Actors You Didn’t Realize Have Famous Parents

Hollywood is full of family ties that fly under the radar, and plenty of familiar faces come from equally familiar households. This list spotlights male actors whose parents were already in the public eye, whether in film, television, comedy, music, or politics. You may recognize the last names, but the details behind them can be surprising. Here is a friendly roundup of who they are and which famous parents helped shape their early world.

Jack Quaid

Jack Quaid is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, both mainstays of big screen hits. He broke out with ‘The Boys’ and has appeared in films like ‘Scream’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. Dennis Quaid became a leading man through movies such as ‘The Right Stuff’ and ‘The Parent Trap’. Meg Ryan defined a stretch of modern rom-com with ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’.

Wyatt Russell

Wyatt Russell is the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. He has starred in ‘Lodge 49’, ‘Overlord’, and played John Walker in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Kurt Russell has a long action and adventure résumé with titles like ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘Tombstone’. Goldie Hawn became a comedy icon through ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘The First Wives Club’.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood is the son of Clint Eastwood and flight attendant Jacelyn Reeves. He has acted in ‘The Longest Ride’, ‘Suicide Squad’, and ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’. Clint Eastwood is known worldwide as the star of ‘Dirty Harry’ and the director of ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. Scott adopted the Eastwood surname professionally and has appeared in several of his father’s productions.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the son of rapper and actor Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff. He portrayed his father in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and later appeared in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Cocaine Bear’. Ice Cube moved from music to films like ‘Friday’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. Their real life connection helped ground his first major role with inside knowledge of the story.

John David Washington

John David Washington is the son of Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington. He led ‘BlacKkKlansman’, headlined ‘Tenet’, and starred in ‘Ballers’. Denzel Washington is acclaimed for ‘Training Day’, ‘Malcolm X’, and ‘Glory’. Pauletta Washington is an actress and musician whose stage and screen work spans decades.

Max Irons

Max Irons is the son of Jeremy Irons and Sinéad Cusack. His credits include ‘The White Queen’, ‘Condor’, and ‘The Wife’. Jeremy Irons is celebrated for roles in ‘Reversal of Fortune’, ‘Dead Ringers’, and as a voice in ‘The Lion King’. Sinéad Cusack is a respected stage and screen performer with work in productions like ‘V for Vendetta’ and numerous Royal Shakespeare Company plays.

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson is the son of Irish actor Brendan Gleeson and Mary Weldon. He has appeared in ‘Ex Machina’, ‘About Time’, and the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. Brendan Gleeson is known for ‘In Bruges’, ‘The Guard’, and ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. The family connection extends to brother Brian Gleeson, who is also an actor.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård is the eldest acting son of Stellan Skarsgård and My Skarsgård. He gained attention with ‘True Blood’, won awards for ‘Big Little Lies’, and starred in ‘The Northman’. Stellan Skarsgård has worked in ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Chernobyl’, and ‘Dune’. Acting is a family trade as several Skarsgård siblings have become performers.

Jason Ritter

Jason Ritter is the son of John Ritter and Nancy Morgan. His roles include ‘Parenthood’, ‘The Tale’, and voice work in ‘Frozen II’. John Ritter was beloved for ‘Three’s Company’ and later ‘8 Simple Rules’. Nancy Morgan has acted in film and television and appeared in titles such as ‘The San Pedro Beach Bums’.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is the son of comedian and actor Eugene Levy and producer Deborah Divine. He co-created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and has hosted and produced multiple unscripted projects. Eugene Levy is known for ‘American Pie’ and collaborations like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Waiting for Guffman’. Deborah Divine has long worked behind the scenes in television production.

Charlie Hall

Charlie Hall is the son of Julia Louis-Dreyfus and writer producer Brad Hall. He has appeared in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ and popped up in comedies like ‘Single Drunk Female’. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a television legend from ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Veep’. Brad Hall created ‘The Edge’ and wrote for ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Michael Gandolfini

Michael Gandolfini is the son of James Gandolfini and Marcy Wudarski. He portrayed young Tony Soprano in ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ and has since worked in projects like ‘Cherry’. James Gandolfini is remembered for ‘The Sopranos’ and films including ‘Enough Said’. Michael’s performance drew on personal insight into his father’s celebrated character.

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Patrick Schwarzenegger is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. He has acted in ‘Moxie’, ‘The Staircase’, and ‘Gen V’. Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned from bodybuilding to star in ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Predator’. Maria Shriver is a journalist and author with a prominent family legacy in American public life.

Louis Ashbourne Serkis

Louis Ashbourne Serkis is the son of Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashbourne. He starred in ‘The Kid Who Would Be King’ and appeared in ‘No Return’ and ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Andy Serkis is a pioneer of performance capture through ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’. Lorraine Ashbourne has built a steady career across British television and theatre.

