Inheritance disputes over family keepsakes have frequently sparked disagreements among family members, a grim fact that has led to many strained relationships. People may not always receive the physical assets they wish for, but there’s one inheritance nature alone controls. This refers to the familiarity in features from generation to generation that serves as a bond, regardless of the years that separate them.
It’s quite normal to observe similar aesthetic characteristics among siblings, parents, and their children. However, there are a few unique instances where these distinguishing features seem to skip a generation or two. The upcoming discussion of multi-generational doppelgangers raises an intriguing question: Could it be possible that along with blatant physical traits, intangible aspects like talent, character, and accomplishment are also inherited? Given the extraordinary abilities of these celebrities, there could be some truth to this conjecture. Continue reading to discover more about retro stars whose fame has resounded through generations owing to their grandkids who bear striking resemblance to them in appearance and talent.
Alain Delon’s Granddaughter: Alyson Le Borges
We’re sure you’ll agree that Alyson Le Borges is a knockout. The French beauty has a well-established presence in both the acting and modeling worlds. Have you seen her in the French film Blue Island? She’s a natural!
Her grandfather, Alain Delon, was a highly renowned heartthrob of his era. Looking at them side by side, one can easily see that Alyson has inherited her good looks and charisma from him. Alyson is paving her own path in the French filmmaking scene, much like her grandfather once did. Our hope is that she reaches or perhaps even surpasses the high bar of success her grandfather set.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s Granddaughter: Rose Kennedy Schlossberg
Jackie Kennedy, known for her iconic cultural and fashion influence while she was First Lady of the United States, first started her journey as Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, prior to marrying John F. Kennedy. Despite her passing on May 19, 1994, her stunning beauty and legendary style continue to resonate even today.
To illustrate: her grandchild, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, bears a strong resemblance to her. The distinct genetics have ensured the perpetuation of her exquisite beauty and elegance. Additionally, Rose is set to inherit the wealthy Kennedy estate. Admittedly, there are numerous reasons to envy Rose!
John Barrymore’s Granddaughter: Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, a celebrated actress, grew up within the prominent Barrymore family, which significantly shaped her future. She is among the remaining members of this well-known acting dynasty. Besides her accolades as a skilled actress, Drew also bares notable physical resemblances to her late grandfather, John Barrymore, who was a leading movie star during his time.
Regrettably, Drew inherited not only her grandfather’s talent but also his inclination towards substance misuse. Her grandfather died from health complications related to alcohol abuse. However, Drew managed to conquer her genetic predisposition and overcame her drug addiction, after a successful stint in rehab at the tender age of 14.
Ernest Hemingway’s Granddaughter: Dree Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway is one of the world’s most acclaimed literary giants. Even if you’ve never read one of his books, you certainly would’ve heard of The Old Man and the Sea and In Love and War. Hemingway’s contributions to literature and journalism earned him both a Nobel Prize and a Pulitzer Award. Though his great-grandchild Dree Hemingway inherited his wonderful genes, it seems that she does not share her his interest in literature.
Despite all odds, Dree is steadily gaining fame in the fashion world. Notably, she has collaborated with designer labels like Givenchy and Calvin Klein. Along with that, her list of acting roles is consistently expanding.
Roxie Roker’s Granddaughter: Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz, a notable actress, singer, and model, must indeed be appreciative for the powerhouse of talent running in her family’s lineage. Her father is celebrated global musician Lenny Kravitz, while her grandmother is Roxie Albertha Roker, a Bahamian television actress famed for her award-winning performances!
Zoe’s breakthrough role came in the 2011 superhero film X-Men: First Class, where she portrayed Angel Salvadore. She also appeared in The Divergent Series and Mad Max: Fury Road, and still continues to land interesting roles both on the small and big screens. Here’s wishing Zoe all the best in her flourishing career!
Paul McCartney’s Grandson: Arthur Donald
Is it possible that the young fellow on the right is a look-alike of Paul MacCartney? It’s no coincidence, as this Yale undergraduate student, who bears a striking resemblance, happens to be McCartney’s grandson, Arthur Donald. The similarity shared between the pair is markedly extraordinary.
