Celebrities you didn’t know were related: Hollywood’s unexpected familial connections from Madonna and Pope Leo XIV to Brad Pitt and Barack Obama

They say to get to the top it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

That might actually be the case, given how closely connected famous people appear to be with one another.

It turns out many famous people – including actors, world leaders, musicians, and even royalty – are secretly connected through family ties.

Tracing the ancestry of celebrities has revealed surprising family connections, often shocking even the stars themselves.

You don’t get to pick your family, but many celebrities have been happily surprised to find out they have famous relatives – from actors like Tom Hanks and singers like Britney Spears, to figures like Barack Obama and even the Pope.

Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour

Meryl Streep’s iconic performance as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada is widely thought to be based on Anna Wintour, the longtime editor of Vogue, making the two figures closely linked to the film.

The Hollywood legend’s performance was universally lauded and landed her yet another Oscar nod.

It seems Jackie Kennedy’s style wasn’t just admired by Rose Schlossberg – it may have been inherited. Recent discoveries show the two women, both age 76, are actually family.

Ancestry.com research has revealed that Meryl and Anna are sixth cousins. They share common ancestors, Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey, who lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, several generations back.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by how we connect to the past! Recently, my team and I uncovered something amazing while digging through a massive collection – literally billions of historical records and family trees people have already built. It just goes to show you how much information is out there waiting to be discovered about your ancestors!

Since starring in a movie together in 2006, the two have crossed paths on several occasions. Most recently, they were both at the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Milan this September while Meryl was filming a follow-up movie, and they both appeared on the cover of the latest Vogue magazine.

Brad Pitt and Barack Obama

During the 2008 presidential campaign, it was discovered that Barack Obama and actor Brad Pitt are distant relatives.

According to The Guardian, the two individuals are ninth cousins, connected through a shared ancestor named Edwin Hickman, who passed away in Virginia in 1769.

Barack Obama and Brad Hickman are related. Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham Sutoro, is a direct descendant of Hickman’s son, James. Brad Hickman is a direct descendant of Hickman’s other son, Edwin Jr.

When asked about his surprising family connection revealed on The View, the former President made a humorous, self-deprecating comment: ‘I think he inherited the better genes!’

Dakota and Elle Fanning and Kate Middleton

She’s previously played Disney princess Sleeping Beauty and famed monarch Catherine the Great.

Elle Fanning’s talent for playing royal characters might run in the family – she’s distantly related to Princess Kate!

According to research by Ancestry.com, actresses Dakota and Elle Fanning are distantly related to Kate Middleton – they’re 21st cousins, both descending from King Edward III.

Elle described finding out about her royal connection as ‘so weird and crazy.’ She explained that her cousins contacted her and told her to check it out online, as they had discovered something surprising.

I was researching my family history online and discovered that King Edward III might be one of my ancestors – a lot of generations back! I was really surprised and wondered if the information was accurate.

I’ve often thought about exploring my family history with a service like Ancestry.com – it seems fascinating. As it turns out, someone already did it for me, which is wonderful!

Madonna and Pope Leo

She’s known for having disagreements with the Catholic Church, often due to her use of religious symbols in her music videos and performances.

However, it was revealed last year that Madonna is related to none other that Pope Leo XIV.

Henry Louis Gates Jr., the host of the show Finding Your Roots, recently discovered and shared that the two individuals are distant relatives – ninth cousins, to be exact – according to an interview with The New York Times.

Research into Pope Leo XIV’s family history revealed a surprising connection: he and Madonna are distantly related through a common ancestor on their mothers’ sides who lived in the 1590s.

Henry also mentioned that the Pope has many distant relatives in Canada, thanks to his ancestor, Louis Boucher de Grandpre, who was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

This list features well-known figures like Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, Pierre and Justin Trudeau, and Jack Kerouac.

Madonna excitedly announced the news on her Instagram Story, posting a photo of them together and calling him a ‘distant relative’.

Although the pop star, who grew up Catholic, was happy about the link, the Church probably wasn’t pleased to hear it.

For over forty years, starting in 1987 with a concert in Italy during her ‘Who’s That Girl’ tour, and continuing with a Pepsi commercial two years later, she has repeatedly faced criticism from the Vatican and various Popes.

The criticism surrounding Madonna shifted to widespread anger when her “Like a Prayer” music video came out in 1989. The video contained controversial imagery, including burning crosses and a suggestive portrayal of Jesus.

Pope John Paul II publicly asked fans in Italy to stop supporting Madonna and to avoid her Blond Ambition tour when it came to the country the next year.

The singer’s controversial 1992 book, Sex, didn’t improve her standing with the Church. Its explicit content, including depictions of sadomasochism and suggestive imagery, was considered highly offensive.

Madonna faced criticism again in 2006 when she performed a simulated crucifixion during a concert in Rome. This led Cardinal Ersilio Tonino, with Pope Benedict XVI’s support, to call for her excommunication.

