Famous Siblings You Completely Forgot Were Related

Famous Siblings You Completely Forgot Were Related

Hollywood is full of surprises, and some of the biggest shockers involve family ties we never knew existed. You might watch your favorite actors on screen without realizing they share DNA with other famous faces in the entertainment world. These sibling connections often fly under the radar because of different last names, varied career paths, or simply because nobody talks about them much. Get ready to have your mind blown by these celebrity brothers and sisters you probably had no idea were related!

1. Jonah Hill and Beanie Feldstein

Comedy runs deep in this family, but you’d never guess these two share the same parents. Jonah Hill made us laugh in movies like Superbad and got serious in The Wolf of Wall Street, earning Oscar nominations along the way. His younger sister Beanie chose Feldstein as her stage name, which is actually their real family surname.

Beanie broke out in Lady Bird and absolutely killed it in Booksmart, proving talent is definitely genetic. The siblings grew up in Los Angeles with their mom working as a costume designer. Both have carved their own paths in Hollywood while supporting each other’s careers from the sidelines, making this one of the sweetest secret sibling stories out there.

2. Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts

When you think of the Roberts acting dynasty, Julia’s megawatt smile probably comes to mind first. But her niece Emma has been making waves in Hollywood for years, especially through her work on American Horror Story. Emma’s dad, Eric Roberts, is Julia’s older brother, making this a three-generation acting family.

Emma grew up surrounded by fame and started acting as a child, landing her breakthrough role in Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous. While she’s carved out her own niche in horror and drama, the family resemblance is undeniable. Julia has spoken proudly about watching her niece grow into a talented performer, though Emma has worked hard to step out of her aunt’s massive shadow.

3. Lily Allen and Alfie Allen

British pop star Lily Allen actually wrote a song about her little brother back in 2006, playfully calling him lazy and unmotivated. That brother, Alfie Allen, went on to prove her completely wrong by landing one of the most talked-about roles in television history. He played Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones for eight seasons, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.

The siblings grew up in London with their actor father Keith Allen and film producer mother. Lily found fame first with her catchy pop hits and honest lyrics. Now both are respected in their fields, and Lily has admitted she’s incredibly proud of how her brother shut down all those doubts she sang about years ago.

4. Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel

Those big blue eyes and quirky charm made Zooey Deschanel a household name through New Girl, but her older sister Emily had her own hit show running at the same time. Emily starred as Dr. Temperance Brennan on Bones for an impressive twelve seasons, playing a brilliant forensic anthropologist. Both sisters inherited their acting chops from their cinematographer father Caleb Deschanel.

Growing up in Los Angeles, the Deschanel sisters were surrounded by the film industry from birth. While Zooey leaned into comedy and indie films, Emily chose procedural drama and became a producer. Their careers overlapped on television for years, giving fans double the Deschanel talent to enjoy every week on different channels.

5. Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson

Kate Hudson became America’s sweetheart in Almost Famous, but her big brother Oliver had already been acting for years before that. The Hudson siblings were raised by their mom, Goldie Hawn, and her longtime partner Kurt Russell after their biological father left the picture. Oliver appeared in shows like Rules of Engagement and Nashville, building a steady television career.

Kate went the movie route, charming audiences in romantic comedies and dramatic roles alike. Both siblings have been incredibly open about their close relationship and how Kurt Russell became their real father figure. They even started a podcast together, showing the world just how tight their bond remains despite both having busy Hollywood careers and growing families.

6. Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal

Hollywood royalty doesn’t always wear crowns, sometimes it comes in the form of insanely talented siblings. Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal both come from a family deeply rooted in filmmaking, with their director father Stephen and screenwriter mother Naomi. Maggie is the older sister by nearly three years and actually started her career first.

She earned acclaim in movies like Secretary and The Dark Knight, while Jake became a heartthrob in Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain. They even acted together in the 2001 film Donnie Darko, where Maggie played Jake’s character’s older sister. Both have received numerous award nominations and continue pushing boundaries in their craft, proving the Gyllenhaal name means serious acting talent.

7. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Elizabeth Olsen

Everyone knows the Olsen twins dominated the 90s as child stars, but their younger sister stayed out of the spotlight for years. Elizabeth Olsen watched her famous sisters build an empire while she quietly studied acting at NYU. When she finally stepped into Hollywood, she made a massive splash with her breakthrough role in Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Now Elizabeth is arguably the most famous Olsen, playing Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe across multiple blockbuster films and her own Disney+ series. Meanwhile, Mary-Kate and Ashley stepped away from acting to focus on their fashion brands. The three sisters have very different paths, but they’ve all found incredible success in their chosen fields.

8. Chris Hemsworth and Liam Hemsworth

Australia gave us not one but two incredibly handsome Hemsworth brothers who conquered Hollywood. Chris landed the role of Thor in the Marvel universe, becoming one of the most recognizable superheroes on the planet. His younger brother Liam made hearts flutter as Gale in The Hunger Games series, creating his own massive fanbase.

Both brothers grew up in Melbourne before moving to pursue acting careers. There’s actually a third Hemsworth brother, Luke, who also acts but keeps a lower profile. Chris and Liam have joked about competing for roles over the years, but they clearly support each other’s success. Their combined star power has made the Hemsworth name synonymous with action heroes and leading men.

9. Rooney Mara and Kate Mara

These sisters come from serious money, with family ties to both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers football franchises. But Rooney and Kate Mara wanted to make their own names in Hollywood rather than just living off family wealth. Kate is the older sister and broke into acting first with roles in American Horror Story and House of Cards.

Rooney took a grittier path, earning an Oscar nomination for her intense performance as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Both sisters have proven they’re more than just their famous last name. They’ve worked hard to establish themselves as serious actresses, choosing challenging roles that showcase their range and dedication to the craft.

10. Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck

Boston bred these two brothers who went on to conquer Hollywood in very different ways. Ben became the bigger star first, winning an Oscar for Good Will Hunting’s screenplay with his buddy Matt Damon, then later directing and starring in Argo. His younger brother Casey took a quieter approach, building a reputation as a serious character actor.

Casey eventually won his own Academy Award for Manchester by the Sea, proving he inherited just as much talent as his famous older brother. Both grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and started acting young. They’ve occasionally appeared in films together, and despite Ben’s bigger fame, Casey has earned respect for choosing substance over stardom throughout his career.

11. Luke Evans and No Sibling (Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson)

Owen Wilson’s distinctive voice and laid-back charm made him a comedy favorite, while his younger brother Luke carved out his own space in Hollywood. Owen broke through with Wes Anderson films and Wedding Crashers, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in comedy. Luke starred in legally Blonde and Old School, often playing the more grounded straight man to wilder characters.

They actually have a third brother, Andrew Wilson, who also acts occasionally. All three grew up in Dallas, Texas, where their mom was a photographer. Owen and Luke have appeared in several films together, including The Royal Tenenbaums. Their easy chemistry on screen makes sense when you realize they’re actually brothers who’ve been making each other laugh since childhood.

12. Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning

Child stardom can be tough, but these sisters navigated it brilliantly and grew into respected adult actresses. Dakota became famous first, landing roles in I Am Sam and War of the Worlds before she was even ten years old. Her little sister Elle watched and learned, eventually stepping into her own spotlight with movies like Super 8 and Maleficent.

Elle is four years younger but has matched her sister’s success, especially in independent films and period pieces. Both Fanning sisters avoided the pitfalls that trap many child actors, transitioning smoothly into mature roles. They’ve supported each other throughout their careers while maintaining separate identities in Hollywood, proving that sibling rivalry doesn’t have to exist when there’s enough talent to go around.

13. Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes

British acting royalty runs in the Fiennes family, though you might not have connected these two talented brothers. Ralph became internationally famous as the terrifying villain in Schindler’s List and later as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films. His younger brother Joseph made his own mark playing Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love, which won the Best Picture Oscar.