Even though most American students grapple with substantial student debt, it’s suspected that McCartney’s oldest grandchild has no worries about affording the costly fees at his prestigious Ivy League institution. Are you aware that his grandfather has a net worth exceeding $1 billion?
Charlie Chaplin’s Grandson: James Thierrée
Did you realize that, as far as we are aware, Charlie Chaplin – the renowned comedian and director – has a minimum of 26 grandchildren? Quite a remarkable count! Given that he had eleven children, the number seems slightly less surprising. Intriguingly, it seems that Charlie, along with his fourth wife Oona O’Neill, possessed quite powerful genetics.
Charlie’s kids all share a strong resemblance to him, but it’s his grandson James Thierrée who looks strikingly similar to him. Thierrée possesses Charlie’s bone structure, intense eyes, and signature curly hair. Not to mention, Thierrée boasts his grandpa’s theatrical skills too, being a professional circus performer and violinist, so it’s clear he’s also inherited Charlie’s striking talents!
Elvis Presley’s Granddaughter: Riley Keough
It’s widely recognized that Elvis Presley holds a significant place in the global music sphere. It’s equally known that he had a profound love for acting, almost matching his passion for singing. However, less known is the enduring legacy he left behind, not only through his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, but also his granddaughter, Riley Keough.
Both Lisa Marie and Riley inherited Elvis’ beautiful eyes, high cheekbones, and curved lips. And just like her grandpa, Riley has a natural talent for performance. The beautiful model and actress has appeared in movies such as Magic Mike and American Honey. We’re sure this talented woman will go a long, long way thanks to her acting chops and the good genes she got from her mom and grandpa!
Queen Elizabeth’s Grandsons: Prince William And Prince Harry
Unearthing someone unfamiliar with Prince William and Prince Harry would undoubtedly be a Herculean task. These charismatic royal brothers were brought up under the scrutiny of the public, given that they are the offspring of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. The untimely demise of their mother in 1997 was a challenging period for the royal offspring, with reports suggesting that Prince Harry was particularly hard-hit by her passing.
Since maturing, both have become engrossed in their royal responsibilities which involve a great deal of charitable work and growing their respective families. Prince William fathers three adorable kids, and Prince Harry recently embraced his new role as a first-time father.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Grandson: Quinn Tivey
Elizabeth Taylor, a widely cherished film star of the 20th century, charmed the world with her beautiful face. Her distinctive violet-colored eyes, caused by an uncommon genetic alteration, along with her double rows of full eyelashes, particularly mesmerized audiences.
The Anglo-American actress, who was wedded eight times, passed away in 2011, but her cherished memory remains. Her grandson, Quinn Tivey, is an exact male mirror image of her. Tivey is the offspring of Liza Todd, Taylor’s sole child. He holds a position as a trustee in his grandmother’s charity – the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Bob Dylan’s Grandson: Pablo Dylan
In the 2010s, Pablo Dylan, the grandson of Bob Dylan, started making waves in the music industry as a rapper. At a tender age of 15, he released his own mixtape “10 Minutes”. He has collaborated with renown artists like OG Maco, ASAP Rocky, and Brent Faiyaz. Interestingly, Pablo chose to step away from the rap scene and explore a genre more closely associated with his grandfather’s fans – folk rock music!
This is when the public and the media started to make comparisons between him and his grandfather, Bob Dylan. The fro genes were definitely passed down! Bob’s grandson still loves hip hop, rap, and R&B, and is a big fan of Kanye West.
Grace Kelly’s Granddaughter: Charlotte Casiraghi
Grace Patricia Kelly, a prominent figure during the Golden Television Age, continues to be loved and admired today. Her exemplary acting prowess, which garnered her prestigious recognition such as the Golden Globe and Academy awards, contributed to her fame. Additionally, her role as the Princess of Monaco further endeared her to the wider audience.
