It’s All Relative (Part 1)

 

Whether they’re starring in movies together or separately, a number of Hollywood’s stars are related in a variety of ways.  In this first of a two part series, we take a look at some of Tinseltown’s families, which movies they’ve appeared in and how they are related.

 

The Baldwin Family

Alec Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, William Baldwin

These four brothers have run the gamut of movie roles.  Older brother Alec Baldwin has starred in “The Aviator” (2004), “The Edge” (1997) with Anthony Hopkins, as Jack Ryan in “Hunt for Red October” (1997) and made an uncredited appearance in Notting Hill.  He received an Oscar nod for best supporting actor for “The Cooler” (2003).  Daniel Baldwin has appeared in the comedy/adventure “Nothing But Trouble” (1991) with Chevy Chase and Demi Moore, the crime/drama “Mulholland Falls” (1996) with Nick Nolte and the horror flick “Vampire” (1998) with James Woods.  William Baldwin followed his older brothers and appeared in 1990’s “Flatliners”, “Backdraft” (1991) with Kurt Russell, “Virus” (1999) and the critically acclaimed “The Squid and the Whale” (2005) with Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney.  Youngest brother, Stephen Baldwin, has made notable appearances in “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989) with Tom Cruise, “The Usual Suspects” (1995), “Fled” (1996) with Laurence Fishburne and the comedy “Bio-Dome” (1996).

 

Warren Beatty, Shirley MacLaine and Sachi Parker

Big sister Shirley MacLaine has had a stellar career in film.  She has appeared in “The Apartment” (1960) with Jack Lemmon, won the best actress Oscar for “Terms of Endearment” (1983) and played the role of Ouiser in the tear-jerker “Steel Magnolias” (1989).  In recent years, MacLaine has starred in “Rumor Has It” (2005) with Jennifer Aniston and “In Her Shoes” (2005) with Cameron Diaz.  Younger brother Warren Beatty became a leading man in Hollywood.  Beatty starred with Faye Dunaway in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde”, starred in “Shampoo” (1975) and “Dick Tracy” (1990).  He was nominated for best actor for his work in “Bugsy” (1991) but won his Oscar for directing the movie “Reds” (1981).  Shirley MacLaine’s daughter, Sachi Parker, has appeared as Belle in “Scrooged” (1988) and as Lisa in “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986).

 

Bonnie Bedelia, Kieran Culkin, Macaulay Culkin, Rory Culkin

Older brother Macaulay Culkin is probably best known as the rambunctious Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone” (1990) and its 1992 sequel.  He has also starred in the comedy “Uncle Buck” (1989) with John Candy, “My Girl” (1991), the 1993 drama “The Good Son”, the title character in “Richie Rich” (1994) and “Saved!” (2004). Kieran Culkin also appeared in the “Home Alone” movies as Fuller.  He’s gone on to co-star in the “Father of the Bride” movies, “She’s All That” (1999) and “Cider House Rules” (1999).  Youngest brother, Rory Culkin, has appeared opposite Mel Gibson in “Signs” (2002) and “The Night Listener” (2006).  The trio’s aunt is actress Bonnie Bedelia.  She has been seen on the big screen as Holly McClane in the Die Hard movies.

 

Ingrid Bergman and Isabella Rossellini

Ingrid Bergman is probably forever immortalized for her role as Ilsa to Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine in 1942’s “Casablanca”.  From there Bergman went on to appear in “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (1943), “The Bells of St. Mary’s” (1945) and “Joan of Arc” (1948).  She would also win Oscars for her roles in “Gaslight” (1944), “Anastasia” (1957) and “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974).  Ingrid’s daughter, Isabella Rossellini, has also had an outstanding career in film.  She has starred in “Blue Velvet” (1986), “Immortal Beloved” (1994) and 2003’s “The Saddest Music in the World”.  She recently appeared in the drama “Infamous” (2006).

