What The Descendants Of Hollywood's Biggest Icons Look Like Now
The genetics are strong with these Hollywood icons and their children! You may not be surprised to learn that some of the biggest and most celebrated names in the biz seemingly have talent in their very bones. Many of these "kids" become Hollywood icons in their own right just like their parents, so let's take a look back at where these famous faces started — and where they ended up.
Liza Minnelli
When Liza Minnelli stepped into the spotlight in the classic 1972 film Cabaret, it was immediately apparent that she’d inherited her mother’s star power. She’s since become an icon of the stage and screen, and just like Judy Garland, she’ll be remembered as having an unparalleled singing voice. Yet both mother and daughter, sadly, were reportedly very insecure about the way they looked.
In his book Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland, writer Gerald Clarke noted, "Not only did they have the same unusual physique — a big chest, a short waist and long legs — but they shared the same likes and dislikes, even the same neuroses. Liza, too, was convinced she was ugly, a belief that was to make her, like her mother, eternally insecure."
Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Yep, Albert II, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, is actually the son of iconic actress Grace Kelly! Though he has dedicated his life to the Crown, he’s also a former bobsled Olympian and vocal environmentalist. He’s only followed in his mother’s footsteps a few times, most notably in a cameo role in The Social Network.
Albert has been known to publicly speak about his mother's legacy, as he did in 2017 during a conversation with USA Today. “It was her personality and the way she engaged with people, she touched the lives of so many around the world and not only through her acting," he said. "When she passed away we got calls from all over the world, from countries she hadn’t even visited. It was unbelievable and still is.”
Christina Crawford
If you’ve ever seen the film Mommie Dearest, then you’ve heard the alleged story of Christina Crawford, adopted daughter of the legendary Joan Crawford. Christina has claimed that Joan’s alcoholism made for a miserable and violent childhood. Today, she’s a writer, bed-and-breakfast-owner, and a non-profit worker.
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The world was shocked when Christina's story first became known. We didn't know her mother like she did: we mostly just knew Joan Crawford, the star. It just goes to show that appearances don't always tell the full story.
Michael Douglas
Ever heard of him? Just like his dad, iconic actor Kirk Douglas, Michael became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. With two Oscars, five Golden Globes, one Emmy, and an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award to his name, Michael has definitely achieved the same iconic status as his dad. And if his tribute to his late father following his death in 2020 is anything to go by, they shared a great bond.
Posting on social media, Michael wrote, "To the world he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to. But to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad."
Cecilia Peck
As the daughter of actor Gregory Peck, who played the unforgettable Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Cecilia tried to make her own way through Hollywood with the same tenacity as her fictional Mockingbird counterpart, Scout. She’s risen through the ranks of Hollywood by becoming a producer and director, plus she's worked as an actor. She even got to act alongside her dad in a movie called The Portrait.
Speaking to Georgian Journal about that experience, Cecilia said, "It was a very special time. Just being able to ride to the set with my dad in the morning, run lines, or be in the makeup trailer together. I learned so much from working with him, in particular seeing how much he appreciated every single person on the set, from the director to crew members to caterers."
Fraser Clarke Heston
Remember that scene in The Ten Commandments, when baby Moses was found floating down the river in a basket? Well, that baby was actually Fraser Clarke Heston, the son of actor Charlton Heston! His tiny role was one of his last: he has since focused more on directing and producing in his career. But that one film is, in his own words, "literally in my DNA."
Fraser spoke to People in 2021 about how his appearance in The Ten Commandments had come about. "While dad filmed the first half of the movie, my mom was expecting with me," he explained. "They didn't know the sex of the child in those days, and [director and producer Cecil B. DeMille] said to my dad, 'If it's a boy, he can play the baby Moses. He'll be about the right age.'" Sure enough, he bagged the role.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Long before Jamie Lee Curtis became an iconic scream queen in the film Halloween, her mother, Janet Leigh, had basically created the genre with her performance in Psycho. Add in Tony Curtis of Some Like it Hot fame and you get a movie star with versatility, humor, and depth: basically, you get Jamie Lee Curtis!