Tony Goldwyn

Tony Goldwyn is the son of film producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and actress Jennifer Howard, and the grandson of mogul Samuel Goldwyn. He became widely known on television through ‘Scandal’ and has directed episodes of ‘Dexter’ and ‘Justified’. Samuel Goldwyn Jr. produced films under The Samuel Goldwyn Company and successor banners. Jennifer Howard worked in stage and screen, continuing a multi generation Hollywood lineage.

Colin Hanks

Colin Hanks is the son of Tom Hanks and actress Samantha Lewes. He appeared in ‘Orange County’ and built steady television work in ‘Fargo’ and ‘Life in Pieces’. Tom Hanks established a long career through titles like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Samantha Lewes acted in projects including ‘Bosom Buddies’ and worked in theatre.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen is the son of Martin Sheen and producer Janet Templeton. He became widely known for films like ‘Platoon’ and the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Martin Sheen starred in ‘Apocalypse Now’ and later led ‘The West Wing’. Janet Templeton produced stage and television projects and contributed to their family’s arts background.

Emilio Estevez

Emilio Estevez is the son of Martin Sheen and Janet Templeton. He gained early fame with the Brat Pack era through ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’. He later wrote and directed features such as ‘Bobby’ and returned to television with ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’. The family connection also includes brother Charlie Sheen in film and TV.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is the son of Donald Sutherland and actress Shirley Douglas. He starred in ’24’ and appeared in films like ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘A Few Good Men’. Donald Sutherland built a wide ranging career across ‘MAS*H’ and ‘Ordinary People’. Shirley Douglas worked in Canadian film and television and was active in theatre.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas is the son of Kirk Douglas and actress Diana Dill. He produced ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and later led films like ‘Wall Street’ and ‘Fatal Attraction’. Kirk Douglas became a major name through ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Paths of Glory’. Diana Dill acted in film and television and appeared on American and Bermudian stages.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller is the son of comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. He directed and starred in ‘Zoolander’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’ and led the series ‘Severance’ as a director. Jerry Stiller was known for ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘The King of Queens’. Anne Meara worked in film and television and performed together with Jerry as Stiller and Meara.

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin is the son of James Brolin and wildlife advocate Jane Cameron Agee. He earned major roles in ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘Sicario’, and ‘Avengers Endgame’. James Brolin worked in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Life in Pieces’ and has a long filmography in film and TV. Jane Cameron Agee worked in television production and maintained ties to film sets.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. is the son of comedian and actor Freddie Prinze and Katherine Elaine Prinze. He led a run of late 1990s hits with ‘She’s All That’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. His father starred in ‘Chico and the Man’ and performed stand up nationally. He has also worked extensively in voice acting including ‘Star Wars Rebels’.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal is the son of director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner. He has headlined films such as ‘Nightcrawler’, ‘Prisoners’, and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Stephen Gyllenhaal directed features and television including ‘Paris Trout’. Naomi Foner wrote ‘Running on Empty’ and produced and developed film projects.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann Ford. He appeared in his father’s projects before leading films like ‘Chaplin’ and the ‘Iron Man’ series. Robert Downey Sr. directed underground and independent titles including ‘Putney Swope’. Elsie Ann Ford performed in theatre and in her husband’s films.

Sean Astin

Sean Astin is the son of actress Patty Duke and actor John Astin. He is known for ‘The Goonies’, ‘Rudy’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Patty Duke worked across film and television and won awards for roles such as ‘The Miracle Worker’. John Astin became widely recognized through ‘The Addams Family’ and continued with stage and voice work.

Cooper Hoffman

Cooper Hoffman is the son of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and director Mimi O’Donnell. He made his film debut in ‘Licorice Pizza’ and received critical attention for the role. Philip Seymour Hoffman starred in titles like ‘Capote’ and ‘The Master’. Mimi O’Donnell directed theatre and served as artistic director at the Labyrinth Theater Company.

Jack Kilmer

Jack Kilmer is the son of Val Kilmer and actress Joanne Whalley. He appeared in ‘Palo Alto’ and later portrayed his father’s younger version in ‘Willow’. Val Kilmer led films such as ‘Top Gun’ and ‘The Doors’. Joanne Whalley worked in ‘Willow’ and ‘The Borgias’ and has a substantial television and film résumé.

Toby Stephens

Toby Stephens is the son of Maggie Smith and actor Robert Stephens. He starred in ‘Black Sails’ and has performed in films like ‘Die Another Day’. Maggie Smith is known for ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’. Robert Stephens led the Royal National Theatre and appeared in numerous stage and screen productions.