The loving parents, Her and Prince Rainier III of Monaco adored their firstborn, Caroline. Caroline’s daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, is as breathtaking as her matriarch. Indeed, these royal ladies possess identical features including their eyebrows and cheekbones! Evidently, Casiraghi holds a place in the line of succession, being part of the royal family in Monaco.
Donald Sutherland’s Granddaughter: Sarah Sutherland
This photograph is all you need to see to know that Sarah Sutherland and Donald Sutherland are related. The young star has strong acting roots, not just from her famous grandpa, but also from her talented dad – 24 actor Kiefer Sutherland.
If you’re trying to figure out where you recognize her from, Sarah plays Catherine Meyer on HBO’s wildly popular show Veep. Her character requires her to be someone who is always nervous and anxious, and Sarah has truly nailed it. After all, she’s her father’s daughter and her grandfather’s granddaughter! These important men in her life are both recipients of Emmy Award and other accolades.
Princess Diana’s Granddaughter: Princess Charlotte
Undeniably, the charming Princess Charlotte has a striking likeness to her late grandmother, Diana, the former Princess of Wales. Their blonde hair and captivating eyes look remarkably alike. It’s heartwarming to see Princess Diana’s elegance and allure continue to shine through her granddaughter.
We aspire for this adorable little princess to embody the same kindness and compassion her late grandmother, Princess Diana, was known for. The genetic link she shares with the world renowned icon, celebrated for her glamour and advocacy, instills hope. But she’s still too young to display such traits. Therefore, we await with anticipation to observe how the second offspring of Prince William and Kate Middleton develops.
Tippi Hedren’s Granddaughter: Stella Banderas
Having Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith as your parents comes with a guarantee of good looks. Interestingly, Stella Banderas, their daughter, appears to have bypassed her parents in looks and instead resembles her grandmother. Stella’s grandmother is Tippi Hedren, an accomplished actress, dedicated animal rights activist, and previous fashion model (who also happens to be the mother of Melanie Griffith).
Tippi received international recognition for her roles in movies like The Birds and Marnie. And here’s another fun fact about the Hollywood legend: she earned $1.5 million in 2013 from a malpractice settlement. This side-by-side comparison reveals that Tippi and Stella share similar eyes and adorable noses.
Anne Gwynne’s Grandson: Chris Pine
We can’t think of anyone who’s not familiar with the handsome Chris Pine. But, did you know the Star Trek star comes from a long line of Hollywood legends? His parents are both actors, and his grandmother was Anne Gwynne.
This renowned Hollywood actress was known worldwide as one of the earliest horror film “scream queens.” Besides, she had earned popularity as a pin-up girl in the World War II era. There’s an impressive resemblance in facial traits between Pine and Gwynne, especially their hooded eyes and plump lips. Regrettably, Gwynne left us in 2003 due to a stroke. Nonetheless, she lived a good life, reaching the ripe old age of 84.
Roald Dahl’s Granddaughter: Sophie Dahl
Roald Dahl, a British novelist, poet, and short story writer, holds a place in every child’s heart as a literary champion. His masterful storytelling prowess garnered him the acclaim of being “one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century.” Although he passed away in the 1990s, his legacy lives on through his grandchild, Sophie Dahl.
Although the gorgeous model is successful in the fashion world, she has reportedly had a tougher time landing gigs than models who are skinnier than her. We hope size will cease to be such an issue in the modeling industry. Did we mention that the character “Sophie” in Roald’s book The BFG was inspired by the real-life Sophie?
Elia Kazan’s Granddaughter: Zoe Kazan
The star of HBO’s Olive Kitteridge, Zoe Kazan, is part of a prominent Hollywood dynasty. She is the daughter of screenwriter Nicholas Kazan and the granddaughter of acclaimed director Elia Kazan. Looking at this picture, it’s easy to spot the similarities between these two, despite the generation gap. Their distinctive eyes and nose make the familial connection immediately obvious.
Though Zoe may have inherited his favorable physical traits, we hope she does not adopt his questionable knack for stirring up scandal. His participation in the anti-communist witch hunts initiated by Senator McCarthy during the 1950s is something that people have continued to hold against him.