Jamie Lee has credited her parents with kickstarting her successful acting career. In 2023 as she accepted her SAG Award, she said, "I literally wouldn't be here without them, just biologically wouldn't be here without them, and I am a product of this town, these people. I never would have been an actor; it was a total fluke I became an actor."
Miko Castaneda Brando
Yes, you read that last name correctly! Miko is the son of unforgettable actor Marlon Brando. His father was such good friends with Michael Jackson that Miko became the pop star’s bodyguard and assistant. He’s done some acting but has mainly stayed out of the limelight in recent years.
Miko has lifted the lid on his father's private life from time to time, though. Of his friendship with the King of Pop, Miko told the L.A. Times, "The last time my father left his house to go anywhere, to spend any kind of time, it was with Michael Jackson."
Geraldine Chaplin
This actress may have legendary parentage — her father is Charlie Chaplin — but she’s a star in her own right. She’s had her own successful acting career for decades that spans English, Spanish, and French cinema. You may recognize her most from her recent portrayal of Wallis Simpson in The Crown. The woman knows how to act: of course, she learned from the very best.
Geraldine has spoken about her admiration for her dad's work ethic. She told Film Talk in 2019, "Every day he would sit down in front of a piece of paper and a pencil, he would have his timetable, and he would work all day. Sometimes it didn’t come, and there would be nothing on the paper, but he was always very disciplined. When he was shooting, he was always the first person on the set and the last one to leave."
Edoardo Ponti
Just like his screen-siren mother, Sophia Loren, Edoardo Ponti has stayed close to his Italian roots throughout his career. Thanks to his connections in the industry, he’s worked with many famous faces, from Mira Sorvino and Malcolm McDowell to celebrated director Robert Altman. He's even worked with his mother! Loren actually appeared in Edoardo's 2020 film La vita davanti a sé (The Life Ahead), which he directed.
Speaking to Variety about the experience of being directed by her son, Loren was nothing but positive. "He knows every inch of my face, my heart, my soul. He will only move on to the next shot when I hit my deepest truth."
Jane Fonda
It’s hard to choose who is more famous: Jane Fonda or her father, Henry Fonda? Both actors have earned iconic status in Hollywood, and though Henry died in 1982, Jane has remained a Hollywood mainstay. Aside from her acting, Jane has also made her mark as one of the most vocal environmentalists and feminists in the industry.
Jane and her sibling Peter struggled to maintain a good relationship with their dad, but right before his death Henry and Jane made peace. Appearing on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?, she explained, "Before he died I was able to tell him that I loved him and that I forgave him for, you know, whatever didn't happen... He didn't say anything. But he wept."
Isabella Rossellini
With a mother as beautiful and dignified as Casablanca actress Ingrid Bergman, it’s no wonder Isabella Rossellini became one of the most famous models in the world! She’s also had a successful acting career in films, in TV, and on stage.
Bergman was one of the most famous women of her time, which, as her daughter Rossellini told People in 2015, was remarkably punishing. "She was one of the first women thought to have a full career," Rossellini said, "and she paid a very heavy price for it."
Stephen Humphrey Bogart
Can you guess who this Hollywood writer’s father is? As the son of classic couple Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, it’s no surprise that Stephen ended up becoming a writer — creativity is in his bones! After a career in television news, he now manages his father’s estate and hosts an annual film festival honoring his films.
As a young man Stephen had been reluctant to embrace his association with his famous parents — "I wanted to stay out of the limelight," as he put it to The Palm Beach Post in 2013 — but he eventually found peace with it. "This is my lineage," he said. "I don’t need to be anonymous anymore.”
Cheryl Crane
If you were around in the ’50s, then you no doubt know the story of Cheryl Crane. When the daughter of actress Lana Turner was just 15, she stabbed and killed her mother’s lover. Though the death was ruled a justifiable homicide, Crane has spent the rest of her life trying to get out from under that shadow.
Turner wrote about that grim period in her 1988 memoir, Detour: A Hollywood Story. "Even to this day when my mother and I refer to the tragedy in conversation," she said, "we euphemize it as ‘the paragraph,’ because no press mention of us seems to be complete unless it includes a paragraph about what happened that Good Friday 1958.”