 

The Bridges Family

Beau Bridges, Jeff Bridges, Lloyd Bridges

Lloyd Bridges (1913-1998) had a long career in TV and film.  Bridges appeared in 1943’s “Sahara” with Humphrey Bogart, “High Noon” (1952) with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly and “The Rainmaker” (1956) with Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.  He also made memorable roles in 1980’s “Airplane!” (and its 1982 sequel) as well as 1991’s “Hot Shots!” where he portrayed Admiral Tug Benson.  Bridges’ two sons, Beau and Jeff followed in his footsteps.  Older brother Beau has appeared in numerous films including the upcoming “The Good German” (2006) and “Charlotte’s Web” (2006).  He also co-starred with younger brother, Jeff, in 1989’s “The Fabulous Baker Boys”.  Jeff Bridges starred in 1976’s King Kong, the sci-fi “Tron” (1982), “The Big Lebowski” (1989) and “Seabiscuit” (2003).  He received a best actor nomination for “Starman” (1984).

 

James and Josh Brolin

James Brolin has had a successful career in TV and on the big screen.  He starred in TV’s hit drama “Hotel” for several years in the 1980s and was an Emmy winner for his work on “Marcus Welby M.D.”.  Brolin has also starred in “Catch Me if You Can” (2002) with Leondardo DiCaprio, “Traffic” (2000) and the classic horror flick “The Amityville Horror” (1979).  James’ son, Josh Brolin, is also a successful actor, appearing in “Mimic” (1997), “Hollow Man” (2000) with Kevin Bacon, “Into the Blue” (2005) with Jessica Alba and Paul Walker and in the upcoming thriller/action film “Grindhouse” (2007).

 

Gary and Jake Busey

Gary Busey has starred in numerous movies over the years including the western “Barbarosa” (1982), the horror flick “Silver Bullet” (1985), the action films “Lethal Weapon” (1987), “Point Break” (1991) and “Under Siege” (1992).  Busey also received kudos and an Oscar nomination for his work as the title character in “The Buddy Holly Story” (1978).  Gary’s son, Jake Busey, is also an actor, having appeared in such films as “Twister” (1996), “The Frighteners” (1996) opposite Michael J. Fox, “Starship Troopers” (1997) and the comedies “Tomcats” (2001) and “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004).

 

Nicolas Cage, Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Talia Shire and Jason Schwartzman

The Coppola family has long been a staple in Hollywood.  Nicholas Coppola a.k.a. Nicolas Cage has starred in “The Rock” (1996) with Sean Connery, “Face/Off” (1997) with John Travolta, the romantic drama “City of Angels” (1998) and 2000’s “The Family Man”.  He won the Oscar for best actor for 1995’s “Leaving Las Vegas” and was nominated again for “Adaptation” (2002).

 

Nicolas Cage’s uncle is renowned director/producer Francis Ford Coppola.  He’s responsible for bringing such films as “American Graffiti” (1973), the “Godfather” films (for which he won a best director Oscar for “Godfather 2”), Dracula and Sleepy Hollow to the big screen.  Coppola also took part in writing the screenplay for 1970’s “Patton”. 

 

Francis Ford Coppola’s daughter, Sofia Coppola, has had success in the movie industry as well.  She appeared as Mary in “The Godfather 3” (1990) and as Sache in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.  She has also written and directed the movies “The Virgin Suicides” (1999), “Marie Antoinette” (2006) and won the Oscar for her screenplay for “Lost in Translation” (2003).

 

Francis Ford Coppola’s sister is Talia Shire.  Shire recently appeared in the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees”.  However, she is probably best known for her roles as Connie Corleone in the Godfather movies and as Adrian in the “Rocky” films.

 

Talia Shire’s son is Jason Schwartzman.  Before playing one of the lead characters in 2006’s “Marie Antoinette” he also starred in “Shopgirl” (2005) and in “Rushmore” (1998).

