Famous Celebrity Grandchildren We Never Knew Existed

By molly atherton 1 year ago
Hey there, pop culture detectives and celebrity gossip enthusiasts! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your detective hats because we're about to embark on a journey into the secret world of famous celebrity grandchildren we never knew existed. Move over, Kardashians; there's a new generation of star-studded progeny waiting to steal the limelight. We all know the Hollywood grapevine can be as tangled as a bowl of spaghetti, but who would have thought that lurking within the shadows of A-listers are some elusive celebrity grandkids ready to burst onto the scene? These aren't your typical next-gen offspring who are busy Instagramming their avocado toasts or launching their own fragrance lines. No, no, these are the stealthy heirs to the throne!

1. Riley Keough - Elvis Presley's Granddaughter

Danielle Riley Keough is the eldest grandchild of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. At the tender age of 15, she got spotted by a top model agency, who apparently were unaware of her connection to the original king of rock and roll.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Riley (the name she goes by) has appeared in campaigns for Vogue, D & G and Dior. She is also an actress and been in some independent films. Who would have guessed!Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Oona Castilla Chaplin - Charlie Chaplin's Granddaughter

Named after her grandmother, Oona’s grandfather is no less than cinema icon Charlie Chaplin. Spanish born Oona Castilla Chaplin mainly features in British and Spanish productions but has appeared in "Game of Thrones",,
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
She has even featured in the BBC drama "The Crimson Field" and as Zilpha Geary in the tv series "Taboo.". She really finds herself in a whole range of shows!

3. Cameron Douglas - Kirk Douglas's Grandson

The grandson of acting royalty Kirk Douglas and son of Hollywood icon Michael Douglas, is an actor and author of the book "Long Way Home." I suppose the surname gives it away...
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
A bit of a bad boy, he made headlines for getting caught for involvement in drugs (more than once) and faced time in prison. Not quite what his grandfather would have wanted!

4. Charlotte Casiraghi - Grace Kelly's Granddaughter

Grace Kelly was known for being one of the most beautiful women in the world as well as being a talented actress. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree when you see her granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi, also a stunning lady.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Charlotte was a film actress but now works as a journalist. She was the face of Yves Saint Laurent's fashion campaign in 2018. Clearly it fully runs in the family... doesn't it.

5. Emma Ferrer - Audrey Hepburn's Granddaughter

Swiss national Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer, granddaughter of Audrey Hepburn, was born in 1994. She made her modelling career debut as a cover girl for Harper’s Bazaar in 2014.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Her grandmother was an avid humanitarian and Emma has followed in her footsteps by being a spokesperson for UNICEF holding the title of UNHCR Ambassador to the U.S.

6. Ethan Peck - Gregory Peck's Grandson

Gregory Peck was an American heart throb to so many from the 1940s through to the 1970s. His grandson Ethan Peck also picked up the acting bug. Peck isn't such a common surname is it?
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
He portrayed young Spock in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and has the accolade of being part of the first on screen kiss with Mary-Kate Olsen! Some might say he's a little lucky!

7. Tuki Brando - Marlon Brando's Grandson

When you mention Marlon Brando to someone of a certain age, they will instantly tell you their own personal favorite movie that he starred in. His grandson Tuki bears an extremely strong resemblance to him!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Tuki has forged a successful career for himself as an international and much sought after model. He was in the "Technomarine" advertising campaign. Big shoes to fill right!?

8. Pablo Dylan- Bob Dylan's Grandson

Pablo Dylan, Bob Dylan’s grandson, started off as a rapper and has such respect for his 82 year old grandfather that he called him the "Jay-Z of his time."
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Pablo moved from rapping to folk-rock which has led to lots of comparisons between him and his award winning relative. He even has the same style of haircut as his grandfather too!

9. Anjelica Huston - Walter Huston's Granddaughter

Walter Houston was the Canadian actor and singer who won an Academy Award for his role in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre."It was made even sweeter because it was directed by his son John Houston!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Anjelica carried on the fame of her grandfather Walter by scooping her own Academy Award in the 1980s.  As well as acting Anjelica has successfully turned her hand to producing and directing.