Mamie Gummer
Mamie Gummer is the daughter of Hollywood’s most prolific living actress, Meryl Streep. She's a talented performer in her own right, whose credits include The Good Wife and True Detective. And, to be clear, she isn't the only Streep success story, either. Mamie's brother Henry Wolfe and sister Grace are also professional actors!
Streep has gone the record to talk about how much more difficult she found raising her kids compared to being an actor. Asked by The Washington Post which was the harder job, she said, "Mothering. Definitely. Acting — that's praise, money, fulfillment. Mothering — they don't even say, 'Thank you.'"
Kate Burton
You may recognize her for her powerful roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, but Kate Burton’s connection to Hollywood goes further back than you may think. Her father, Richard Burton, was a huge name in the ’50s and ’60s and had a famously turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor.
In 2019 Kate was asked by Town & Country about the best advice her dad had ever imparted. She replied, "My father would often say you often do the best work when you're tired, because you only have so much energy and you have to focus it really strongly. He said, 'Use your fatigue.'"
Rafferty Law
Yep, Jude Law is old enough to have a 27-year-old actor, model, and musician triple-threat as a son. The first child of Law and actress Sadie Frost, Rafferty Law is just as dreamy as his dad — and seemingly just as busy.
The press has taken note of just how alike father and son really are. Posting images of Raff going on a stroll with his partner during the summer of 2023, the Daily Mail noted that he was the "spitting image" of Jude.
Jennifer Grant
As the daughter of actors Cary Grant and Dyan Cannon, it’s surprising that Jennifer herself didn’t pursue acting until later in life. That’s because her father, to whom she was very close, requested that she avoided acting until after he died. She did just that, appearing in several films and TV roles and writing a book about her beloved dad. Like her dad, she found success as an actor, but, as she explained to The Guardian in 2023, that wasn't the only trait she picked up from him.
Referencing an incident from only days before the interview, she recalled, "I went upstairs and on the way up found myself picking flecks off the stairs; I laughed and thought, 'This is Dad!' There couldn’t be a speck of anything. It wasn’t OCD but he was meticulous. With everything.”
Dakota Johnson
We have a show-business dynasty on our hands! Actress Dakota Johnson of Fifty Shades of Grey fame is the daughter of Hollywood heavyweights Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. And Dakota’s grandmother is Tippi Hedren, one of Alfred Hitchcock’s favorite “blonde heroines.” Since her big break, Dakota has become an A-lister in her own right!
As Dakota explained to Vanity Fair, growing up with A-lister parents came with both pros and cons. "My life is incredibly lucky and privileged, and the life I led growing up was remarkable — the places I went and how we lived and what we were able to experience," she said. "But we also struggled with internal family dynamics and situations and events that are so traumatic."
Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of Jayne Mansfield, the blonde bombshell who took Hollywood by storm before her untimely death at the shockingly young age of 37. Mariska went on to portray one of the most famed TV characters of all time: Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Hargitay has played the role since 1999, making her one of the longest-running TV characters ever.
Hargitay was in the same car accident that took her mom's life, which was obviously horrendously traumatic. Addressing this in 2021 in a conversation with Glamour magazine, she said, "I clearly was in that frozen place for a lot of my childhood — of trying to survive, actually trying to survive. My life has been a process of unpeeling the layers and trust and trusting again."
John David Washington
If you watched Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning film BlacKkKlansman or Christopher Nolan's Tenet, then you've seen the talent that is Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s son, John David Washington. John David once played professional football, but eventually he couldn't avoid becoming an actor.
John David spoke on CBS Sunday Morning about how uncomfortable he had once been with the comparisons he inevitably receives to his dad. That no longer bothers him. "My mother is an extremely talented artist," he said, "and my father is one of the greatest of all time. He’s my favorite actor.”
Beatrice Welles
Former child actress Beatrice Welles has become a jack of all trades since leaving the acting world behind. She’s had success as a model and TV personality, as well as a cosmetics company owner and handbag designer. In recent years, she’s dedicated her time to managing her father Orson Welles’ estate.
