Hollywood is full of surprises, especially when it comes to family connections. Some stars you love are part of the same family tree — and you might never have guessed it. From siblings to cousins to step-siblings, the entertainment world has more family ties than you’d expect.
Here are some celebrity relatives you may not know about — but won’t forget once you do.
Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard
Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is the daughter of Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, best known for Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind. She got an early break in a film her father directed, Parenthood. She’s also the niece of character actor Clint Howard.
Brody Jenner and Kim Kardashian
Brody Jenner and Kim Kardashian are step-siblings. Brody is the son of Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) and Linda Thompson. Kim is the daughter of Kris Jenner and attorney Robert Kardashian. When Caitlyn and Kris married in 1991, their children from previous marriages became part of one large blended family — famously featured in Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Tom Cruise and William Mapother
Tom Cruise’s full name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV. His cousin, actor William Mapother, shares that last name. William has appeared in films like In the Bedroom and TV shows like Lost. If you look closely, the family resemblance is there.
Rip Torn and Sissy Spacek
Oscar-nominated actor Rip Torn and Academy Award-winning actress Sissy Spacek are cousins. Both had long, respected careers in film and television. Talent clearly runs in their family.
Brandy and Ray J
Brandy and Ray J are siblings. Brandy gained fame in the ‘90s with her hit sitcom Moesha and a successful music career. Ray J, her younger brother, followed with hits like “One Wish.” The duo even starred together in Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.
Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones
Actress Rashida Jones, known for The Office and Parks and Recreation, is the daughter of legendary music producer Quincy Jones. Her mother was actress Peggy Lipton, famous for The Mod Squad. Rashida’s sister, Kidada Jones, is also in the entertainment industry.
Ira Glass and Philip Glass
Though they share a last name and creative talent, many don’t know that This American Life host Ira Glass is related to composer Philip Glass. Ira is Philip’s first cousin once removed. Their family legacy spans both music and storytelling.
Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Andrew Wilson
Owen and Luke Wilson are well-known brothers in Hollywood, but not everyone realizes they have an older brother, Andrew Wilson, who is also an actor. All three appeared in The Royal Tenenbaums and have collaborated with director Wes Anderson.
Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn
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Kate Hudson is the daughter of actress Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson. She’s also the sister of actor Oliver Hudson. Although Bill is her biological father, Kate credits Goldie’s longtime partner Kurt Russell as the father figure who raised her.
John Cusack and Joan Cusack
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John and Joan Cusack are siblings who have often appeared in films together, including Say Anything and High Fidelity. They come from a large family of actors — their father, Dick Cusack, was also in the business, and their sister Ann Cusack has acted in several movies as well.
Jessica Capshaw and Steven Spielberg
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Jessica Capshaw, known for her role as Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy, is the daughter of actress Kate Capshaw. When Kate married director Steven Spielberg in 1991, he became Jessica’s stepfather. Jessica’s extended family includes half-siblings and adopted siblings, including Sasha Spielberg and Theo Spielberg, both active in creative fields.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard
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Peter Sarsgaard isn’t just Jake Gyllenhaal’s Rendition co-star — he’s also his brother-in-law. Peter is married to Jake’s sister, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. Maggie and Jake are children of director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, which explains their early entry into acting.
Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts
Emma Roberts is the niece of Julia Roberts. Emma’s father, Eric Roberts, is Julia’s brother. Emma rose to fame on shows like Unfabulous before transitioning to film. The Roberts family definitely has a knack for show business.
The Olsen Sisters
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen became child stars thanks to Full House. Their younger sister, Elizabeth Olsen, took a different path and eventually made a name for herself in films like Martha Marcy May Marlene and as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike her famous sisters, Elizabeth kept her early career separate from their media empire.
James and Dave Franco
James Franco became known for roles in Freaks and Geeks, 127 Hours, and The Disaster Artist. His younger brother Dave Franco has also made a name for himself in films like Now You See Me and Neighbors. The two have worked together and often speak about their creative bond.
Daisy Lowe and Gavin Rossdale
British model Daisy Lowe is the daughter of fashion designer Pearl Lowe and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. Their connection wasn’t confirmed until a 2004 paternity test, but Daisy and Gavin have maintained a good relationship ever since.
More Surprising Star Connections
Here are a few bonus relationships that might surprise you:
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Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt: The Ted Lasso star is the nephew of Cheers actor George Wendt (Norm).
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Alfie Allen and Lily Allen: Game of Thrones actor Alfie Allen is the brother of singer Lily Allen. She even wrote a song about him called “Alfie.”
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Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci: Stanley Tucci is married to Felicity Blunt, the sister of actress Emily Blunt. That makes The Devil Wears Prada co-stars in-laws!
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Nicolas Cage and Francis Ford Coppola: Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Kim Coppola. He changed his name to avoid the pressure of being associated with his famous uncle, The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola.
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Melissa and Jenny McCarthy: Actress Melissa McCarthy and comedian Jenny McCarthy are cousins.
Final Thoughts
Hollywood is full of hidden family ties. Some celebrities use different last names. Others rise in completely different areas of the industry. But once you spot these connections, it’s hard to unsee them. It just proves that in showbiz, talent — and family — often go hand in hand.