He strongly criticized her provocative performance, stating it went too far and was deeply offensive to religious beliefs. He called it a disrespectful challenge to faith and a desecration of Christian symbols, and demanded she be expelled from the church.

In 2022, Madonna seemed to be trying to apologize for past actions she considered ‘blasphemous’ by reaching out to Pope Francis on Twitter and requesting a meeting to discuss them.

She messaged Pope Francis, identifying herself as a devout Catholic. She jokingly admitted it had been a long time – decades, in fact – since her last confession.

I’d like to meet and talk about something important. I feel I’ve been unfairly treated – I’ve been excommunicated three times. Sincerely, Madonna.

In December 2024, she again faced strong criticism for posting AI-created images featuring herself and the Pope, who is deceased.

The fabricated images depicted Pope Francis appearing to inappropriately touch the singer, showing him with his arm around her waist and very close to her face.

Niecy Nash, Sterling K. Brown and Danielle Brooks

In 2024, fans were shocked to discover that three Hollywood stars, all nominated for awards, were actually family members.

Niecy Nash-Betts, Sterling K. Brown, and Danielle Brooks – all award-winning actors – discovered they are cousins while researching their family histories on the show Finding Your Roots, proving that talent clearly runs in their family.

Niecy shared that they discovered the connection quite unexpectedly. She told the Wall Street Journal that all three of them were shocked to find out their families all have origins in St. Louis, saying, “We were all like, ‘Wait, what?'”

‘Now that we all know, anytime we’re in the same venue, we’re like, “Cousins unite!”’

During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Danielle playfully suggested turning their connection into a movie or television series, saying, ‘We’re like family! Someone should really make a show about us!’

She explained that she and Sterling had a natural connection, as they’d been acquainted for some time through their work in theatre. She also shared that Niecy had been a valuable mentor, offering guidance and support as she navigated the industry.

In January 2024, Niecy excitedly posted a link for her fans while celebrating Danielle and Sterling’s first Oscar nominations.

She excitedly shared a photo of herself with her two cousins, announcing that they’ve both been nominated for Oscars! She emphasized that they are actually related by blood – real cousins!

‘I’m so proud of my fam! @thedaniellebrooks @sterlingkbrown I’m rooting for you!’

People weren’t the only ones surprised by the family connection – actress Kerry Washington even commented, ‘It all makes sense now, the talent clearly runs in the family!’

Naomi Campbell and Sandi Bogle

It turns out Gogglebox star Sandi Bogle and supermodel Naomi Campbell are related – they’re cousins! It’s another surprising connection between people from very different worlds.

Fans were surprised to learn, during her 2017 appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, that the reality star is related to Naomi’s mother – they are actually sisters.

She later confessed she didn’t mean to reveal her family’s connection to the fashion world, but accidentally mentioned it while covered in slime on the Channel 5 show.

Sandi says she and her cousin have always been there for each other, and she enjoys seeing him at family gatherings.

She shared with The Mirror that Naomi enjoys watching her on Gogglebox and is a big fan. They’re supportive of each other’s endeavors – she’s always focused on her businesses, and Naomi pursues her own interests.

In 2023, she revealed she’d met Naomi Campbell’s daughter, who was born in May 2021.

In a recent interview on Wednesday, the TV star shared that she frequently sees Naomi, 52, at family gatherings.

I’m Naomi’s first cousin, and we definitely keep in touch and see each other,” she said to The Sun. “We each live our own lives, like most cousins do, but she did appear on Gogglebox with one of the Gallaghers and Kate Moss.

Sandi explained that they’ve been close since childhood and still make an effort to get together, especially for important events like weddings. They stay in touch with phone calls and attend celebrations when they can.

Honestly, it all comes down to family, doesn’t it? I actually had the chance to meet her daughter, and I was really trying to keep it on the down-low. But then everything came out when it was revealed on Big Brother, so that plan didn’t work out at all!

She commented on Naomi joining Gogglebox for a Stand Up For Cancer special, saying it was surprising to see her relaxing on a sofa, having a drink, and making jokes while watching TV.

She does this regularly, like many people do. It was great for the show, bringing in viewers and support for the charity. Cancer impacts everyone, regardless of background or age.

Larry David and Bernie Sanders

Larry David became well-known for his hilarious impersonations of Bernie Sanders on Saturday Night Live during the 2016 and 2020 election years. He perfectly captured Sanders’ look and the way he acts.

Both were surprised to learn, through the show Finding Your Roots, that they were distant cousins with shared roots in a specific region of Europe among Ashkenazi Jewish families.

Larry exclaimed in surprise, saying “What the heck!” He then laughed, adding, “That’s hilarious, that’s incredible! Well, hello cousin Bernie!”

Larry David later told Variety he was pleased, saying, ‘I figured there had to be a reason for that.’