Her relationship with her dad had been a loving one, but she definitely had a crazy childhood. In 2018 she told The Times, "They never sent me to school. People say, ‘You must have had private tutors,’ but I don’t remember any. I know somebody must have taught me to read and write and add... but that’s it.”
Willow and Jaden Smith
Both of Jada Pinkett and Will Smith’s children quickly climbed the celebrity ladder as kids. Willow topped charts as a ten-year-old with her song “Whip My Hair” and continues put out music, as does her older brother Jaden.
Speaking to The Guardian about her parents in 2022, Willow said, "My parents are my best friends. They are both wonderful people. I love them not just because they are my parents but because they are Will and Jada, who have their own beautiful, complex, and amazing minds and hearts.”
Lily-Rose Depp
Since 2014 the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis has steadily earned a reputation as a skilled actress for her consistent award-nominated performances. Also, she briefly dated fellow stars Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler.
Lily-Rose spoke with i-D in 2023 about the upbringing her parents had given her. "I feel like my parents did the best job that they possibly could at giving me the most 'normal childhood' that they could. And obviously, that still was not a normal childhood. I’m super-aware of the fact that my childhood did not look like everybody's.”
Liv Moore
Liv Moore is a dead ringer for her famous mama, Julianne Moore, except she’s got a major height advantage. The striking redheaded teen has taken to stomping the runways of New York Fashion Week. Julianne is incredibly proud of her daughter, and the feeling appears to be mutual.
In a 2022 chat with Harper's Bazaar, Liv said, "What I admire most about my mom is how driven she is. She always has a clear idea of what she wants to accomplish — choosing... [roles] she is passionate about — and she never lets go of that."
Taylor Cranston
Taylor Cranston was born in 1993 and caught the acting bug from both her parents, actress Robin Dearden and her more well-known dad Bryan Cranston. The young actress is known professionally by the surname Dearden, and her credits include Netflix's American Vandal and MTV's Sweet/Vicious.
In 2023 Bryan actually spoke about his daughter's acting career to GQ, which is something he doesn't do often. "She’s very independent," he said, "and very conscientious of not having any association or hint thereof of nepotism."
Wyatt Russell
The third-generation actor has his mother Goldie Hawn's trademark blonde locks as well as his father Kurt Russell's handsome looks. Initially, Wyatt Russell had a career as a professional hockey player, but injuries caused him to change course and switch to the family business.
Apparently Wyatt didn't even realize what his parents even did for a living until quite late. The NHL Network has quoted him as saying, "My parents are actors and never brought work home. I didn't even know what they did until I was about ten years old. We never talked about it."
Frances Bean Cobain
If only Kurt Cobain was around to see the accomplishments of his only child with Courtney Love. While Frances Bean has showcased her striking beauty as a fashion model, her real passion lies in the visual arts. He'd surely be proud, but, on the other hand, her admiration for his work isn't actually what you might expect.
Back in 2015 she spoke to Rolling Stone and admitted, "I don’t really like Nirvana that much [grins]. Sorry, promotional people, Universal. I’m more into Mercury Rev, Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre [laughs]. The grunge scene is not what I’m interested in."
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz is, by this stage of her life, an accomplished actress: the star of Big Little Lies, High Fidelity, The Batman, and more. Her career is pretty much on a par with those of her legendary parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. If anything her star has arguably eclipsed theirs!
Lenny has never been shy about publicly praising his daughter. On her 34th birthday, he posted about her online, saying, "There isn't a moment that I don't marvel at who and what you are. I'm so grateful that God chose us. I love you."
Hailie Jade Scott
Many learned about Eminem’s daughter from the dark and detailed lyrics of his songs. Yet as her parents intended, Hailie Jade Scott grew up shielded from the public. After earning her degree from Michigan State University, her social media presence blew up and she now hosts a podcast called Just A Little Shady — a reference her dad's alter ego.
On that podcast, Hailie has spoken about how odd it was growing up as the child of a superstar. "It's so fun to look back… thinking back as an adult, I'm like, 'Wow, that's so, so surreal.' And those memories of me thinking those were normal things, now I look back like, 'Holy crap, that was cool.'"
