10 Celebrities Who Share Surprising Family Ties

Jun 11, 2024

Discovering that some celebrities are related can be both fascinating and surprising, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the world of fame and fortune. The entertainment industry often seems like a vast, interconnected web, but realizing that some of its stars share familial bonds can still catch fans off guard. These connections often reveal a hidden network of talent, where artistic skills and charisma run in the family. 

Many celebrities rose to fame together and are well known for their family connections. Among them are Goldie Hawn and her daughter Kate Hudson, James Brolin and his son Josh Brolin, sisters Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, and brothers Beau and Jeff Bridges. However, there are some celebrities whose fans were surprised to find are related. Read more about them below and find out more about their unexpected bond.

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty each carved out their own distinct paths in the entertainment industry, so much so that many are unaware that they are in fact, brother and sister. Older sister MacLaine revealed her protective, which side came out in full force when her brother Beatty was involved in the Oscars flub that saw him reading out the wrong winner for Best Picture in 2017.

“I’m concerned with how (Beatty) must have felt being so close to him. I’m three years older and I’m protective. We know how difficult it was for him, but it was also for me,” she told USA Today.

While the two are close, their relationship has also been marred by disagreements. This includes conflicts over some of Beatty’s ex-girlfriends, in particular, Madonna. “You know, we are both old people now and he is respectful to his old lovers. I like to remind him as often as possible that I am the senior here, so you'd better listen to me,” MacLaine explained.

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are two powerhouses in the music industry, but what not many know is that Parton is actually the young singer’s godmother. The legendary country music star, who is a close friend of Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, has been a guiding and influential figure in Miley’s life from a young age. This bond extends beyond the typical godparent role, as Parton has been a mentor and source of inspiration for Miley, who has successfully transitioned from her early days as a Disney star to a versatile and bold artist in her own right. The two also frequently join one another on stage to perform. 

For example, Parton joined Miley for the “Miley’s New Year’s Eve” party in 2023, where they rocked the stage looking as close as thieves. Miley also shared a photo of her and her beloved godmother performing together in October 2023, referring to the icon as “Aunt Dolly” in the caption as she professed she was “so happy to add another collaboration under our bedazzled (studded leather) belt!” and signing off as her “doll baby.”

Finding out you’re related to a celebrity can be quite interesting, but how about finding out you’re related to royalty? This was exactly what happened to “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” star Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk appeared in “Finding Your Roots” in January 2024, where his astonishment at discovering he was distantly related to King Charles III was caught on camera. After tracing Odenkirk’s background back five generations, the show uncovered that Odenkirk is Charles’ 11th cousin, linked through his fifth great-grandfather.

“(It makes me feel) like a part of history that I didn’t think I was any part of,” Odenkirk said. 

Another two powerhouses of the country music world and pop music industry that are surprisingly related are Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson. While not related by blood, McEntire became Clarkson’s stepmother-in-law after she married her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in 2013. McEntire had been married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Although Clarkson and Brandon eventually called it quits in 2022, McEntire and Clarkson had developed a close bond, both personally and professionally. They have also performed together on numerous occasions, including on “The Voice,” showcasing their strong musical chemistry.

According to Clarkson, she and McEntire had a strong bond before her marriage to Brandon, and she maintains a strong bond and friendship with her former stepmother-in-law. 

“We text each other all the time... we're both women of sound mind that know that life doesn't work out sometimes. I mean, she would know best,” Clarkson once said.

Another star who uncovered an unexpected link to the British monarchy is actress Elle Fanning. Elle, along with her sister, Dakota Fanning, is distantly related to Catherine, the Princess of Wales. The Fannings have German, Irish, English, French and Channel Island roots. The royal connection, which was discovered through Ancestry.com, caught Elle by total surprise. 

“It’s so weird,” Elle told E! News. “I saw it the other day. My cousins called me up and they were like, ‘Look online!’ I looked online and like King Edward III is my great-great-great-grandfather. I was like, ‘Is this real?’”

The link makes Elle a very distant cousin to Catherine, who is descended from Edward through her father, Michael Middleton. 

Did you know any of these celebrities were related? Which other famous faces do you know are related that others might not know about? Let us know and then pass this along to friends and family, too!