 

George Clooney, Rosemary Clooney, Jose Ferrer and Miguel Ferrer

George Clooney has graced the screen in plenty of movies lately.  He starred with Quentin Tarantino in 1996’s “From Dusk ‘til Dawn”, as the caped crusader in Batman & Robin, in the blockbuster “The Perfect Storm” (2000) and won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role as Bob Barnes in 2005’s “Syriana”.  George Clooney, however, is related to several people familiar with Tinseltown.  His aunt was singer, actress, entertainer Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002) who co-starred in the 1954 holiday classic “White Christmas”.  Rosemary’s son, Miguel Ferrer, has starred in a number of TV shows such as “Crossing Jordan” and has appeared in “RoboCop” (1987), “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004) and the 2005 comedy “The Man”.  Miguel’s father, Jose Ferrer (1909-1992) was also an actor, having appeared in “Dune” (1984), the horror flick “The Sentinel” (1977), 1965’s “Ship of Fools” with Vivien Leigh and Lee Marvin and the classic “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962).  He won the best actor award for his portrayal of the title character in “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1950).

 

Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh (1927-2004) has been immortalized on film for the infamous shower scene in the horror classic “Psycho” (1960), for which she received an Oscar nomination.  She also appeared in 1949’s “Holiday Affair” and “Touch of Evil” (1958).  Leigh co-starred with her daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, in the 1980 horror film The Fog.

 

Jamie Lee Curtis is known for her role in the “Halloween” movies.  She also starred in the 1980 horror flick “Prom Night”, the comedy A Fish Called Wanda, the action films “Blue Steel” (1990) and “True Lies” (1994) and the comedy “Freaky Friday” (2003).

 

Her father is actor Tony Curtis who received an Oscar nomination for his work in “The Defiant Ones” (1958).  He also starred opposite Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon in the classic “Some Like it Hot” (1959) and in the 1960 film “Spartacus”.

 

Joan and John Cusack

This brother-sister team has appeared in plenty of hit films.  Older sister Joan Cusack has received two best supporting Oscar nominations for “In and Out” (1997) and “Working Girl” (1988).  She appeared as the conniving Debbie in “Addams Family Values” (1993), lent her voice to Jessie in the animated Toy Story movies, starred opposite Jack Black in “School of Rock” (2003) and recently appeared in the critically acclaimed “Friends with Money” (2006).  John Cusack has stayed just as busy in such films as “Better Off Dead” (1985), “Say Anything” (1989), “Grosse Pointe Blank” (1997), the action/adventure “Con Air” (1997), the romantic comedy “America’s Sweethearts” (2001), the thriller “Identity” (2003) and the drama “Runaway Jury” (2003).

 

Joseph and Ralph Fiennes

Both of these brothers have found success in film.  Joseph Fiennes has co-starred in the period pieces “Elizabeth” and “Shakespeare in Love” (both from 1998).  He also starred in the war drama “Enemy at the Gates” (2001), “The Merchant of Venice” (2004) and in the recent “Running with Scissors” (2006).  Older brother, Ralph Fiennes, received critical acclaim and Oscar nominations for his work in “Schindler’s List” (1993) and “The English Patient” (1996).  He’s co-starred in 2002’s “Red Dragon” and “Maid in Manhattan” and played Justin opposite Rachel Weisz’s Tessa in The Constant Gardener.  Ralph played the evil Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, a role he’ll reprise in the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007).

 

Carrie Fisher, Eddie Fisher, Joely Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Connie Stevens

Carrie Fisher has been immortalized on film as Princess Leia in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.  She has also made appearances in “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), “The ‘burbs” (1989) with Tom Hanks, “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” (2001).

 

Carrie’s parents were also part of the Hollywood scene.  Debbie Reynolds has had a distinguished career in movies, appearing in “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), “How the West was Won” (1962) and “In and Out” (1997).  She received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the title character in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” (1964).  Eddie Fisher was also an actor as well as an established singer/entertainer.  Eddie would go on to marry Elizabeth Taylor and later, screen and TV star, Connie Stevens.

