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Dolly Parton | Miley Cyrus | Source: Getty Images
Dolly Parton | Miley Cyrus | Source: Getty Images

8 Celebrity Duos You Can’t Imagine Are Relatives – Who Are They?

Dorcus Osongo
Jun 04, 2024
12:33 P.M.
  • In the world of showbiz, some stars have surprising family connections.
  • Fans might be surprised to learn that the eight pairs of celebrities covered here are related.
  • From Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty to Justin Bieber and Ryan Gosling, these relationships show unexpected family ties among famous people.
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Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton at Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas - Season 2022, on August 24, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton at Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas - Season 2022, on August 24, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

In the exciting world of showbiz, it's surprising to learn that some stars are actually related. The entertainment industry is full of unexpected family connections, linking actors, musicians, and TV personalities in ways you wouldn't expect.

Ryan Gosling attends "The Gray Man" Special Screening in London, England, on July 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Ryan Gosling attends "The Gray Man" Special Screening in London, England, on July 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

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These celebrity pairs don't always talk about being family, so fans are often shocked when they find out. This article unveils eight pairs of celebrities whose familial ties might surprise you.

From cousins who conquered different realms of entertainment to siblings who share the limelight, these connections add a fascinating layer to their already intriguing public personas.

ustin Bieber performs onstage during An Evening With Justin Bieber in Los Angeles, California, on November 13, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

ustin Bieber performs onstage during An Evening With Justin Bieber in Los Angeles, California, on November 13, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty

Shirley MacLaine was born Shirley MacLean Beatty on April 24, 1934. She is an actress, writer, and producer with the ancestry of English and Scottish. Some of the productions Shirley has starred in include, the "Salem Witch Trials," "Postcards from the Edge" and "Rumor Has It…."

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Shirley MacLaine at "The Last Word" press conference in Beverly Hills, California, on March 3, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

Shirley MacLaine at "The Last Word" press conference in Beverly Hills, California, on March 3, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

The 90-year-old is the sister to Warren Beatty, who was born March 30, 1937. Since starring in his first film, "Splendor in the Grass," Warren went on to hold diverse positions, including that of a producer, director, actor, and writer.

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty, at the April 18th Academy Awards presentation, on April 18, 1966. | Source: Getty Images

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty, at the April 18th Academy Awards presentation, on April 18, 1966. | Source: Getty Images

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Shirley often speaks lovingly of her brother, who she says is the beautiful one in the family. When Warren was caught up in an Oscar flub in 2017, she expressed empathy and concern towards her brother.

Warren Beatty attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball in Hollywood, California, on February 26, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

Warren Beatty attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball in Hollywood, California, on February 26, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

In a historically chaotic scene, Warren was given the wrong envelope and so his co-presenter ended up reading the wrong winner for the best picture award. Shirley, who is protective of Warren, worried about how he must have felt being caught up in that chaos.

Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine in the audience during the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held in Hollywood, California, on June 11, 2008. | Source: Getty Images

Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine in the audience during the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held in Hollywood, California, on June 11, 2008. | Source: Getty Images

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Warren Beatty, 87, has also spoken of his relationship with Shirley. After his big break into the entertainment industry, the actor turned to his sister for support. He expressed, "I was lucky to grow up with a feminist mother and a feminist sister. We're very close."

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty on May 10, 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty on May 10, 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Still, the sibling's relationship has not always been smooth as they have had years when they didn't speak. One notable occasion is when they differed over his choice of girlfriends, particularly Madonna.

Madonna with Warren Beatty on the set of his movie 'Dick Tracy,' in 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Madonna with Warren Beatty on the set of his movie 'Dick Tracy,' in 1990. | Source: Getty Images

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However, they managed to get back on speaking terms even when they were on different paths. Shirley revealed that she was also close to her brother's kids. Ultimately, she said, as the senior, Warren is obliged to listen to her.

hirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty attend the after party for the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Shirley MacLaine held in Culver City, California, on June 7, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

hirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty attend the after party for the 40th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Shirley MacLaine held in Culver City, California, on June 7, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts, an actress and producer, is the daughter of Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham. She is known for starring in productions such as "American Horror Story," "Madame Web," and "We're the Millers."

Emma Roberts attends Saks Fifth Avenue's New York Fashion Week Kickoff Party in New York City, on February 8, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Roberts attends Saks Fifth Avenue's New York Fashion Week Kickoff Party in New York City, on February 8, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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Julia Roberts, an Oscar-winning actress, is Emma's aunt. Emma's dad, Eric, can see the resemblance between his sister and daughter. "They look so much alike that I love the pictures of them when they're side-by-side," shared Eric.

