20 Celebrities Who Are Secretly Related to Historical Figures

Ever thought your favorite celebrity might have a family tree rooted in history’s most iconic figures? Genealogy digs have uncovered some wild connections, tying modern-day stars to the past in ways you’d never expect.

From Hollywood heavyweights to music moguls, these 20 celebrities share bloodlines with kings, rebels, and literary giants. Dive into these surprising ties that show fame might just be in the DNA.

Taylor Swift

Pop superstar Taylor Swift, known for ‘Folklore’ (2020), is sixth cousins, three times removed, with poet Emily Dickinson. Their shared ancestor weaves a thread between their creative worlds.

Swift’s knack for spinning stories in her songs feels like a nod to Dickinson’s emotional poetry. The link adds a poetic twist to her already evocative artistry.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch, star of ‘The Imitation Game’ (2014), is a distant cousin to King Richard III, the 15th-century monarch. He even read at the king’s reburial.

His ability to portray layered characters seems to echo Richard’s complex legacy. It’s a fitting connection for an actor who thrives on depth.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, from ‘Suits’ (2011-2019), is sixth cousins, five times removed, with Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime prime minister. Their lineage traces through British roots.

Her grace under pressure mirrors Churchill’s steadfast leadership. This tie adds a historical heft to her public persona.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington, Jon Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), descends from Robert Catesby, the Gunpowder Plot’s mastermind. He portrayed Catesby in ‘Gunpowder’ (2017).

Harington’s intense roles feel like a reflection of Catesby’s bold rebellion. The connection makes his historical roles hit even harder.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton, seen in ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011), comes from the line of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s 14th-century hero king. Her family’s noble roots run deep.

Her commanding screen presence feels like a spark from the Bruce’s legacy. This tie grounds her eccentricity in historical pride.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton, of ‘American History X’ (1998), is a direct descendant of Pocahontas, the 17th-century Native American figure. She’s his 12th great-grandmother.

His ability to tackle intricate roles seems to channel Pocahontas’ diplomatic spirit. He learned of this link through family lore and a genealogy show.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, star of ‘Cast Away’ (2000), is a third cousin, four times removed, to Abraham Lincoln through Lincoln’s mother. Their shared Hanks lineage ties them close.

Hanks’ relatable charm feels like a modern take on Lincoln’s warmth. His role in narrating ‘Killing Lincoln’ (2013) adds a personal layer.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage, known for ‘Ghost Rider’ (2007), is the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola, who made ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979). Their family is a cinematic powerhouse.

Cage’s bold performances mirror Coppola’s daring vision. This direct tie shows how talent can flow through generations.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter, from ‘The King’s Speech’ (2010), is the great-granddaughter of Herbert Henry Asquith, Britain’s World War I prime minister. Her lineage is steeped in influence.

Her quirky yet powerful roles seem to draw from Asquith’s leadership. The connection ties her artistry to a political legacy.

Rose Leslie

Rose Leslie, of ‘The Good Fight’ (2017-2022), descends from King Charles II through her Scottish noble roots. She grew up in a castle, fitting her regal vibe.

Her poised performances echo her royal ancestry. This link adds a majestic layer to her on-screen presence.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, star of ‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999), traces her lineage to King Philip II of France, a 12th-century ruler. Her royal blood runs deep.

Her commanding roles and humanitarian work feel like echoes of Philip’s influence. This tie elevates her larger-than-life persona.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé, behind ‘Cowboy Carter’ (2024), is a 25th cousin, once removed, to Queen Elizabeth II, linked through King Henry II. It’s a distant but royal connection.

Her magnetic stage energy feels like a modern take on royal charisma. This lineage adds a crown to her iconic status.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson, of ‘Tenet’ (2020), is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler, the real-life Dracula inspiration, through royal lines. It’s a chilling tie.

His ‘Twilight’ vampire role feels like fate. This connection casts a shadowy intrigue over his career.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver, known for ‘Avatar’ (2009), descends from King Henry I of England. She’s also a distant cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.

Her fierce, groundbreaking roles reflect Henry’s strong rule. This lineage adds a royal edge to her legendary status.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal, from ‘The Honourable Woman’ (2014), descends from King Edward III, tying her to England’s 14th-century royalty. Her noble roots run deep.

Her subtle, powerful performances feel like a nod to Edward’s balanced reign. This link enriches her artistic legacy.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal, star of ‘Prisoners’ (2013), shares his sister Maggie’s lineage to King Edward III. Their family tree is steeped in royalty.

His versatile, intense roles mirror Edward’s adaptive rule. The sibling connection makes their heritage even more intriguing.

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, of ‘No More Tears’ (1991), is a distant cousin to outlaw Jesse James, the Wild West’s notorious bandit. Their shared lineage is rebellious.

Osbourne’s wild rock persona feels like a modern echo of James’ defiance. This tie adds grit to his legacy.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle, beyond her Churchill tie, is a fifth cousin, 13 times removed, to William Shakespeare. This literary link adds depth to her story.

Her captivating presence, on screen and off, feels like a spark of Shakespeare’s genius. It’s a connection that enriches her multifaceted career.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel, of ‘500 Days of Summer’ (2009), has ancestors who ran an Underground Railroad stop, helping enslaved people escape. Her family history is heroic.

Her warm, quirky roles seem to carry their compassionate spirit. This tie roots her charm in a legacy of bravery.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons, from ‘Young Sheldon’ (2017-2024), has a sixth great-grandfather, Louis-Francois Trouard, who designed parts of Versailles. It’s a creative connection.

His sharp, intellectual roles feel like a nod to Trouard’s precision. This link ties his comedy to a historic craft.

Which star’s historical connection blew your mind? Drop your favorite in the comments!