Both brothers trained at prestigious drama schools in London and bring intensity to their performances. Ralph tends toward darker, more complex characters, while Joseph has played both romantic leads and dramatic roles. They come from a family of six children, and their dedication to craft shows in every performance. The Fiennes brothers represent classical British acting at its finest.

14. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine

Old Hollywood glamour personified, these siblings dominated the silver screen for decades. Shirley MacLaine is actually the older sister, born three years before Warren Beatty. She became a star first, earning her first Oscar nomination in 1958 for Some Came Running. Warren followed, becoming one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men and heartthrobs.

Shirley eventually won her Academy Award for Terms of Endearment, while Warren won for directing Reds. Both have been nominated for Oscars multiple times across acting, directing, and producing categories. Despite changing their last names for Hollywood, their sibling bond remained strong throughout their legendary careers. They represent a golden era of cinema when movie stars were truly larger than life.

15. Jaden Smith and Willow Smith

Born into Hollywood royalty as the children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, these siblings had opportunities most could only dream about. Jaden starred alongside his dad in The Pursuit of Happyness and later headlined The Karate Kid remake. His younger sister Willow became a music sensation at just nine years old with her hit song Whip My Hair.

Both have since evolved beyond their famous parents’ shadows, exploring fashion, music, and philosophy in unique ways. Willow formed a rock band and released critically praised albums, while Jaden pursued both acting and rap music. They’ve been open about their unconventional upbringing and continue to challenge norms in entertainment. The Smith siblings represent a new generation of celebrity kids creating their own artistic identities.

16. Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez

These brothers took different approaches to Hollywood fame, starting with their names. Emilio Estevez kept his father Martin Sheen’s real surname, while younger brother Carlos chose the stage name Charlie Sheen. Emilio became a Brat Pack icon in the 80s with films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire.

Charlie found massive success in comedy, especially with Two and a Half Men, which made him one of television’s highest-paid actors before his very public meltdown. Their father, Martin Sheen, is also a legendary actor, making this a three-generation acting family. Despite Charlie’s tabloid troubles and very different career paths, the brothers have maintained their family connection. They both grew up watching their dad work and learned the business from the inside.

17. James Franco and Dave Franco

James Franco became famous first, earning an Oscar nomination for 127 Hours and starring in the Spider-Man trilogy. His little brother Dave stayed in his shadow for a while, taking smaller roles in movies and TV shows. But Dave eventually broke out with 21 Jump Street and Now You See Me, showing he had his own brand of charm.

James is known for being a bit eccentric, taking on experimental art projects and teaching classes while acting. Dave has kept things more traditional, focusing on his acting career and marrying actress Alison Brie. Both brothers grew up in Palo Alto, California, and have worked together on several projects. Their different personalities make for an interesting contrast, but there’s no denying the Franco family’s contribution to modern cinema.

18. Beyoncé and Solange Knowles

Growing up in Houston, Texas, these sisters were both destined for musical greatness, though their paths looked very different. Beyoncé became one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, first with Destiny’s Child and then as a solo superstar. Her younger sister Solange took longer to find her voice, literally and figuratively.

Solange eventually created her own lane with alternative R&B, winning a Grammy for her critically acclaimed album A Seat at the Table. While Beyoncé dominates stadiums and pop culture, Solange has built a devoted following who appreciate her artistic integrity and unique sound. That infamous elevator incident in 2014 made headlines, but the sisters have shown their bond is stronger than any temporary conflict. They represent two sides of Black excellence in music.

19. Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry

Okay, so everyone knew these twins were related because they starred in Sister, Sister together, but many forgot about them as they grew up and pursued separate careers. Tia and Tamera were inseparable on screen during the 90s, becoming beloved figures in Black households across America. After their show ended, both twins stepped back from the spotlight for a while.

Tia appeared in The Game and started a cooking show, while Tamera became a co-host on The Real. They reunited for a reality show called Tia & Tamera, giving fans a peek into their adult lives. Recently, they’ve spoken about growing apart as they focus on their individual families and careers. Even identical twins need space to become their own people, and both have successfully created separate identities beyond their childhood fame.

20. Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson

Jessica Simpson became a pop princess in the late 90s with her powerful voice and girl-next-door image. Her younger sister Ashlee watched from the sidelines before launching her own music career with a completely different style. Ashlee went punk-rock and emo, distancing herself from Jessica’s bubblegum pop sound.

Both sisters had their own reality TV shows, with Jessica’s Newlyweds becoming a cultural phenomenon. Ashlee faced a lip-syncing scandal on Saturday Night Live that could have ended her career, but she bounced back. Jessica eventually left music to build a billion-dollar fashion empire. The Simpson sisters grew up in Texas with their father managing both their careers, and despite different paths, they’ve remained close through marriages, kids, and career changes.

21. Eric Roberts and Julia Roberts

Before Julia Roberts became America’s sweetheart, her older brother Eric was already an established actor in Hollywood. Eric earned an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train in 1985, showing serious dramatic chops. But when his little sister exploded into superstardom with Pretty Woman, the dynamics shifted completely.

Julia became one of the highest-paid actresses in history, while Eric’s career took a different turn toward character roles and independent films. The siblings had a public falling out that lasted years, with both speaking about their strained relationship in interviews. They’ve since reconciled and Eric has appeared in hundreds of films and TV shows. His daughter Emma Roberts continued the family acting tradition, and he’s spoken proudly about both his sister and daughter’s accomplishments despite past tensions.

22. Mark Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg

Boston’s Wahlberg family produced not just two but several successful entertainers. Donnie found fame first as a member of New Kids on the Block, one of the biggest boy bands of the late 80s. His younger brother Mark started as Marky Mark, a rapper known for his underwear ads as much as his music.

Mark transitioned into acting and became a huge movie star, appearing in everything from action films to serious dramas. Donnie also shifted to acting, landing a long-running role on Blue Bloods. They have several other siblings, including chef Paul Wahlberg, and the family starred in a reality show about their burger restaurant chain. Both brothers have left their troubled youth behind, building successful careers and staying close to their working-class Boston roots.

23. Penélope Cruz and Mónica Cruz

Spain gave us the incredibly talented Cruz sisters, though Penélope became the internationally famous one. Penélope earned an Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona and became a muse for director Pedro Almodóvar. Her younger sister Mónica also pursued acting and dancing, appearing in Spanish films and television shows.

Mónica has actually served as Penélope’s body double in some films, including Pirates of the Caribbean when Penélope was pregnant. Both sisters trained as dancers before moving into acting, and they remain extremely close. Mónica has focused more on the Spanish market while Penélope conquered Hollywood. The Cruz sisters represent the beauty and talent of Spanish cinema, and they’ve supported each other through every step of their careers despite the obvious difference in international fame.

24. Rob Lowe and Chad Lowe

Rob Lowe became a Brat Pack heartthrob in the 80s, starring in St. Elmo’s Fire and The Outsiders with his impossibly good looks. His younger brother Chad pursued acting too but stayed out of the teen idol spotlight. Chad won an Emmy for playing a young man with AIDS on Life Goes On, showing his serious acting abilities.

While Rob’s career had ups and downs, including scandals, he reinvented himself with The West Wing and Parks and Recreation. Chad focused on television work and directing, building a steady career behind and in front of the camera. He was married to Hilary Swank for several years. Both brothers grew up in Ohio before moving to California, and they’ve spoken about supporting each other through Hollywood’s challenges and triumphs over the decades.

25. Stephen Baldwin and Alec Baldwin

The Baldwin brothers are actually four siblings, but Alec and Stephen represent the most contrasting personalities. Alec became the most successful Baldwin, winning Emmys for 30 Rock and appearing in countless films. Stephen took a different path, appearing in The Usual Suspects before shifting toward faith-based films and reality TV.

Brothers Billy and Daniel Baldwin also acted, making this a true Hollywood family dynasty. Alec and Stephen have very different political views, which has caused public tension between them over the years. Despite their differences, they share the Baldwin name and the same tough-guy swagger that made them recognizable. All four brothers grew up on Long Island in New York, and their family dynamics have provided tabloid fodder for decades while they each carved individual careers.