10. Bridget Fonda - Henry Fonda's Granddaughter

Hollywood legend Henry Fonda certainly passed on the acting genes to his family and that included his granddaughter Bridget, now 59. She's not the most famous of the Fonda family though.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The American actress has made her mark in numerous movies and tv shows, as well as picking up awards for her stunning performances, much like her grandfather.

11. Dree Hemingway - Ernest Hemingway's Great Granddaughter

Reflecting on her last name, you'd be right to guess that Dree is the great granddaughter of writer Ernest Hemingway. Imagine being able to call one of the greatest authors of all time your grandfather.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The 35 year old American fashion model and actress played the lead in "Scarlet" in 2012. Dree Hemingway now works predominantly in independent films.

12. Billie Lourd - Debbie Reynold's Granddaughter

You will probably recognise Billie Lourd from "American Horror Story" and "Scream Queens."  What you might not know is that she is the lookalike granddaughter of actress Debbie Reynolds.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Reynolds had a career lasting almost 70 years and appeared in "Singin' In The Rain" with Gene Kelly. One of the most memorable film songs likely to ever exist for the considerable future.

13. Steven R McQueen - Steve McQueen's Grandson

Actor Steve McQueen was up there as one of the best looking actors in Hollywood! His grandson Steven R McQueen is quite the looker himself and is also an actor as well as a model.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
He portrayed Jeremy Gilbert in "The Vampire Diaries" from 2009 to 2015 and then again in 2017. You can actually see some of the similarities between the two in those pictures alone.

14. Abby Elliott - Bob Elliott's Granddaughter

Comedian and actor Bob Elliot and part of the double act Bob and Ray, was a huge talent back in the day. He made appearances on SNL towards the start of its run on our screens.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
He would have been over the moon, if he had still been alive, to know that his granddaughter Abby Elliott is the third generation of the family to be featured on "Saturday Night Live."

15. Chris Pine - Anne Gwynne's Grandson

Anne Gwynne, popular American actress, was known as being one of the first "scream queens" because she was in so many horror movies! Can you recognise her from any olden horror flicks?
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Gwynne was also a popular pin-up of World War II. Her grandson Chris Pine is a recognisable actor for his roles in "Princess Diaries", "Star Trek" and "Wonder Woman."

16. Clark Gable III - Clark Gable's Grandson

Handsome Clark Gable, with hi trademark moustache, starred in over 60 movies and we still love watching the reruns! Imagine having your name travel down generation by generation!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
He is the grandfather to the late Clark James Gable, himself an American actor and television presenter who sadly died from a drugs overdose. He died before he could leave the legacy he deserved!

17. Bernard Einstein - Albert Einstein's Grandson

Albert Einstein, the German born theoretical physicist was, of course, best known for developing the theory of relativity. He has three surviving grandsons, one of which is Bernard Einstein.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Bernard had a long career in engineering and had numerous patents in electronics. I suppose you have to somewhat follow on someone as genius as Albert with that surname following you around!

18. Stella Banderas - Tippi Hedren's Granddaughter

The daughter of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith is also granddaughter of Tippi Hedren Stella del Carmen Banderas has very famous parents, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
And she even starred alongside them "in Crazy in Alabama." Stella is also the granddaughter of 93 year old Tippi Hedren, retired actress, animal rights activist and model.

19. Dakota Johnson - Tippi Hedren's Granddaughter

Tippi Hedren is also grandmother to another famous actress, Dakota Johnson, daughter of Melanie Griffith and first husband Don Johnson. Who would have thought that was possible!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Dakota is an actress, most well known for her steamy role in the Fifty Shades film franchise. Her partner is Chris Martin, lead singer with Coldplay, so it's a very talented relationship!

20. Tatia Starkey - Ringo Starr's Granddaughter

Back in the 1960s the Beatles gained world domination. One of those Beatles was drummer Ringo Starr. Ringo has seven grandchildren in total, all being his pride and joy.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Although Tatia Starkey is known for her remarkable resemblance to him. She is also a musician. It'll take a lot of effort for her to reach anywhere near the level of her grandfather.

