You have seen them, read stories about them, and followed them in events and even on social media. They’re industry icons by themselves. But what you might not have known all these days is they share their DNA with some other ‘fellow’ talented stars.
So even while you swoon seeing them onscreen, they’re just like us when family reunions happen. There, they’re the usual selves, away from the limelight and paparazzi! Here are a few such stars who are close relatives or distant cousins.
Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy
Perfectly complementing each other, Jenny and Melissa are just three years apart. The older cousin Melissa landed her first role as a guest star in the very short-lived sitcom, The View. And that wouldn’t have happened had sister Jenny not backed her up back in the 90s.
Now the duo has consolidated their respective places in the industry. Hollywood stands witness to how Jenny defended Melissa on several occasions when the former was in trouble.
Tom Cruise and William Mapother
For those unaware, Cruise’s real name happens to be ‘Thomas Mapother’! The A-list actor shares an uncanny resemblance with his ‘character-actor cousin,’ and now it all makes sense. One look at their chins, and there’s no denying they’ve blood relations.
Tom and William are both in their late 50s and have successfully carved their careers in Hollywood. The cousins have acted in 5 notable films together- ‘Vanilla Sky,’ ‘Minority Report, ‘Born on the Fourth of July,’ ‘Magnolia’ and ‘Mission: Impossible II.’ William will always be popular as “Ethan” from ‘Lost.’
Brandy and Snoop Dogg
They happen to be two of the most ‘famous musicians to come out of the 90s’! And they’re cousins. Seems weird? The American rapper (Dogg) has successfully established himself in multiple roles, including songwriter, actor, and businessperson.
Since he featured on ‘Deep Cover,’ Dr. Dre’s debut solo single, there has been no looking back for the 50-year old. Brandy had started her career as a backing vocalist, where she performed for teen groups. Eventually, she shined through, and the duo even collaborated for Snoop’s love song, ‘Special.’
Glenn Close and Brooke Shields
If you are still a little perplexed about what the concept of ‘second cousins’ (once removed) implies, then it’s time to look at Close and Shields. Brooke’s great-grandmother and Close’s grandfather were siblings. So what went wrong? That is still a question, of course. But yes, most of us met our first once removed, at least a few times.
But this is innovative. Shields, all of 56, started as a child actor and became a sensation when she was just 12 after she shone as the lead artist in ‘Pretty Baby.’ Close is in her mid-70s and an actor par excellence, who received several prestigious awards and accolades in her career that spanned almost 40 years!
Damon Dash and Stacey Dash
The American entrepreneur Dash is popular worldwide for being the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella, alongside Kareem Burke and Jay-Z. Quite a business honcho that he has been, the 50-year old has a net worth of close to $10 thousand! Surprising as it may sound, but Stacey (in her mid-50s) is his cousin. The actress and former talk show host are best known for her role in the film ‘Clueless’ (1995), where she essayed the character of Dianne Marie Davenport. Besides this, she also acted in films like ‘View from the Top,’ ‘Mo’Money,’ ‘Moving,’ and ‘Renaissance Man,’ to name a few.
Jason Schwartzman, Nicolas Cage, and Sofia Coppola
Okay, this seems interesting. Carmine Coppola, the composer, didn’t know that he would lay out quite a dynasty in Hollywood! Francis, his son, became the much-talked-about and popular director of ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Godfather’ fame. Enter his daughter, Talia Shire, who performed a brilliant act like Adrian in the Rocky movie.
Years later, the second generation ensured they followed their ancestors’ footsteps! So Frances’ daughter Sofia, the filmmaker and actress, and Talia’s son Jason, the actor and musician- are noted artists of their time. And Nicolas (son of August Coppola) is a true film sensation.
You might come across more cousins. And strangely, you wouldn’t know till you delve deeper into the family history of these Hollywood celebs. Did we miss any celebrity cousins? Don’ forget to mention them in the comments section.