Numerous celebrities have family connections that many are unaware of. Even when it feels like common knowledge, some still do not know about the actors, singers, and entertainment personalities who share familial bonds. On an online forum, users share the most surprising connections.
1. Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, and Billie Lourd
Those who know about Hollywood history know these three actresses’ familial connections. But you would not believe the number who are entirely unaware — even those who claim to be fans of one or all three women. To those who don’t know, classic movie darling Debbie Reynolds married singer Eddie Fisher. They had a son, Todd, and a daughter, Carrie. That’s right — we can connect Singin’ in the Rain to Star Wars. Billie Lourd is Carrie and Bryan Lourd’s daughter and has followed in the footsteps of her family’s illustrious and iconic women. Anyone who is a fan of these women should watch Bright Lights. This moving documentary follows Debbie and Carrie’s close relationship.
2. Jenny and Melissa McCarthy
Jenny McCarthy is a funny and provocative actress and TV personality best known for shows such as The View, The Masked Singer, and MTV’s Singled Out. Melissa McCarthy has enjoyed great success as a TV and movie actress in such projects as Gilmore Girls, Bridesmaids, Mike and Molly, and Spy. Despite the same last name, many do not know they are first cousins. How close the two are depends on who you ask, with rumors of an alleged feud, but both actresses deny such claims.
3. Lenny Kravitz and Al Roker
The rocker known for such hits as “Fly Away” and “American Woman,” and more recently as Cinna in The Hunger Games, shares an interesting connection with NBC anchor and weatherman. The two are second cousins, once removed, related through their grandfathers. Kravitz’s mother is actress Roxie Roker, best known for The Jeffersons. Her father and Al Roker’s grandfather are cousins. The pair only discovered the connection in 2011, but it’s been a mutual admiration society ever since.
4. Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty
Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty are two of the most legendary actors in Hollywood, both enjoying long and successful careers that began in the 1950s and ’60s. MacLaine is best known for Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, and The Apartment. Beatty’s most famous roles include Bonnie and Clyde, Reds, and Bugsy. Most know who they are individually, but many may not know that MacLaine and Beatty are brother and sister. The two have 20 Oscar nominations between them. They are some of the most illustrious and well-respected siblings in show business.
5. Nicholas Cage, Sofia Coppola, and Jason Schwartzman
The varying last names may confuse those unaware of Cage, Coppola, and Schwartzman’s lineage. They are all members of the Coppola family and are first cousins. That makes Cage’s glee at seeing Sofia win her Oscar understandable if you did not know their family history. Cage’s father is August Coppola, brother to acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola. That makes him Francis’ nephew and cousin to Sofia, Coppola’s daughter. Their cousin Schwartzman’s mother is Talia Shire, Coppola’s sister. Their family is ingrained in the entertainment industry. While it may seem like nepotism at work, they each have immense talent that no family connection could ever grant them.
6. Stanley Tucci and John Krasinski
Tucci and Krasinski may not be blood relatives, but they share one significant connection — they are married to two sisters. Krasinski, of The Office, A Quiet Place, and Jack Ryan fame, is married to actress Emily Blunt. Tucci, known for The Devil Wears Prada, Julie and Julia, and Big Night, is married to Emily’s sister, Felicity. Tucci and Krasinski are, therefore, in-laws. The story of how Stanley and Felicity got together is a sweet one. Tucci, who worked with Emily on The Devil Wears Prada, met Felicity at Emily and John’s wedding. The widower had no plans of marrying again, but fate had other plans. And the rest is history.
7. George Wendt and Jason Sudekis
Many do not know the connection between the comedies Cheers and Ted Lasso. George Wendt, who plays Norm on Cheers, is the Uncle to Ted Lasso’s own Jason Sudeikis. Jason’s mother, Kathryn, is George’s sister. The lineage will undoubtedly surprise many.
9. Maggie Smith and Toby Stephens
Iconic actress Maggie Smith has enjoyed a decades-long career, inspiring multiple generations with her talent and wit in projects like Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, and A Room With a View. The British Dame has another aspect of her life to be proud of — her son with Sir Robert Stephens, Toby. Following in his parents’ footsteps, his fame has not reached the heights of his mother. But his talent is apparent in such things as Black Sails and Jane Eyre.
10. Sean Astin and Patty Duke
Most know Sean Astin from The Goonies, Rudy, Lord of the Rings, and Stranger Things. But some are unaware that his mother is legendary Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke. His stepfather is also John Astin, who is most known as Gomez on The Addams Family, and his brother is fellow actor Mackenzie Astin. The talented family is representative of the hard-working actors who strive to produce quality work and create fair opportunities and pay in the industry.
Source: Reddit.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock Get ready to dive into a world of luxury, laughter, and extravagant antics. We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of ten sidesplitting lightweight comedies that revolve around the lives of the exceptionally wealthy. Having a lot of money can lead to plenty of absurd situations, and where there’s absurdity, there’s hilarity. From Crazy Rich Asians to Ruthless People, these ten films about rich people are perfect for a hilarious light viewing that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 10 Hilarious Lightweight Comedies About Rich People
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock If you haven’t seen these movies, what are you waiting for? You won’t find any hidden gems on this list; you may have already seen most of them. If there are any on this list that you still need to see, bump them up your watchlist. These are bucket-list movies you can’t possibly justify leaving unwatched.
This article was initially published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