21. Arabella Churchill - Winston Churchill's Granddaughter

You would never have thought that the granddaughter of Winston Churchill, Arabella Churchill, was one of the original developers of Glastonbury Festival and she also founded and ran the charity "Children’s World."
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Her grandfather was a great man and Arabella is doing great things as well. Although they have both affected the world in completely different ways; what's the harm.

22. Ali Astin - Patty Duke's Granddaughter

Patty Duke won Academy Awards and Golden Globes galore during her acting career, with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of quite a lot of somewhat forgotten celebs.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Her granddaughter is Ali Astin, most known for her role in "The Lord Of The Rings", "The Return Of The King" and "Apocalypse Society." She's got some way to catch up!

23. Quinn Tivey - Elizabeth Taylor's Grandson

In her later life, stunning actress Elizabeth Taylor worked tirelessly for HIV charities and other good causes. She's one of the most well known actors of her time!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
After her death the work she had carried out, on her wishes, was continued by the family, especially grandson Quinn Tivey, who, himself, is passionate about the causes.

24. Rose Schlossberg - Jacqueline Onassis's Granddaughter

The granddaughter of Jacqui Onassis is Rose Schlossberg and she is often described as her grandmother's double, quite a compliment as First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was an absolute stunner!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Rose is an actress and has a very keen interest in politics. Although she might actually be better known as the grandchild of JFK. Again she has a long way to reach that impact!

25. Sarah Sutherland - Donald Sutherland's Granddaughter

Donald Sutherland is now 87 and his film career spans over 60 years. He has been nominated for multiple awards over his many decades of acting, many of which you'll have seen him featured.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
He never discouraged his granddaughter Sarah Sutherland from following in his footsteps. Sarah played Catherine Mayer in the television series "Veep." There's a lot of hype here!

26. Alia Shawkat - Paul Burke's Granddaughter

The late Paul Burke was best known for his role in "Naked City" in the 1960s and for "12 O'clock High."  He received many nominations for Emmys and Golden Globes throughout his career.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Burke's granddaughter Alia Shawkat is an actress and she played Maeby Funke in "Arrested Development." The family clearly have some acting in his genes.

27. Princess Charlotte - Princess Diana's Granddaughter

Diana, Princess of Wales was known for her compassion, for the love of her two young princes and for being a style icon. We are sure she would have adored her grandchildren!Image source: Wikimedia CommonsAnd would have noticed what a fashion conscious and mature  granddaughter she has in Princess Charlotte. Charlotte can often be seen at State functions telling her brothers what to do and how to stand!

28. Sophie Dahl - Roald Dahl's Granddaughter

Legendary British novelist Roald Dahl had an amazing imagination and put that into the books we all had on our bedroom shelves when we were young. He's a real inspiration for many!
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
His granddaughter, Sophie Dahl, published her own children's book in 2019 called "Madame Badobedah." Sophie was previously a plus size model and is the wife of jazz musician Jamie Cullum.

29. Zoleka Mandela - Nelson Mandela's Granddaughter

Nelson Mandela is right up there with the greats when it comes to passion surrounding anti apartheid activism. One of his granddaughters Zoleka is also passionate.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
She is a very well known writer and an activist herself, no doubt brought about from her grandfather. It'd be hard to not follow in someone as influential as Nelson's footsteps!

30. Elettra Wiedemann - Ingrid Bergman's Granddaughter

Ingrid Bergman was the Swedish actress who starred in films, tv movies and stage plays over a period of 50 years! She is one of the most influential screen figures in cinematic history.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Her granddaughter is Elettra Wiedemann, a very well known food writer and successful model. She is a brand ambassador for Lancome and clearly shares some of the good genes!

31. Duke Nicholson - Jack Nicholson's Grandson

Jack Nicholson is a legendary actor, and outside of his relationship with Anjelica Huston - his longest to date at 17 years - he was known for being a man unable to settle down, which is why many people aren't too sure on his children and grandchildren in the realm of Hollywood!
image source: people.com
Now retired from acting, Jack actually does have a grandchild you probably didn't know about, but likely have seen and not known who he was. His grandson, Duke Nicholson, has followed in the acting footsteps of his famous grandfather, starring in the movie Us.