Berry Gordy’s Grandson: Sky Blu
Mahogany, a grandchild of record tycoon Berry Gordy, has been creating a buzz in the music industry. However, another grandchild of his, Skyler Austen Gordy, is equally on the rise. Recognized more commonly as “Sky Blu,” he is a testament to the family’s wealth of talent.
Sky Blu is an integral part of the electronic dance music duo known as LMFAO, along with his uncle Redfoo. They have produced incredible tracks such as “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sorry for Party Rocking”. We’re eagerly anticipating hearing more from Sky Blu and his extraordinary talent!
Samuel Goldwyn’s Grandson: Tony Goldwyn
Movie legend Samuel Goldwyn, also recognized under the name Samuel Goldfish, earned his fame by co-producing films with Paramount Pictures when the company was still in its early stages. Goldwyn operated this modest studio alongside his brother-in-law and their journey together is now an indelible part of Hollywood’s history.
Unlike his grandpa who preferred working behind the camera, Tony Goldwyn loves nothing more than being front and center. Since he began his career in the 1990s, he’s appeared in several films and TV shows. One of his most recognizable roles was his controversial character in the movie Ghost. We’re sure Samuel Goldwyn was one proud grandfather.
George H. W. Bush’s Granddaughter: Jenna Bush-Hager
Were you aware that Jenna Bush-Hager, the granddaughter of the 41st US president, belongs to a family heavily involved in politics? Her father, George W. Bush, and twin sister, Barbara, also have a political background. Nonetheless, Jenna is paving her way as a noted journalist and teacher, despite her family’s political orientation.
Jenna’s ambition and dedication are evident through her role as a writer for Southern Living and her completed apprenticeship at UNICEF, truly embodying a woman who strives for more. Her family has instilled in her the importance of such traits. Given her track record, it wouldn’t be startling if she ventured into the political sphere in the near future.
Winston Churchill’s Granddaughter: Arabella Churchill
If you love history, you have probably heard about Winston Churchill, a notable British politician and author. He assumed the position of the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945, succeeding Neville Chamberlain. Churchill’s significant contributions during the Second World War have secured his recognition globally. His influence on world history is indeed momentous and unforgettable.
Arabella Churchill, his granddaughter, displayed a keen interest in cultural aspects, particularly in the realm of arts. She inherited her grandfather’s fondness for charity work. In fact, she was instrumental in establishing and running the Children’s World Charity.
John Carradine’s Granddaughter: Ever Carradine
Actress Ever Carradine is the grandchild of the prolific actor John Carradine. He was at the peak of his career back in the ‘40s, starring in films such as The Grapes of Wrath and Stagecoach. Until his death in 1988, John appeared regularly in Western films, Shakespearean theater productions, and horror movies.
His granddaughter seemed destined to follow a similar path. Ever’s acting portfolio is quite impressive. She can currently be seen in the critically-acclaimed Netflix show, The Handmaid’s Tale, where she plays the role of Naomi Putnam, and on MCU’s Runaways as Janet Stein.
Patty Duke’s Granddaughter: Ali Astin
In case you don’t recognize her name, Patty Duke started her film career at a very young age, winning an Academy Award when she was only 16 years old. It was her moving performance in the 1962 film The Miracle Worker that earned her an Oscar. A year later, her very own The Patty Duke Show started airing. Dedicated to her craft, she kept working until 2015.
Although Patty died in 2016, her legacy lives on in the presence of her granddaughter, Alexandra Astin, who bears a striking resemblance to her. Ali’s first acting gig was in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Her most recent project was a horror movie titled Bad Kids of Crestview Academy.
Bob Elliott’s Granddaughter: Abby Elliott
Bob Elliott was widely known as one-half of the comedy duo, Bob and Ray; a partnership that spanned five decades. Bob had a remarkable career, with appearances on shows such as Saturday Night Live, Get A Life, and King of the Hill.