 

Eddie and Connie’s daughter, Joely Fisher, has made a name in TV and film.  She co-starred for several seasons on the TV comedy “Ellen” and most recently as Nina on “Desperate Housewives”.  She also appeared on the silver screen in “The Mask” (1994) and “Inspector Gadget” (1999).

 

The Fonda Family

Bridget Fonda, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Peter Fonda, Troy Garity

The legendary actor Henry Fonda (1905-1982) had an extraordinary career in movies.  Fonda starred in the dramas “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940) and “12 Angry Men” (1940) and in the comedy “Yours, Mine and Ours” (1968) opposite Lucille Ball.  He would win the Oscar for best actor for his final role in “On Golden Pond” (1981), which also starred his daughter, Jane Fonda. 

 

Jane is a two-time Oscar winner for her roles in “Klute” (1971) and “Coming Home” (1978).  She appeared in the comedies “Nine To Five” (1980) and “Monster-in-Law” (2005) and will next appear in the upcoming film “Georgia Rule” (2007).  Jane’s son Troy Garity has appeared in “Conspiracy Theory” (1997), “Bandits” (2001), “Barbershop” (2002) and its 2004 sequel and “After the Sunset” (2004).

 

Henry’s son and Jane’s younger brother, Peter, received an Oscar nomination for his starring role in “Ulee’s Gold” (1997).  He has starred in the cult classic “Easy Rider” (1969), the comedy “Cannonball Run” (1981) and in the upcoming action/adventure “Ghost Rider” (2007).  Peter’s daughter, Bridget Fonda, has starred in a variety of film including “Single White Female” (1992), “Point of No Return” (1993), “Jackie Brown” (1997) and “Monkeybone” (2001) with Brendan Fraser.

 

Judy Garland, Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli

Legendary actress/performer Judy Garland (1922-1969) is best remembered as Dorothy in the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz.  She also received praise for her work in “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944), “A Star is Born” (1954) and “Judgment at Nuremberg” (1961).  She would receive a special Juvenile Oscar as well as two acting nominations.  Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, is an accomplished singer and actress having appeared on TV and on the big screen in “Cabaret” (1972) for which she won an Academy Award, “New York, New York” (1977) and “Arthur” (1981).  Yonger sister, Lorna Luft, has also appeared in films.  Some of her credits include “Grease 2” (1982), “My Giant” (1998) and “54” (1998).

 

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal

This brother-sister team has received plenty of film recognition in recent years.  Older sister Maggie Gyllenhaal co-starred in the 2002 films “Adaptation” and “Secretary” with James Spader.  She recently lent her voice to the character of Zee in 2006’s animated “Monster House” and appears in “Stranger than Fiction” (2006).  Jake Gyllenhaal received an Oscar nod for “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) and has appeared in “City Slickers” (1991), the cult hit “Donnie Darko” (2001), the sci-fi adventure “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004) and 2005’s “Jarhead”.

 

Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson

Before finding success on the silver screen, actress Goldie Hawn appeared in the hit TV show “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In”.  Hawn would go on to win the best supporting actress Oscar for “Cactus Flower” (1969).  She received critical praise for her role in “Private Benjamin” (1980) and also starred in the comedies “Death Becomes Her” (1992) and First Wives Club.  Goldie’s daughter, Kate Hudson, is an accomplished actress who received a best supporting actress nomination for her role in “Almost Famous” (2000).  She has also starred in the thriller The Skeleton Key and the 2006 comedy “You, Me and Dupree”.

 

Tippi Hedren and Melanie Griffith

Tippi Hedren was a favorite of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock.  He chose her to star in two of his films, the iconic horror flick “The Birds” (1963) and “Marnie” (1964) with Sean Connery.  Hedren also made an appearance in 1990’s “Pacific Heights” which starred daughter Melanie Griffith.  Griffith has appeared in “The Drowning Pool” (1975), “Bonfire of the Vanities” (1990) and “Milk Money” (1994).  She received an Oscar nomination for her role in 1988’s “Working Girl”.

