Celebs Who Are Related To Historical Figures

It’s often surprising to learn how today’s celebrities are connected to historical figures. Thanks to family history research, many stars have discovered they’re related to kings, revolutionaries, and famous writers. These connections offer a new look at the families behind well-known personalities. Here’s a look at the surprising ancestry of some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Tom Hanks

The acclaimed actor is related to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. They share a common ancestor in John Hanks, who was Lincoln’s great-grandfather. This makes the actor Lincoln’s third cousin, four times removed. Genealogists uncovered this family connection while researching the actor’s background. It’s a well-known example of a Hollywood star being related to a significant historical figure.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor known for playing Sherlock, is a distant relative of King Richard III. Researchers confirmed he’s the king’s second cousin, sixteen generations removed. Interestingly, Cumberbatch recited a poem at Richard III’s reburial in 2015 and also played the king in the historical drama series ‘The Hollow Crown.’ This surprising connection shows just how far back the actor’s family history goes in Britain.

Robert Pattinson

The actor who played Batman is surprisingly related to Vlad the Impaler – the notoriously cruel ruler who inspired the Dracula legend. Family history researchers found the connection through the British Royal Family, making the actor a distant cousin of the 15th-century Wallachian prince. It’s an interesting coincidence considering he first became well-known for playing a vampire!

Helena Bonham Carter

The British actress is directly related to Herbert Henry Asquith, a former Prime Minister who led the UK in the early 1900s. She’s his great-granddaughter, and he famously guided the country during the start of World War I. Her family has a strong and longstanding history of power and influence in Britain, which often shines through in the dignified and elegant characters she portrays in films.

Kit Harington

The actor known for ‘Game of Thrones’ comes from a family with a fascinating history. He’s a descendant of John Harington, a key figure at Queen Elizabeth I’s court, who is famous for inventing the first flushing toilet for the royal family. This family connection to the British monarchy is something the actor has discussed during interviews about his work, adding an intriguing layer to his career as a leading man.

Cindy Crawford

The well-known supermodel recently learned she’s related to Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor. A television show exploring family histories traced her ancestry back over forty generations to reveal this connection. This means the model shares a lineage with one of Europe‘s most influential leaders. She was surprised to discover such a prominent figure in her family’s past. The finding highlights how extensively researchers can now trace the family trees of public figures.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes, best known for playing Lord Voldemort, has surprising royal connections. He’s a distant relative of King James II and comes from a long line of British nobles and landowners. He’s even related to the current Royal Family through a common ancestor. Many believe this noble background has influenced the classic roles he’s played throughout his successful acting career, solidifying his reputation as a highly respected performer with a genuine connection to British history.

Glenn Close

The celebrated actress can trace her family history all the way back to King John of England, the ruler who signed the Magna Carta. Her ancestors include other well-known figures from the 13th century and beyond. Interestingly, she’s also a distant cousin of the current British monarch, thanks to her family’s roots in colonial America. This remarkable family history links her to key events in Western political history, as many of her ancestors were instrumental in developing legal systems around the world.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant, known for his role in ‘Notting Hill,’ is related to royalty – specifically, King Henry VII of England. He’s descended from the first Tudor king through generations of British noble families. His ancestry also includes James Stewart, a former King of Scotland, connecting him to many important European royal lines. This aristocratic background often shines through in the charming, upper-class characters he portrays on screen.

George Clooney

I was fascinated to learn that this actor—who also directs—is actually related to Abraham Lincoln! It turns out they share a common ancestor, Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks. That makes them fifth cousins, once removed – pretty cool, right? It also explains why some people connect his long history of speaking out on political issues with Lincoln’s legacy. Apparently, professional genealogists specializing in presidential families have confirmed the connection, so it’s all legit!

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, the actor known for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ is a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth II. They are connected through King Edward III, who ruled England in the 1300s. This makes Depp the Queen’s twentieth cousin. Although the connection is quite far back in history, it shows just how extensive royal family trees can be. It’s interesting to many that a popular actor today has ancestors who once sat on the English throne.

Brooke Shields

The actress and model is a direct descendant of King Louis XIV, the famous ‘Sun King’ of France. Her family history includes many members of the French aristocracy and other royal families across Europe, making her one of the most well-bred celebrities in Hollywood. She’s shared details of her impressive family tree in TV documentaries and interviews, revealing that her ancestors were powerful figures during the golden age of the French monarchy.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman, known for her role in ‘Kill Bill’, has royal roots. She’s a descendant of King Edward I of England, and her family history includes many members of the British nobility from the Middle Ages. This makes her related to the king, famously nicknamed Longshanks, as well as other important people in European history through her mother’s side. Her family background is rich with connections to various levels of the historical aristocracy.

