Twelve Celebrities You Didnt Know Were Related

Generally, when one kid in a family gets into show business, other kin are often soon to follow. I think there are many reasons for this. One, brothers and sisters are naturally competetive. That is not a bad thing by any stretch. But it does exist between siblings. Second, once someone is famous, it can naturally open doors for their siblings that would have otherwise remained shut. But I bet there are a bunch of famous celebrities you didn’t even know were related. Not even just brothers and sisters, but cousins and uncles, too.

Famous celebrities who may not share names, or may have only one parent in common, but it still counts. Also, it can make things easier for casting directors, too. Instead of having to run auditions for two days straight, they can just tell someone to call their brother, sister, or cousin. I imagine it saves on cost as well.

So we decided to compile a list of twelve celebrities you didn’t know were related. Don’t feel bad. Before the list, even we didn’t know about half of these showbiz families.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy are Cousins

Though you may not make the connection right away, it actually clicks when you think about it. They both have an amazing sense of humor. They both helped pave the way for other women in their field. I am just wondering why no writers or directors have decided to pair these two up in a movie yet.

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Sissy Spacek and Rip Torn are Cousins

You know Rip Torn. The guy who threw the wrench in Dodgeball. Of course you know Sissy Spacek, as she is one of the greatest actresses of all time. But honestly, who knew these two were related?  Surely not I, and don’t call me Shirley.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Tom Cruise and Character Actor William Mapother are Cousins

We all know Tom Cruise, but William Mapother is definitely less known. He is most remembered for playing Ethan on Lost. But as far as looks go, you would have no idea these two came from the same gene pool.

(Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Emma Roberts is Julia Roberts Niece and Eric Roberts Daughter

Emma Roberts has been acting since she was a wee child, but is finally getting some acclaim for her role on American Horror Story: Coven. Julie Roberts, on the other hand, is one of the most famous actresses in the world.  In this case, we can see the resemblance in looks and talent.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Nick Cage is the Nephew of Francis Ford Coppola

Though Nic Cage chose not to use the Coppola name when first coming into Hollywood, it’s true. He is related to Francis Ford Coppola and his daughter, director Sophia. What does it say that Francis never cast him in any of his movies? Maybe we shouldn’t “go there”. Can’t really imagine Nic Cage in The Godfather.

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Lilly Allen is Sister to Alfie Allen (from Game of Thrones)

Alfie Allen plays Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones, if that helps. His sister, Lilly, is a famous pop star. I wonder if Lilly Allen watches Game of Thrones.

(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton is VERY Distant Cousin to British Director, Guy Ritchie

Yup, royalty here. Seem Kate Middleton is related to director Guy Ritchie. Which means, at one point, Madonna was in her family, too.  She’s also related to the first President George Washington

(Photo by Olivia Harris – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Emily Blunt is Stanley Tucci’s Sister-in-Law

This one may not be blood, but it is still worth mentioning just for star power involved. Emily Blunt is sister-in-law to acclaimed actor, Stanley Tucci.  Also, let it be known, she is quite beautiful. Sorry to state the obvious.

(Photo by Stuart Wilson/Getty Images)

Lenny Kravitz and Al Roker are Cousins

Seriously, could these two be any more different? I can just picture Al Roker silently resenting Lenny for being the “cool” one.  Can’t stop laughing at that thought, frankly.

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Snoop Dog and Brandy are First Cousins

Which means, Snoop Dog is also related to Ray-J. Wow, Christmas gifts must be really nice in that family.  How do I get in on that, secret Santa style?

(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Madonna and Ellen DeGeneres are Eleventh Cousins

Okay, so now we are stretching it a bit. But still, technically, they are related. Kind of insane to think the power these two yield. Ellen Degeneres is the queen of the day time talk show. Madonna is the queen of pop music. What happend if we mashed them up?

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Elizabeth Olsen is the Younger Sister to the Olsen Twins

Okay, you can kind of tell by looking at her face, but you would be surprised how many people had no idea this new Hollywood IT girl was related to the Full House twins. I know, I know, the Olsen twins have come to be known as so much more than the twins from Full House. But no matter how rich and powerful they get, they will always be Michelle Tanner to me.  You got it, dude!

(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

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