 

Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight

This father-daughter duo has appeared in memorable roles over the years.  Jolie appeared in the 2005 blockbuster “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” with Brad Pitt and won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in “Girl, Interrupted” (1999).  She also starred as the title character in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) with her father Jon Voight (who appeared as Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s father).  Voight has made notable appearances in such movies as National Treasure, “Runaway Train” (1985) and “Midnight Cowboy” (1969).  He won his best actor Oscar for “Coming Home” (1978).

 

Chris Larkin, Maggie Smith and Toby Stephens

These days everyone recognizes Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies.  This accomplished actress of stage and screen has won two Oscars and appeared in such films as “Murder By Death” (1976), Clash of the Titans, “A Room With a View” (1985) and as Mother Superior in the “Sister Act” movies.  She starred in 1999’s “Tea with Mussolini” which also featured her son Chris Larkin.  He also starred opposite Russell Crowe in the 2003 sea adventure “Master and Commander”.  Larkin’s brother, Toby Stephens, has appeared in “Cousin Bette” (1998) and as James Bond’s nemesis, Gustav Graves, in 2002’s Die Another Day.  He next appears opposite Thora Birch in the thriller “Dark Corners”.

 

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Vic Morrow

Veteran actor (1929-1982) appeared in the classic movie “Blackboard Jungle” (1955), as Shark in 1958’s “King Creole” with Elvis Presley and as Walter Mathau’s nemesis in “The Bad News Bears” (1976).  Morrow and two young co-stars were killed on the set of “Twilight Zone: The Movie” (1983) during a helicopter stunt mishap.  Morrow’s daughter, Jennifer Jason Leigh is a versatile actress having appeared in the teen flick “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), “The Road to Perdition” (2002), “The Machinist” (2004) with Christian Bale and the 2005 thriller “The Jacket”.

 

The Marx Brothers

Chico Marx, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Zeppo Marx

The antics Marx Brothers have been a mainstay in cinema.  Chico (1887-1961), Groucho (1890-1977), Harpo (1888-1964) and Zeppo (1901-1979) starred together in such films as “Animal Cracker” (1930) and “Duck Soup” (1933).  The three older brothers would then go on to appear in the classics “A Night at the Opera” (1935), “A Day at the Races” (1937) and “At the Circus” (1937).  Groucho would appear solo in 1947’s “Copacabana”.

 

The Three Stooges

Curly Howard, Moe Howard, Shemp Howard

The Three Stooges made over 200 films that have immortalized them in cinematic history.  The team was made up of Larry Fine (1902-1975) and brothers Moe Howard (1897-1975) and Curly Howard (1903-1952).  When Curly suffered a debilitating stroke on the set of “Half Wit Holiday” (1947), his older brother Shemp Howard (1895-1955) was brought in as a temporary replacement.  All of the Stooges appeared in the 1947 film “Hold that Lion”, when Curly made an uncredited/cameo appearance as a man with a newspaper over his head.

 

The Wayans Brothers

Damon Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans

These comedic brothers have starred together and individually in films.  Damon Wayans recently starred in the hit TV show “My Wife and Kids” and has been in such films as “The Last Boy Scout” (1991), in the comedy “Major Payne” (1995) and the action flick “Bulletproof” (1996).  Oldest brother Keenen Ivory Wayans has spent a lot of time behind the scenes while writing, producing and directing films.  However, he has found time to star in “A Lowdown Dirty Shame” (1994) and the action packed “Glimmer Man” (1996) with Steven Seagal.  He also made a cameo appearance in Scary Movie which starred Shawn Wayans and youngest brother Marlon Wayans.  Shawn and Marlon have been an on-screen duo in several other comedies including Scary Movie 2, “White Chicks” (2004) and most recently “Little Man” (2006).

 

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See Also:

It's All Relative (Part 2)

Hollywood Film Festival (2006)

Celebrity Hits and Misses

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© 2006 by Tammy Cordani.  To use the above content you must first obtain written permission.  Please contact Tammy Cordani.  All rights reserved.