Tilda Swinton

I’m such a fan of this actress, and it’s amazing to learn about her incredible family history! She comes from one of the oldest families in Scotland, going way back centuries. She’s actually a descendant of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king from the 1300s! Her family has always served Scotland, both in the military and in government. She’s said herself that this heritage is a big part of who she is, and I think she really embodies that strength and tradition in her work. It’s wonderful to see her carrying on that legacy as such a prominent figure in film today.

Guy Ritchie

The director of films like ‘Snatch’ has surprising ties to the British Royal Family – he’s a distant cousin, related through King Edward I. He and Princess Catherine share a common ancestor, making them distant relatives. His family background is rooted in England’s historical upper and professional classes. This royal connection is especially notable given his reputation for directing tough, realistic urban stories. He continues to be a major player in British filmmaking, with a family history that stretches back centuries.

Bill Hader

The comedian and actor recently found out he’s related to royalty while researching his family history on TV. He discovered he’s a descendant of King Edward III of England and Charlemagne, a powerful historical ruler. The actor was clearly surprised to learn about his connection to European kings and nobles. His family tree goes back hundreds of years and includes people who once governed vast areas of Europe—a surprising background for someone known for their comedy work on ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Cary Elwes

The actor known for his role in ‘The Princess Bride’ is related to John Elwes, a British politician famous for being incredibly stingy with his money. Elwes’s extreme frugality, despite being wealthy, is believed to have been the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ character, Ebenezer Scrooge. This surprising connection to a famous literary figure makes the actor’s family history particularly interesting. The actor himself has continued a family tradition of prominence, becoming a well-known figure in the world of arts and entertainment.

Valerie Bertinelli

The actress recently learned she’s related to King Edward I of England through genealogical research. The project traced her family back to the 13th century, revealing a royal connection shared by several other celebrities. She’s fascinated by her medieval ancestors and feels the discovery has given her a deeper understanding of who she is.

Paris Hilton

This media personality and businesswoman is a distant relative of King Henry II of England, tracing her ancestry back to the powerful Plantagenet dynasty that once ruled England. Genealogists researching her family tree discovered this connection. She’s one of a select few celebrities who can directly claim royal ancestors, and her family’s rich history is just as impressive as the successful brand she’s created today.

Hilary Duff

I was so surprised to learn that this actress and singer is actually descended from King Edward III! That makes her a distant cousin to a lot of people in the British Royal Family today. Apparently, researchers have figured out she’s one of the most royally connected celebrities here in the US! It’s amazing to think her family tree is full of people who were important in European history – I’ve seen articles about it that talk about how surprising the backgrounds of some pop stars can be.

Elle Fanning

The young actress is a direct descendant of King Edward III, who reigned in England in the 1300s. This means she’s a distant cousin to today’s British royal family, a lineage she shares with her sister, who is also an actress. Family research has revealed a long history of English and American ancestors. This royal background actually complements the historical roles she frequently plays in movies, giving her a unique connection to the past.

Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra Sedgwick, known for her role in ‘The Closer,’ comes from a historically significant family. One of her ancestors, William Ellery, signed the Declaration of Independence, and her family has been influential in the U.S. since the country’s beginnings. She also has relatives who were prominent in law and politics, and her husband’s family shares a similar, deeply rooted American history. This lineage connects her to generations of people who have impacted American society.

Kevin Bacon

The well-known actor can trace his family history back to King Edward I of England, through ancestors who lived in the American colonies. Interestingly, his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, is also a distant cousin – they share common ancestors from long ago. This family connection was discovered on a celebrity genealogy show. His family played a role in the early days of governing the American colonies, making him a surprisingly well-connected figure in Hollywood – both professionally and through his ancestry.

Anderson Cooper

The news anchor comes from the famous Vanderbilt family, who originally made their fortune in shipping and railroads. This connects him to the Gilded Age – a time when his ancestors were among America’s most powerful business leaders. Although he’s built a successful career in journalism, his family’s history continues to be a notable part of who he is publicly. The Vanderbilts are a prime example of a long-standing American dynasty, and his ancestors helped create many of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.

Edward Norton

The actor recently learned he’s a direct descendant of Pocahontas. For generations, his family has shared stories about this connection, which historians have now confirmed. He’s Pocahontas’s twelfth great-grandson, linking him to the very first encounters between Native Americans and English colonists. The actor has spoken about this meaningful historical connection with deep reverence.

Harry Lloyd

The actor known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’ has a remarkable family history: he’s the great-great-great grandson of Charles Dickens. He’s a direct descendant of the famous Victorian author who penned classics like ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘Great Expectations’. For generations, his family has cherished their connection to Dickens’s literary legacy, and the actor himself has even worked on adaptations of his great-grandfather’s stories. This makes him a living connection to one of England’s most important writers.