Bernie burst out laughing when he revealed their family connection, exclaiming, “You’re kidding! That’s unbelievable!”

The US Senator jokingly responded to questions about Larry David by saying, “People tell me he does a more convincing impression of Bernie Sanders than I do!”

In 2020, Larry and Bernie appeared together on the Today show, where Larry expressed a close, almost family-like connection with the politician. He playfully worried that if Bernie were to become president, it would mean a lot more portrait work for him. Bernie responded with a lighthearted jab, saying he was offering Larry a job for four years and wasn’t expecting complaints!

Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler

You won’t believe this! I was absolutely floored when I learned that Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler are actually related! Turns out they’re tenth cousins once removed. I mean, talk about a small world – and a seriously cool Hollywood connection! It almost made me tear up just hearing about it – can you imagine their reaction?

The actress known for her role in High School Musical learned she was related to an Academy Award nominee during a 2022 episode of the Ancestry show, 2 Lies & A Leaf.

She was so happy to learn the news, especially because she’d been close friends with Austin for more than ten years. They’d first worked together on the 2009 film Aliens in the Attic and then again in 2011 on Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, and they’d always playfully said they were like brother and sister.

Ashley explained that she and Austin have a special connection, joking that they’re like long-separated fraternal twins due to their age difference.

It all makes so much sense now! We’ve always felt like family, like brother and sister, and it’s just… incredible. Honestly, I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. I might actually cry!

I was instantly blown away when we met! It felt like we’d known each other forever, like we were siblings.

She eventually told Austin – whom she considered her closest friend – that they were actually related, sharing his shocked reaction: “He said, ‘No way!'”

Lance Bass and Britney Spears

They both are iconic pop stars who defined the early Noughties.

It’s been discovered that Britney Spears and Lance Bass are distantly related! Experts in family history have found they’re sixth cousins, once removed.

NSYNC’s Justin Timberlake was excited to discover his surprising connection to a fellow pop star on the 2021 YouTube series, 2 Lies and a Leaf. The show revealed they were related!

‘Look, I wanted to be related to the Queen,’ he said. ‘Well, now I’m related to the queen of pop!’

Lance shared that the news was deeply meaningful to him, explaining that he considered Britney like family. He also mentioned he grew up just 98 miles from her, in Laurel, Mississippi.

It’s really surprising to find out she’s my cousin, not my sister, because we grew up thinking we were siblings! It all makes sense now, though – we were actually born just an hour apart. It’s a pretty amazing coincidence.

It seems almost unbelievable. I’ve always felt a family connection with you, even when we were children.

He shared how much this meant to him, explaining that she felt like family. He was especially thrilled to discover they were actually related by blood.

Both performers became famous during the 1990s, and they even toured together with Justin Timberlake, who was both a member of his group and Britney’s former boyfriend.

In 2023, Britney happily announced she was an ‘auntie’ to Lance Bass’s twins, Violet Betty and Alexander James, posting a sweet picture of her holding them and calling them ‘absolutely gorgeous babies!’

Tom Hanks and Fred Rogers

While portraying Fred Rogers in the 2019 film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks learned he had a family connection to the beloved television personality.

The famous actor was shocked to discover he and the beloved children’s TV personality were sixth cousins. He and his wife, Rita Wilson, expressed their disbelief on Access Hollywood, with Wilson exclaiming, ‘No way, you’re joking!’

While Tom reacted to the revelation, by insisting: ‘Listen, it all just comes together, you see.’

Ancestry researchers uncovered a family connection between the two men, discovering they both descended from Johannes Mefford, a German immigrant born in 1732. Records show he was their five-times great-grandfather.

You know, as I was digging into Tom and Fred’s family history, it turns out they share a fascinating connection! It seems they both trace their roots back to two brothers who actually fought in the American Revolution. It’s amazing how these historical threads weave through our lives, isn’t it?

Joanne, Fred’s wife, was happy to discover the connection between her late husband and Tom, noting that Fred had always been a big admirer of the Oscar-winning actor.

She exclaimed how wonderful it was, adding that Fred would have absolutely loved it, as he was always fascinated by family history.

Hugh Grant and Thomas Brodie-Sangster

They starred opposite each other in iconic 2003 romcom, Love Actually.

Interestingly, Hugh Grant and Thomas Brodie-Sangster are related – they’re second cousins, once removed, in real life.

Hugh didn’t realize they were related until Thomas, then 13 years old, told him on the set of the popular movie.

The actor revealed in a November interview with Lorraine on ITV that his grandmother and the interviewer’s great-grandmother were sisters, a fact [Hugh] was previously unaware of.

I told him he was somehow related to me – either my uncle or my cousin. That seemed to jog his memory, and he started to remember my mom and her brother.

Thomas shared that Hugh Grant affectionately started calling him “Hello cousin” after discovering they were distantly related. He described how Grant would playfully mess up his hair during filming, which he found to be a really nice gesture.

2026-04-11 23:49