32. Zoe Kravitz - Roxie Roker's Granddaughter

Zoe Kravitz is big news in the acting world these days, and while she's famous for having equally famous parents - rock singer Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet - you might not have known she has a famous grandmother, too.
image source: people.com
Roxie Roker was also a big name in the acting world, and she was best known for her role in The Jeffersons, which she starred in from 1975 to 1985. She's the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz, so showbiz obviously runs in this successful family!

33. Tony Goldwyn - Samuel Goldwyn's Grandson

Tony Goldwyn has had a fair few serious acting roles under his belt, but you may not recognize his famous grandfather on photo alone! While his face isn't so famous, his name certainly is - Samuel Goldwyn put the 'Goldwyn' in the film studio, Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM).
image source: people.com
That wasn't the only movie studio he was responsible for, either, and he worked behind the scenes for many great movies. His grandson, Tony Goldwyn, was the star of the original Tarzan, as well as more recently starring in Scandal and Lovecraft County.

34. Apple Martin - Blythe Danner's Granddaughter

If you're old enough to remember when actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin first released news of their daughter being born, you might also remember thinking 'Apple' was quite an... unusual name.
image source: people.com
Well, now daughter Apple is all grown up, and all grown up in a very famous successful family at that. In case you didn't already know, Apple's mother, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, is actually the daughter of another famous actress: Blythe Danner.

35. Rooney Mara - Wellington Mara's Granddaughter

Rooney Mara is a very successful actress, sister to another famous actress, Kate Mara, and partner to yet another famous name in the acting world, Joaquin Phoenix! She also already had fame in her blood by being the granddaughter of Wellington Mara.
image source: people.com
Her grandfather didn't act, but he was one of the biggest names in NFL history. It was Wellington's own father who founded the Giants back in 1925, and Wellington then took over from his father as owner of the team when he passed away.

36. Skyler Austen Gordy - Berry Gordy Jr's Grandson

You might not easily recognize Skyler Austen Gordy without all his hair, but the rapper was one of the two members of the electronic pop group LMFAO (we all remember Party Rock, right?).
image source: people.com
The group eventually split, but the reason Skyler got into the music in the first place might have something to do with his famous grandfather. Berry Gordan Jr was the founder of Motown Records, and he was also responsible for writing some big hits like the Jackson 5's 'ABC'.

37. Celebrities you didn't know were related: Phil Collins and Lily Collins

Though the shared surname might be a big giveaway, a lot of people in Hollywood have similar names - and depending on the music era you grew up with, you might not have known much about Phil Collins compared to the Emily in Paris star!
image source: today.com
But of course Phil Collins is a huge name in music, both as a solo artist and front man of the band Genesis. He's also the father of actress Lily Collins, but according to some published essays she wrote about her relationship with her father, it wasn't the smoothest road.

38. Denzel Washington and John David Washington

Again, the shared surname is a clue, but you might have not even batted an eye when reading these two names in a movie! The pair do look alike, and there's a reason for that - John David Washington is the son of famous actor Denzel Washington, and they both seem to be pretty good at their jobs.
image source: today.com
The pair are apparently very close, too, with Denzel being very supportive of his son's growing acting career over the years. Just like every good pop should, Denzel hugged his son for his award nominations.

39. Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts

Both of these women are successful actresses, and stunningly beautiful at that - but they don't look much alike, so if you didn't already know they were related through the grapevine, you might not have put two and two together.
image source: entertainmenttonight.com
Emma Roberts is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts, the brother of Julia. Emma Roberts, star of hit TV shows like American Horror Story, is the famous acting niece of our Pretty Woman.

40. Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh

Jamie Lee Curtis has had a successful career spanning years, and she's one of those actresses that you might never have known was born into famous parents. Curtis is actually the daughter of Hollywood legend Janet Leigh, most famous for *that* shower scene in horror movie Psycho,
image source: insider.com
Janet also played alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the horror movie Halloween H20 in recent years. It looks like mother Janet Leigh gave her daughter the itch for starring in the horror genre!

