director of films like A Beautiful Mind. His daughter Bryce, followed him into the entertainment world but focused primarily on acting. She gained recognition starring in blockbusters like Jurassic World and The Help.
Growing up on film sets gave Bryce unique insights into moviemaking from both sides of the camera. Ron deliberately kept his children away from the spotlight during their early years, wanting them to have normal childhoods. This approach seemed to work, as Bryce developed her craft through theater and independent films first.
She’s now exploring directing herself, continuing the family’s legacy behind the camera, too.
6. Dakota Johnson and Don Johnson
Before Dakota became famous as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades franchise, her father Don was a television icon. He starred in the hit 1980s series Miami Vice, making him a household name long before his daughter entered the business. Dakota’s mother is Melanie Griffith, meaning she comes from Hollywood royalty on both sides.
Her grandmother is Tippi Hedren, the legendary actress from Alfred Hitchcock films! With such a strong acting lineage, Dakota seemed destined for the screen. She started with small roles before her breakthrough in the controversial but wildly popular Fifty Shades trilogy.
Today, she’s proven herself beyond that franchise with diverse, critically acclaimed performances.
7. Jason Schwartzman and Nicolas Cage
Here’s a connection that surprises nearly everyone who hears it: quirky actor Jason Schwartzman and intense performer Nicolas Cage are actually first cousins! Their mothers are sisters from the famous Coppola family—yes, that Coppola family, as in director Francis Ford Coppola. Jason is known for his roles in Wes Anderson films like Rushmore and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Nicolas changed his last name from Coppola to Cage early in his career to avoid accusations of nepotism. Despite their family connection, the two cousins have very different acting styles and career choices. Jason tends toward indie comedies while Nicolas embraces everything from action blockbusters to experimental art films.
Their shared family gatherings must include some serious Hollywood storytelling!
8. Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn became America’s sweetheart through films like Private Benjamin and Overboard in the 1970s and 80s. Decades later, her daughter Kate emerged as a rom-com queen herself with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Almost Famous, earning an Oscar nomination for the latter.
Kate was raised primarily by Goldie and her long-time partner, Kurt Russell, after Goldie’s divorce from Kate’s biological father. She considers Kurt her real dad and has spoken beautifully about their relationship. The mother-daughter duo shares the same infectious energy and comedic timing that audiences love.
They even starred together in the 2016 film Snatched, delighting fans with their on-screen chemistry.
9. Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra, shaping the sound of modern music. His daughter Rashida chose acting over music, becoming known for her roles on The Office and Parks and Recreation. Her mother is actress Peggy Lipton, who starred in The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks.
With such talented parents, Rashida grew up surrounded by creativity and famous faces. She attended Harvard University before pursuing entertainment, showing she valued education alongside her artistic ambitions. Beyond acting, she’s also written and produced several projects, including the acclaimed documentary Quincy about her father.
Her multifaceted career proves she inherited talent from both parents in equal measure.
10. Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts became one of the biggest movie stars on the planet after Pretty Woman made her a household name in 1990. Her niece Emma grew up watching this success and eventually followed her aunt into acting. Emma started as a child on Nickelodeon before transitioning to more mature roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens.
Having a famous aunt opened some doors, but Emma worked hard to establish her own identity separate from Julia’s massive shadow. She’s spoken about both the advantages and pressures that come with such a famous last name. Emma’s father Eric Roberts is also an accomplished actor, making this a truly multi-generational Hollywood family.
The Roberts family talent clearly runs deep through several branches!
11. Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus rode the wave of 1990s country music fame with his hit song “Achy Breaky Heart” and distinctive mullet hairstyle. His daughter Miley exploded onto the scene years later as the star of Disney’s Hannah Montana, where Billy Ray played her fictional father. This unique situation allowed them to work together while Miley launched her career.
After Hannah Montana ended, Miley shocked many fans by completely reinventing her image and musical style. She moved from squeaky-clean Disney star to bold pop provocateur with hits like “Wrecking Ball.” Billy Ray has remained supportive through all her transformations, defending her creative choices publicly.
Their father-daughter bond has weathered both fame and Miley’s dramatic public evolution beautifully.
12. Zoë Kravitz and Lenny Kravitz
Rock star Lenny Kravitz dominated music charts throughout the 1990s and 2000s with his retro rock sound and undeniable style. His daughter Zoë inherited his cool factor and pursued acting, landing roles in Big Little Lies, The Batman, and the Divergent series. Her mother is actress Lisa Bonet, who starred in The Cosby Show and later A Different World.
Zoë grew up between her parents’ separate households after their divorce but maintained close relationships with both. She’s carved out a career that blends her parents’ artistic sensibilities—acting like her mom while maintaining her dad’s edgy aesthetic. Recently, she’s moved into directing, showing yet another dimension to her creative abilities.
The Kravitz family coolness factor remains unmatched across multiple generations and art forms.
13. O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Ice Cube
Ice Cube helped create gangsta rap with N.W.A. before becoming a successful actor and producer in Hollywood. His son O’Shea Jackson Jr. made his acting debut in the most challenging way possible—playing his own father in the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton. The resemblance between father and son is striking, making him perfect for the role.
O’Shea initially pursued music like his dad but switched to acting after auditioning for the film. His performance earned critical praise and launched his acting career successfully. Since then, he’s appeared in films like Ingrid Goes West and Den of Thieves, establishing himself beyond just being Ice Cube’s son.
He continues building his own legacy while honoring his father’s groundbreaking cultural contributions.