Let’s admit it—there is such a thing as a family tree of Hollywood and the music world, and it is quite enormous with lots of intertwined branches and people you would never expect to be related. At times the links are visible, like siblings both famous, and other times they – even you would be amazed and want to check the veracity of that claim. There are 10 of the most surprising and iconic family ties of the entertainment world that range from families that have influenced whole music genres to very little-known facts that the stars are relatives.
10. Dakota & Elle Fanning – With a Royal Twist
The Fanning sisters are all known as a pair of child stars who later on turned out to be serious actresses, but here’s a surprise: they are the distant cousins of the British Royal family, in particular, the Duchess of Cambridge. Elle once said she was puzzled by the fact and that she felt “so weird.” Those period dramas with the royal vibe suddenly make more sense.
9. The Smiths – Hollywood’s Multitalented Empire
Will Smith was successful in both music and film, Jada leads a metal band, and their kids, Jaden and Willow, are redefining the genres and breaking the idols. No artist of the Smith family has copied the others’ footsteps; on the contrary, each one has carved their own unique path, but together they have achieved being the most varied artistic family in the business.
8. Jimmy Carter & Berry Gordy – Presidential Meets Motown
Here’s one you didn’t see coming: U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Motown visionary Berry Gordy share a 19th-century ancestor. Yes, the head of the free world and the king of Motown are cousins. Talk about a crossover no one ever wanted, but we’re glad we have.
7. The Jacksons – The Blueprint for Pop Dynasties
Long before family bands and sister acts of today, there were the Jacksons. Michael, Janet, and the Jackson 5 not only ruled the charts—they invented the contemporary notion of a pop dynasty. They continue to reverberate in nearly every part of today’s musical landscape.
6. The Jonas Brothers – Disney Channel to World Tours
Kevin, Joe, and Nick began as clean-cut Disney actors and matured into outright pop icons. Their close harmonies and on-screen ventures made them household names, and little brother Frankie—”the bonus Jonas”—is gradually moving into the limelight as well.
5. Brandy, Ray J & Snoop Dogg – Family with Flow
Brandy and Ray J aren’t only gifted siblings but also first cousins of hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg. Snoop once semi-confirmed the connection, explaining they never made a big deal out of it. Between the three of them, that family tree has sold a mountain of records.
4. Beyoncé & Solange Knowles – Sisters, Icons, Originals
Few brother-sister pairs sparkle as much as Beyoncé and Solange. Queen Bey remade international fame, while Solange made her own path with experimental, highly autobiographical records. Together, they’ve demonstrated that sibling competition can trigger genius.
3. Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love & Frances Bean – Grunge Royalty
The ’90s grunge movement had its king and queen in Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Their daughter Frances Bean didn’t pursue superstardom in the same manner, but her forays into the world of music and art demonstrate she’s inherited the creative juice of both parents.
2. The Cyrus Clan – From Country to Global Pop
Billy Ray gave us “Achy Breaky Heart”, but Miley took the Cyrus name to the universe with the transformations that kept the audience forecasting. Besides Noah’s music career, Traces’ rock band past, and Dolly Parton as Miley’s godmother, there is the most eclectic family in entertainment.
1. The Coppolas – Hollywood’s First Family
Francis Ford Coppola is a towering figure at the top, but his family members have changed in incredible ways. Sofia Coppola’s indie movies, Nicolas Cage’s hit movie career, and Talia Shire’s legendary Rocky role can all be linked back to the same family. The Coppolas are the living example that in Hollywood, talent can be passed on from generation to generation.
Next time, when you are streaming a playlist or watching an awards show, if you don’t find your favorite star, then don’t be surprised that one of their famous siblings, cousins, or ancestors might be right there in front of you without noticing. In Hollywood and music, it really is all in the family.