Ava Sambora
The daughter of '90s queen Heather Locklear and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora certainly followed in her mother’s footsteps. Ava Sambora is signed as a model and acts on occasion, having appeared in the Disney show Good Luck Charlie.
Ava has actually been spotted wearing old clothes from her mom's wardrobe! In 2022 — some 20 years after Heather wore it — Ava was spotted in a Bon Jovi T-shirt. She posted about it on social media, saying, "I literally got this shirt from my mom’s closet."
Hayley Hasselhoff
Some got to know the daughter of David Hasselhoff and Pamela Bach on the short-lived reality show about their family. As an adult, Hayley Hasselhoff has a career as a plus-size model and actress. She's spoken about her childhood from time to time, and, given who her parents are, it was understandably wild.
Speaking to the Daily Mail about growing up in L.A., she said, "The movie Clueless was filmed at the house next door. My sister and I used to jump on the trampoline to watch them filming."
Ireland Baldwin
The daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, Ireland Baldwin, is a model who's graced the pages of magazines including Elle and Marie Claire and had campaigns with designer brands like True Religion Jeans. As to the nature of her relationship with her dad, the press has had a field day.
Stories have regularly appeared in the media, speculating as to whether or not they get along. For instance, in May 2023 reporters jumped on one of Ireland's social media posts praising her family — without ever once mentioning her dad.
Chaz Bono
Chaz Bono was in the spotlight from birth as the child of Cher and Sonny. He became a notable figure in his own right by sharing his story of transition, becoming an important voice in the trans and larger LGBTQ+ communities. Cher, for one, is extremely proud of that part of Chaz's life.
According to People, Cher is once said to have remarked to a pal, "I admire my son Chaz’s courage for sharing his personal journey. Most important to me is that he is very happy. That’s what I care about the most. He has my love and support."
Sosie Bacon
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick were reluctant to allow their only daughter, Sosie, to immerse herself in the world of show business, but she was persistent. After appearing in her father’s film Loverboy, Sosie continued to act, landing a leading role on the show 13 Reasons Why. Her parents may have initially been skeptical about her career choice, but, once she was decided upon it, they supported her all the way.
Her dad spoke to People about Sosie's decision in 2022. He said, "When she finally, in her early 20s, decided that this is what she wanted to do, she dropped out of college and moved to L.A. and really started doing all the right stuff. Pounding the pavement, doing self-tape after self-tape and studying."
Zelda Williams
In the wake of her father Robin Williams’ death, Zelda has become a vocal spokeswoman for suicide prevention and mental health. She’s also an actress and avid gamer, as her name would suggest, but the public probably knows her best for speaking very openly about the strain of grieving a parent who was as famous as her dad was.
Addressing Robin's fans on social media in 2020 on the day before the anniversary of his death, she compared all the tributes flooding in her for her dad to "a roadside memorial," where passersby offer their condolences and leave again. She admitted, "But sometimes that leaves me emotionally buried under a pile of other's memories instead of my own. After all, even roses by the truckload still weigh a ton."
Alexa Ray Joel
She can credit her dad Billy Joel for her eyes and skills tinkling the ivories. But it's her mom, Christie Brinkley, that Alexa Ray Joel thanks for her good looks. In fact, Brinkley has another beautiful daughter, model Sailor Brinkley-Cook, who she counts as a later-in-life blessing.
Alexa Ray struggled a little having famous parents, but she got over it eventually. In 2013 she told Today, "It took me a minute — being the daughter of such iconic figures, it took some growing into. You're exposed to the spotlight at such a young age and that, of course, can be challenging… But I made it through."
Bindi Irwin
Steve Irwin of Crocodile Hunter fame would be prouder than ever of his daughter Bindi today. She helped her mother Teri carry the torch at their family-founded Australia Zoo and became a wildlife conservationist and TV personality all her own. But as for Bindi herself, the loss of her dad when she was just eight years old still hurts to this day.
In June 2023 Bindi told E! News, "When you lose someone, it really is like losing a piece of your heart. And it's really really difficult. Some days you feel like curling up in a little corner because it's all too hard."