41. Kate Middleton and the Fanning Sisters

Although they aren't direct relatives hanging around the Christmas table together, the Duchess of Cambridge and British royalty, Kate Middleton, is actually distantly related to acting sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning!
image source: thecut.com
It was discovered through ancestry tracing that Elle and Dakota are related to King Edward III, who was king of England back in the early 1300s. Kate Middleton - naturally - also has family connections to King Edward, as her mother, Carole Middleton, is a descendent.

42. Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy

These are two actresses that most people know about for their separate careers, but never put two and two together about the shared name - and understandably, because they look nothing alike!
image source: usweekly.com
The lack of family resemblance is because they're cousins, rather than anything direct like sisters. Both Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy have made careers in the genre of comedy in the acting world, so the cousins share that at least.

43. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci

Emily Blunt is a stunning actress known for both her many acting roles, and her marriage to fellow actor John Krasinski. She more recently starred in The Quiet Place movies and Mary Poppins.
image source: people.com
Stanley Tucci is a famous and successful actor, and you may remember the pair of them starring together in The Devil Wears Prada. Actually, the two are related through marriage - Tucci is married to Emily Blunt's older sister, Felicity Blunt!

44. Barbra Streisand and Josh Brolin

Barbra Streisand is of course Hollywood royalty, both for movies and the music business. John Brolin is a famous actor most recently known for his role as Thanos in the Avengers movies.
image source: entertainmenttonight.com
You might never have put these two together as being related, but Barbra is actually Josh's stepmother! That's because Streisand is married to James Brolin, Josh's father, and has been since 1998.

45. Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard

Another case of the shared surname, but not one you might have known about in terms of close family relations! Bryce Dallas Howard has quickly been proving her talent for a range of movies and one of the big stars of Hollywood right now
image source: abcnews.com
Ron Howard is the famous movie director - and Oscar winner - who is also her father. Bryce has starred in a fair few of her father's movies, but she's told the world before that she still has to ask her dad whether she can audition or not!

46. Blake Lively and Robyn Lively

It's understandable why we don't hear as much about Robyn Lively as her sister, Blake Lively, due to her fame, her Met Gala gowns and her marriage to Ryan Reynolds (and everything they Tweet about).
image source: foxnews.com
But Robyn Lively is not only an actress in her own right, she's also the half-sister of actress Blake. Robyn appeared in Teen Witch, while Blake is best known for her role in Gossip Girl.

47. Tom Cruise and William Mapother

The reason that a lot of people don't know this acting pair are related is because a lot of people don't know Tom Cruise's real name (nope, it's not actually just Cruise!). Like many famous actors, Tom did a bit of a switch up when it came to his stage name.
image source: twitter.com
His real name is Tom Cruise Mapother IV. We can understand why he didn't keep his full title... He's cousins with actor, William Mapother. They've also starred together in more films than you might realize, including Vanilla Sky, Mission: Impossible II and Born on the Fourth of July.

48. Quincy Jones and Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones has made her own successful way in the acting business, known for her roles in The Office US, Black AF and Parks and Recreation. Alongside acting, she's also a successful writer, producer and director in the business.
image source: entertainmentweekly.com
Speaking of directing: she also directed the documentary, Quincy, which appeared on Netflix, named after Quincy Jones... her father! Quincy told the story of her father's life and the name he made for himself in the music industry.

49. Meryl Streep and the Gummer Sisters

Mamie and Grace Gummer are both actresses, and they're the kind that leave you scratching your heads and reaching for your phone when you're watching a movie to try and Google where you've seen them before.
image source: usweekly.com
They make it so difficult because 1) they look so much alike so you never know whether you're watching Mamie or Grace, and 2) you just know they look like someone and you can't put your finger on it! Well, that someone might be their famous acting mother, Meryl Streep.

50. King Charles III and Ralph Fiennes

If you thought that the Fanning sisters being related to Kate Middleton was interesting, wait 'til you hear this! The recently coronated King Charles III is actually related to famous actor Ralph Fiennes, of all people.
image source: purpleclover.com
According to genealogy research, Ralph is distantly related to James II of Scotland, while King Charles III is related to James II, too. He could be the king then one day if all went wrong?