Eric added that it's cool to look at Emma and Julia, 56, as he loves seeing them together. "They're both such Robertses. You know?" he gushed.

Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts arrive to the Los Angeles Premiere "Valentine's Day" in Hollywood, California, on February 8, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts arrive to the Los Angeles Premiere "Valentine's Day" in Hollywood, California, on February 8, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

Emma has also spoken out about looking like her famous aunt, noting that the reason for their likeness is that they both have a lot of teeth.

Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Jesus Henry Christ" in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Jesus Henry Christ" in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

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In 2019, Emma, 33, debuted new long blonde hair on Instagram, which sparked comparisons, highlighting an uncanny resemblance between her and Julia. The adorable photo showcased their striking similarities, including big eyes, matching hair, and radiant smiles.

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Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton have known each other ever since the "Flowers" singer was a baby. Miley's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Dolly were friends. So, when the 31-year-old was born, her father told Dolly that she just had to be her godmother.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Dolly, 78, who accepted to be Miley's godmother said, "We never did do a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her. and she’s just like one of my own."

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The "Jolene" singer has no kids of her own but she has treated Miley as if she were her own daughter. When Miley was on "Hannah Montana," Dolly popped up as a guest star on an episode in the first season of the tween show in 2006.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton on "Hannah Montana" on May 31, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton on "Hannah Montana" on May 31, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

As Miley started building a brand as a pop singer, Dolly showered her with compliments in public and always told her the truth in private. The two have also had music collaborations, including working on a new version of Miley's 2013 hit song "Wrecking Ball."

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At 17 years old, Miley and Dolly performed a duet of the 1973 hit "Jolene" at the 25th anniversary of the Dollywood theme in the park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The two sounded so well and sang together again at the Grammy Awards in February 2019.

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Dolly, who has stood by Miley Cyrus through the ups and downs in her career is proud of the work she has done. She revealed that Miley comes to her for advice but she doesn't need it as she is doing all right on her own.

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Bob Odenkirk and King Charles

Robert Odenkirk, who goes by Bob, is an actor, screenwriter, and producer, born on October 22, 1962, in Berwyn, Illinois. Some of the movies and shows he has starred in are "Better Caul Saul," "Breaking Bad," and "Incredibles 2."

Bob Odenkirk visits the IMDb Portrait Studio in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Bob Odenkirk visits the IMDb Portrait Studio in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

The actor is the son of Barbara Odenkirk and Walter Odenkirk and his ancestry includes German and Irish. Robert, the second of seven children, revealed a surprising connection with the Royal Family that he found on his family tree.

King Charles III attends the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London, England, on June 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III attends the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London, England, on June 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

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The 61-year-old said that as an American, he doesn't believe in the monarchy and was surprised when he was told that he and King Charles III are eleventh cousins. He also joked that maybe now he will change his mind about the monarchy.

Bob Odenkirk and King Charles III's collage on a YouTube video dated January 31, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@TODAY

Bob Odenkirk and King Charles III's collage on a YouTube video dated January 31, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@TODAY

Elle Fanning and Kate Middleton

Bob is not the only one with royal blood as Ancestry.com discovered in 2014 that Elle Fanning and her sister Dakota Fanning are related to King Edward III and Kate Middleton.

Elle Fanning attends The Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" in New York City, on May 6, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Elle Fanning attends The Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" in New York City, on May 6, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

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Elle is an actress, producer, and director born on April 9, 1998. Her roots trace back to Germany, Ireland, England, France, and the Channel Islands. The actress was surprised to learn that King Edward III is her great-great-great grandfather.

Elle Fanning attends the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" in New York City,  on May 1, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Elle Fanning attends the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" in New York City, on May 1, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

The "Maleficent" actress is also a very distant cousin of Kate Middleton. The 26-year-old did not do the testing as someone else did but she was glad to find these details out as she had always wanted to find out more about her family roots.

Catherine, Princess of Wales at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps in London, England, on December 5, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps in London, England, on December 5, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson

Luke Cunningham Wilson was born on September 21, 1971, to Irish American parents who are originally from Massachusetts. His mom, Laura Cunningham was a photographer while his dad Robert Andrew Cunningham was an advertising executive.

Luke Wilson attends the Casting Society of America's 33rd annual Artios Awards in New York City, on January 18, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Luke Wilson attends the Casting Society of America's 33rd annual Artios Awards in New York City, on January 18, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Luke, 52, grew up with his brothers Owen and Andrew Wilson. Andrew is the eldest while Owen is the middle brother. Luke's brother, Owen, 55, is a self-proclaimed problem maker and just like his two brothers, he got into the acting industry.