While he passed away in 2016, we are sure that he led a great life pursuing his dreams and making people happy. His granddaughter, Abby Elliott, also joined the Saturday Night Live show for four years before she decided to seek other projects. She’s since had a number of film and television roles. The family’s acting gene is pretty intimidating!
Wellington Mara’s Granddaughter: Kate Mara
If you’re a big fan of superhero films, you probably recognized Kate Mara as Sue Storm from the film adaptation of The Fantastic Four. Or you might know her as Wellington Mara’s granddaughter. The elder Mara is widely known as a co-owner of the New York Giants.
Mara is still considered one of the most influential figures in NFL history. His granddaughter doesn’t seem to have inherited his interest in sports, but Kate proved that she is one talented actress. She started her career in 1999 and can now be seen on shows such as American Horror Story: Murder House, 24, and House of Cards.
Jackie Gleason’s Grandson: Jason Patric
Jason Patric, a noted actor, is keeping family traditions alive, as he is the offspring of Jason Miller and the grandchild of Jackie Gleason. While Jason possesses his late grandfather’s walking cane, he was admittedly not privy to a close bond with him. Tragically, due to his grandfather’s highly private nature, he never had the opportunity to truly understand or know the man.
Patric conveyed that his grandfather felt solitude but also valued his seclusion. Still, it’s likely that Patric considers himself lucky to belong to such a gifted family.
Blythe Danner’s Granddaughter: Apple Martin
Multi-award-winning movie star Blythe Danner’s genes are so strong that her daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow – the star of Meet the Parents and The Great Santini – is almost a mirror image of her. Even her granddaughter, Apple Martin, inherited her doe-eyed beauty and signature blonde locks.
The matriarch recently celebrated her 76th birthday, yet she is still full of youthful vigor and is working on a number of projects as we speak. She has already appeared in four movies this year and will be reprising the character of Will’s mother in the reboot of the comedy series Will and Grace.
Steve McQueen’s Grandson: Steven R. McQueen
Steve McQueen’s ruggedly handsome face and adventurous demeanor made him one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars in his time. Nicknamed “The King of Cool,” he is best known for movies such as The Great Escape, The Cincinnati Kid and The Magnificent Seven. Unfortunately, the icon battled mesothelioma back in the ‘80s.
The presumption is that his illness was a consequence of continuous exposure to asbestos during his movie shooting days. McQueen had two kids, one of whose sons, Steven R. McQueen, was named in his honor. The pair, who share not only a moniker but also commendable acting talents and alluring smiles, have more than just a name in common.
Cyril Cusack’s Grandson: Max Irons
Max Irons, an actor of English-Irish descent, is the offspring of actors Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack. A quick comparison of Max and his grandfather, the eminent Cyril Cusack, reveals that Max’s good looks clearly came from his grandpa. Like many celebrities mentioned in this list, Max also possesses the inherited acting prowess that runs in his family.
Max’s father was not initially supportive of his son’s dreams of becoming an actor. Though this may sound hypocritical, Jeremy was just looking out for his kid who has dyslexia (making it incredibly challenging to learn scripts). But the determined Max worked hard to achieve his ambition – and he succeeded. So far, he has starred in Red Riding Hood, The Riot Club, and The Host. Did we mention that he used to work in a bar to support himself financially?
Royal Dano’s Grandson: Hutch Dano
Hutch Dano is the son of Rick Dano and the grandson of Royal Dano. Hutch is best-known for his role on Disney’s Zeke and Luther. He once visited Disneyland purely so he could go to the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln stage show and hear his granddad’s voice.
In the performance, Royal Dano rendered his voice for the character of President Abraham Lincoln. Hutch cited his grandfather as the catalyst for his aspiration to act. It appears he got more than just physical appearances from Royal, showing his prowess as an accomplished young actor with a net worth of $1.1 million!
Richard Davalos’s Granddaughter: Alexa Davalos
Belonging to the Davalos lineage comes with significant stress and constant public examination, a reality that Alexa Davalos experiences daily. This is due to growing up in a family of celebrities, with her mother, Elyssa Davalos, being an actress and her grandfather, Richard Davalos, being a well-known actor. Can you fathom the immense pressure she has to deal with to reach success?