Oona Chaplin

The actress comes from a remarkable family, being Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter and the great-granddaughter of playwright Eugene O’Neill. With such a strong heritage in entertainment and literature, she developed a special understanding of the performing arts early in life. Now, she’s forging her own path while honoring the legacies of these two iconic figures.

Rose Leslie

The actress famous for her role in ‘Downton Abbey’ comes from a truly unique background – she grew up in a castle and has a family history connected to royalty. Her mother’s side traces back to King Charles II of England and the Clan Fraser, while her father is the chief of the Clan Leslie, a historically noble Scottish family. This upbringing made it easy for her to step into roles in historical dramas. Her ancestors played a part in many of the key events and conflicts that shaped British history.

Christopher Lee

The actor, who recently passed away, could trace his ancestry back to Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, through the distinguished Carandini family. His family’s history was so impressive that he was allowed to use their coat of arms. He frequently talked about his ancestors and their long involvement in European politics and warfare. This noble heritage likely contributed to the powerful and memorable characters he portrayed on screen, and he always took pride in his family’s historical background.

Armie Hammer

The actor comes from a prominent family – he’s the great-grandson of Armand Hammer, a famous businessman and philanthropist. Hammer was a key player in the oil industry and developed relationships with leaders around the world. Throughout the 1900s, the family amassed considerable wealth and power. This background significantly impacted the actor’s life and how the public sees him. His family’s story represents a remarkable chapter in American business and history.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

I always knew Julia Louis-Dreyfus was talented, but I recently learned about her incredible family history! It turns out she comes from the founders of a huge international trading company, started way back in the 1800s by a man named Léopold Louis-Dreyfus. For generations, her family has been a major player in global trade and finance. It’s amazing to me that someone so funny and beloved for her comedy also comes from such a powerful and historically significant business empire – it really explains why she’s one of the wealthiest and most well-connected actors out there!

Angelina Jolie

The actress, known for her charitable work, can trace her family history back to King Philip II of France. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, is the key connection to the French royal family that governed during the Middle Ages. Beyond that, her family tree includes many other well-known people from across Europe. Like her ancestors, she now has a major impact on the world.

Brad Pitt

This actor is related to King Henry II of England, meaning he’s distantly related to many other famous people, both past and present. Genealogists researching Hollywood families discovered his ancestry stretches back to the twelfth century. Several other well-known American actors also share this royal heritage through their colonial ancestors. It just goes to show how common royal ancestry is today.

Céline Dion

The celebrated singer is related to King Philip II of France – her ancestors were French Canadians who came to North America generations ago, carrying royal bloodlines. She actually shares a common ancestor with other well-known performers from Quebec. Many fans find this connection to the French monarchy fascinating. Her incredible singing talent continues a family history of remarkable people.

Taylor Swift

The popular singer is related to the renowned American poet Emily Dickinson – they’re distant cousins with a common ancestor who lived in New England in the 1600s. This family connection links two incredibly successful women writers across hundreds of years. Some fans have even pointed out similar themes in the singer’s music and Dickinson’s poetry. Learning about this family history adds an interesting and meaningful dimension to the singer’s career.

Meryl Streep

The celebrated actress comes from a family with a rich American history, directly descended from William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. Her ancestors were among the earliest settlers and played a significant role in the Quaker community. This heritage connects her to one of America’s key colonial figures and demonstrates her family’s long-standing presence in the country. Known for her award-winning performances, she frequently portrays powerful women from history, mirroring the strong foundations of American democracy that run in her family.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

The actress and director comes from a long and distinguished family, tracing her ancestry back to King Edward III of England. Her family includes European nobles and some of the first settlers in America. She shares this royal heritage with her brother, who is also a well-known actor. Her ancestors played a role in significant events in both British and American history, and this rich background informs her work as a filmmaker and storyteller.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his role in ‘Donnie Darko,’ comes from a long line of Swedish nobility, tracing his ancestry back to King Edward III. For generations, his family served the Swedish crown, and they also have a strong tradition of success in both academics and the arts. Gyllenhaal has discussed how his family history has influenced his career, making him a unique connection between Hollywood and European aristocracy.

Danny Dyer

A British actor was surprised to learn he’s a direct descendant of King Edward III while researching his family history. This was particularly unexpected given his public image as someone from a working-class background. His ancestors also include Thomas Cromwell, a close advisor to King Henry VIII. The discovery has given him a new perspective on his place in British history and is a well-known example of a celebrity finding out about a surprising royal connection.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The star of ‘Sex and the City’ recently discovered she’s related to Esther Elwell, who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 1600s. Elwell was one of the last people accused before the trials ended. This family history, revealed on TV, offers a compelling and personal connection to the early days of New England and a dark chapter in American history.

Share which celebrity connection surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-02-18 21:21