Owen Wilson attends Paramount+'s 'Secret Headquarters' Premiere in New York City, on August 8, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Owen Wilson attends Paramount+'s 'Secret Headquarters' Premiere in New York City, on August 8, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

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Owen, who is guarded about his life, is close to his brothers. In 2007, it was reported that Owen had attempted suicide but he has not discussed this publicly. However, he said that his family helped immensely during his recovery.

Luke and Owen Wilson attend the MOCA Gala in Los Angeles, California, on May 14, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

Luke and Owen Wilson attend the MOCA Gala in Los Angeles, California, on May 14, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

Andrew, 59, moved in with him for a while after he left the hospital and Owen said that it felt great knowing that someone had his back. Andrew has continued to be of great support to Owen.

Andrew, Owen and Luke Wilson attend A Tribute To The Wilson Brothers, part of the Maui Film Festival, in Wailea, Hawaii, on June 16, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Andrew, Owen and Luke Wilson attend A Tribute To The Wilson Brothers, part of the Maui Film Festival, in Wailea, Hawaii, on June 16, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

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Owen has also lived with Luke Wilson when he was in Atlanta in 2022. When asked how it felt to be living with his younger brother after all these years, Owen described the situation as fun as he had someone to go to dinner and watch games with.

Luke and Owen Wilson during World Premiere of "Starsky & Hutch" - Arrivals in Westwood, on Februay 26, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Luke and Owen Wilson during World Premiere of "Starsky & Hutch" - Arrivals in Westwood, on Februay 26, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Owen also joked that the experience showed him what he liked about Luke and what could also drive him crazy. He hilariously said there was a lot of arguing, adding that depending on who is asked, either of them can be a neat freak while the other is a slob.

Owen and Luke Wilson attend "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" premiere after party in New York City, on December 9, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Owen and Luke Wilson attend "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" premiere after party in New York City, on December 9, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

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Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson

Country singer Reba McEntire is related to television personality Kelly Clarkson through marriage. Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, and Narvel is the father of Brandon Blackstock.

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson on "The Kelly Crakson Show," on September 24, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson on "The Kelly Crakson Show," on September 24, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Brandon Blackstock went on to marry Kelly from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2021. During Kelly's marriage to Brandon, Reba was her stepmother-in-law.

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire attend the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 15, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire attend the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 15, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

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Though Kelly and Brandon are no longer married, this relationship created a familial connection between the two music stars. Furthermore, Kelly revealed that she was friends with Reba long before she got married to Brandon.

Reba McEntire performs with Kelly Clarkson at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 7, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Reba McEntire performs with Kelly Clarkson at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 7, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Kelly added that Reba would know best that love sometimes doesn't work out, so her divorce from Brandon has not affected their close relationship. The two have even worked together on "The Voice" and Reba has remained one of Kelly's major influences as an artist.

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson perform onstage during the 42nd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 15, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson perform onstage during the 42nd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 15, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

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Justin Bieber and Ryan Gosling

Justin Bieber was excited in 2019 when he found out that he was related to Ryan Gosling. The pop singer shared a screenshot of his roots tracing to Ryan and Avril Lavigne.

Justin Bieber arrives at the Premiere Of YouTube Originals' "Justin Bieber: Seasons" in Los Angeles, California, on January 27, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Justin Bieber arrives at the Premiere Of YouTube Originals' "Justin Bieber: Seasons" in Los Angeles, California, on January 27, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

He captioned the post, "I also just found out that I'm related to both Ryan gosling and Avril Lavigne this is the best day of my life.. it seems super legit it's on ancestry.com."

Ryan Gosling at the premiere of "The Gray Man" held in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2022.  | Source: Getty Images

Ryan Gosling at the premiere of "The Gray Man" held in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

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Justin, who is of French-Canadian, Irish, German, English, and Scottish descent, received many comments from his fans with one of the saying, "The best day of my life? Wow no imaginations."

Justin Bieber attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Justin Bieber attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Another fan wrote, "That's pretty cool" while one user simply said, "Wow." Just like Justin, Ryan's ancestry is French-Canadian, as well as English, Scottish, and Irish. Now, the two are both thriving in the entertainment industry as actors and singers.

Ryan Gosling poses in press room at the 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on November 4, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Ryan Gosling poses in press room at the 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on November 4, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

These surprising celebrity family connections add a fascinating twist to the entertainment world. From siblings to distant cousins, these relationships show that Hollywood is more interconnected than fans might think.

Knowing these stars are related gives a new perspective on their lives and careers, making their stories even more interesting.

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