At 17 years of age, Alexa was set on being independent, so she left home and started modeling before eventually pursuing theatre. On the stage, she found her true passion was with acting. The lovely actress landed roles in films such as Clash of the Titans and on television shows like The Man in the High Castle and Mob City. We’re sure you’ll make it big in no time, Alexa!
Ringo Starr’s Granddaughter: Tatia Starkey
Musician Ringo Starr may never have been The Beatles’ most famous member, but his granddaughter Tatia Starkey’s birth made him the first grandfather in the English rock band. That’s one claim to fame they can’t take from the talented drummer! And it gets even better than that…
In 2016, Tatia bestowed the honor upon Ringo of becoming the first great-grandfather among the Beatles. Exciting, isn’t it? Tatia greatly admires her grandpa and his band, to the point where her admiration made her pursue a career in music herself. It’s safe to say that Ringo significantly influences her music. We are optimistic that her son, Stone, will take after Ringo Starr’s appearance and inherit his musical abilities!
Tippi Hedren’s Granddaughter: Dakota Johnson
Although Tippi Hedren has been previously mentioned due to her similarities to her other grandchild, Stella Banderas, the actress warrants a second glance. It appears as though Hedren’s genetic traits are intent on passing to the ensuing generations, evidenced by her unparalleled likeness with her other granddaughter, Dakota Johnson. Dakota is the offspring of Tippi’s daughter, Melanie Griffith, who gave birth to her after a successful stint in rehab. Dakota, akin to her mother and grandmother, has proven herself both an accomplished actress and a stunning woman!
She made her film debut at a young age, appearing in Crazy in Alabama. However, her breakthrough role came when she won the lead role of Anastasia Steele in the 2015 movie Fifty Shades of Grey. Did we mention that she won the role over Lucy Hale, Felicity Jones, and Elizabeth Olsen?
Debbie Reynolds’ Granddaughter: Billie Lourd
Even the most prominent personalities in the entertainment industry experience heartbreaking instances. The legendary actress Debbie Reynolds sadly passed away a day following the demise of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, in 2019. Nevertheless, despite these tragic circumstances, the legacy of Debbie Reynolds continues to endure.
Indeed, the actress enjoyed a decorated career that spanned more than sixty years. And her granddaughter Billie Lourd clearly inherited her beauty and charm (check their sweet smiles). It seems she has the acting gene too, just like her famous mom and grandma. The young actress has appeared in multiple projects, including Scream Queen and American Horror Story: Cult. Needless to say, she also inherited the family fortune. Lucky girl!
Charlie Sheen’s Granddaughter: Luna
Born Carlos Irwin Estévez, Charlie Sheen became a grandfather at just 47 years of age. This happened back in 2013 when his daughter gave birth to her first child. Even though the Spin City star is a doting grandpa to his beautiful little granddaughter, he doesn’t like being called a grandfather. The term just doesn’t fit well with his hard-partying lifestyle!
In an interview on David Letterman’s show, Sheen explained: “Me as a grandfather, Dave… I don’t know. It’s like the world’s going to crack in half.” He also added that being a grandfather is “fabulous” and explained, “it’s just not a title I’m ready to adopt.” We hope Charlie’s grandkid will inherit his acting skills and his striking good looks. But we also hope little Luna manages to avoid making the epic mistakes he’s so famous for.
Pierce Brosnan’s Granddaughter: Isabelle Sophie
Did you know that Pierce Brosnan, the Irish actor famed for his role in four James Bond films, is also a hero off-screen? He has adopted and raised two out of his five children. When he was only 44, his adopted child, Charlotte, gave birth to her very first child.
He might be considered relatively young to become a grandfather (as we’ve recently learned from Charlie Sheen), but we’re confident he’s excelling in his role as caregiver to his lovely granddaughter, Isabelle Sophie. We wish for this endearing child to mature into an individual as delightful and prosperous as her grandfather.