Max Minghella

Max Minghella is the son of director Anthony Minghella and choreographer Carolyn Choa. He acted in ‘The Social Network’ and the series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Anthony Minghella directed films such as ‘The English Patient’ and ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’. Carolyn Choa worked as a choreographer and director for opera and theatre.

Jason Schwartzman

Jason Schwartzman is the son of actress Talia Shire and producer Jack Schwartzman and is part of the Coppola family. He debuted with ‘Rushmore’ and later appeared in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ and ‘The Darjeeling Limited’. His mother Talia Shire starred in ‘Rocky’ and ‘The Godfather Part II’. He is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and cousin to Sofia Coppola.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Coppola to literature professor August Coppola and dancer Joy Vogelsang. He changed his surname early in his career and went on to lead films like ‘Leaving Las Vegas’, ‘Face Off’, and ‘National Treasure’. August Coppola was the brother of director Francis Ford Coppola. The family connection also links him to filmmaker Sofia Coppola and actor Jason Schwartzman.

Scott Caan

Scott Caan is the son of actor James Caan and model and actress Sheila Ryan. He co starred in ‘Hawaii Five 0’ and appeared in films such as ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and ‘Into the Blue’. James Caan became known for ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Misery’. Sheila Ryan acted and modeled and worked in television and film.

Mason Gooding

Mason Gooding is the son of actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sara Kapfer. He has roles in ‘Love Victor’ and the recent ‘Scream’ installments. Cuba Gooding Jr. gained wide recognition for ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. Mason’s credits also include appearances in ‘Booksmart’ and guest roles on network television.

Hopper Penn

Hopper Penn is the son of Sean Penn and Robin Wright. He acted in ‘The Cleaner’ and appeared with his sister Dylan Penn in ‘Signs of Love’. Sean Penn is known for films like ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Milk’. Robin Wright starred in ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Forrest Gump’.

Ray Nicholson

Ray Nicholson is the son of Jack Nicholson and model and actress Rebecca Broussard. He appeared in ‘Promising Young Woman’ and starred in the series ‘Panic’. Jack Nicholson is known for ‘The Shining’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. Ray has also worked behind the camera as a second assistant director.

Lewis Pullman

Lewis Pullman is the son of actor Bill Pullman and dancer Tamara Hurwitz. He appeared in ‘Top Gun Maverick’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and stars in ‘Outer Range’. Bill Pullman led films like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘While You Were Sleeping’. Lewis also plays in the band Atta Boy and balances film and television work.

John Owen Lowe

John Owen Lowe is the son of Rob Lowe and producer and jewelry designer Sheryl Berkoff. He co created and stars with his father in ‘Unstable’ and has appeared in ‘The Grinder’. Rob Lowe built a long career in film and television including ‘Parks and Recreation’. John Owen’s credits include writing work on scripted comedy.

Ethan Peck

Ethan Peck is the grandson of Gregory Peck and the son of Stephen Peck and artist Francine Matarazzo. He portrays Spock in ‘Star Trek Strange New Worlds’ and previously led the series ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’. Gregory Peck headlined classics like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Ethan began acting as a teenager and works in voice acting as well.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort is the son of fashion photographer Arthur Elgort and opera director and producer Grethe Barrett Holby. He has starred in ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘West Side Story’ and appeared in the ‘Divergent’ series. Arthur Elgort is known for influential work in major fashion magazines. Grethe Barrett Holby founded arts organizations and produced opera and dance projects.

Jack Huston

Jack Huston is the son of screenwriter Tony Huston and the grandson of director John Huston. He broke out in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and later starred in ‘Ben Hur’ and ‘American Hustle’. The Huston family includes actors Anjelica Huston and Danny Huston. Jack began on stage in the United Kingdom before moving to film and television.

Oliver Hudson

Oliver Hudson is the son of Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson and the brother of Kate Hudson. He starred in ‘Rules of Engagement’ and ‘Scream Queens’ and appears in ‘The Cleaning Lady’. Goldie Hawn is known for ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘Overboard’. Oliver was raised by Hawn with Kurt Russell who is a longtime partner and fellow actor.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith is the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. He acted in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and led ‘The Karate Kid’ before appearing in ‘After Earth’. Will Smith starred in ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Independence Day’. Jada Pinkett Smith’s credits include ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’.

Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan is the son of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. He has acted across Hindi cinema with films like ‘Guru’ and ‘Dhoom’ and works in streaming projects as well. Amitabh Bachchan is a major figure with titles such as ‘Sholay’ and ‘Piku’. Jaya Bachchan has a respected film career and has served in public life in India.

Share the surprising family connections you know about in the comments so everyone can compare discoveries.