Hollywood's Famous Acting Families, From the Hemsworths to the Hudsons

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Trey Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden Smith and Gammy Norris attend the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ at the TCL Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2024, in Hollywood, Calif.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Perhaps there’s something to the claim that some people were born to act.

To show how common such family ties are in Hollywood, we’re spotlighting some of the most famous acting families in showbiz.

01of 17

The Hawn/Hudson/Russell family

Actors Oliver Hudson, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Wyatt Russell and Kate Hudson with kids Ryder Robinson, Wilder Hudson, Bodhi Hudson, Rio Hudson and Bingham Bellamy at Goldie’s Love In For Kids at Ron Burkle’s Green Acres Estate on May 6, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California.Todd Williamson/Getty

Like their mom, Oliver and Kate forged acting careers, giving us classics such asRules of EngagementandHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days(2003).

Like the rest of the family, Wyatt is also an actor and can be seen in films like22 Jump Street(2014) andThe Woman in the Window(2021), as well as the Disney+ seriesThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

02of 17

The Hemsworth brothers

Actors and brothers Liam Hemsworth, Chris Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth arriving for the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' ‘Vacation’ at Regency Village Theatre on July 27, 2015, in Westwood, California.Albert L. Ortega/Getty

As talented as they are good-looking, the Aussie-bornHemsworth brothers— Chris Hemsworth,Liam Hemsworthand Luke Hemsworth — have been mainstays on the big screen for a while.

03of 17

The Skarsgård family

Gustaf Skarsgård, Bill Skarsgård and Alexander Skarsgård attending the premiere of ‘It’ at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 5, 2017, in Hollywood, California.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

For their parts, brothersGustaf Skarsgård,Bill SkarsgårdandAlexander Skarsgårdhave starred in classics such asVikings,It(2017) andTrue Blood,respectively.

In addition to these three Skarsgård siblings, their younger brothers Valter, Ossian and Kolbjörn also act, while their other siblings Sam and Eija — the lone sister — do not.

04of 17The Arquette siblingsAlexis Arquette, Rosanna Arquette, Richmond Arquette, Patricia Arquette and David Arquette in Los Angeles.Steve Granitz/WireImageOne of the more prominent acting families, the Arquettes are an easily recognizable name in Hollywood.The family consists ofAlexis Arquette,who died in 2016;Rosanna Arquette; Richmond Arquette; Oscar-winnerPatricia ArquetteandDavid Arquette, who’ve starred in films such asPulp Fiction(1994),Scream(1996),Crash(2004), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008)andBoyhood(2014),among dozens of others.

04of 17

The Arquette siblings

Alexis Arquette, Rosanna Arquette, Richmond Arquette, Patricia Arquette and David Arquette in Los Angeles.Steve Granitz/WireImage

One of the more prominent acting families, the Arquettes are an easily recognizable name in Hollywood.

The family consists ofAlexis Arquette,who died in 2016;Rosanna Arquette; Richmond Arquette; Oscar-winnerPatricia ArquetteandDavid Arquette, who’ve starred in films such asPulp Fiction(1994),Scream(1996),Crash(2004), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008)andBoyhood(2014),among dozens of others.

05of 17The Estevez/Sheen familyMartin Sheen poses with his children Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Charlie Sheen and Renée Estevez backstage after the opening night performance of ‘The Subject Was Roses’ at the Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum on Feb. 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.Ryan Miller/GettyWith the legendaryMartin Sheenas the head of the family, it’s no surprisehis children—Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Charlie Sheen and Renée Estevez — followed in his footsteps.Though Charlie, Emilio and Renée have found success in front of the camera, Ramon has also been involved behind the scenes and runs his father’s company,Estevez Sheen Productions, with Charlie.

05of 17

The Estevez/Sheen family

Martin Sheen poses with his children Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Charlie Sheen and Renée Estevez backstage after the opening night performance of ‘The Subject Was Roses’ at the Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum on Feb. 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.Ryan Miller/Getty

With the legendaryMartin Sheenas the head of the family, it’s no surprisehis children—Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Charlie Sheen and Renée Estevez — followed in his footsteps.

Though Charlie, Emilio and Renée have found success in front of the camera, Ramon has also been involved behind the scenes and runs his father’s company,Estevez Sheen Productions, with Charlie.

06of 17The Wayans familyShawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California.Robert C. Mora/WireImageFamously known for working together, thishilarious familyis responsible for such shows asIn Living Color,The Wayans Bros.andMy Wife and Kids,as well as films likeScary Movie(2000) andWhite Chicks(2004).The older generation, consisting of Shawn Wayans,Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans,Damon Wayans Sr.and Keenen Ivory Wayans, has set the stage for the second generation of hilarity. Damon Wayans Jr. has had a prominent career of his own, starring on series likeNew GirlandHappy Endingsand in the filmLet’s Be Cops(2014), while Chaunté Wayans is a well-known comedian.

06of 17

The Wayans family

Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California.Robert C. Mora/WireImage

Famously known for working together, thishilarious familyis responsible for such shows asIn Living Color,The Wayans Bros.andMy Wife and Kids,as well as films likeScary Movie(2000) andWhite Chicks(2004).

The older generation, consisting of Shawn Wayans,Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans,Damon Wayans Sr.and Keenen Ivory Wayans, has set the stage for the second generation of hilarity. Damon Wayans Jr. has had a prominent career of his own, starring on series likeNew GirlandHappy Endingsand in the filmLet’s Be Cops(2014), while Chaunté Wayans is a well-known comedian.

07of 17The Fonda familyPeter Fonda, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda, circa 1963.Silver Screen Collection/Getty ImagesWith a Broadway and film career that spanned more than five decades,Henry Fondaleft an imprint on his actor children,Peter FondaandJane Fonda.Peter,who died in 2019at 79 years old, starred in films such asUlee’s Gold(1997),3:10 to Yuma(2007) andWild Hogs(2007).His daughter, Bridget Fonda, also became an actor, known for films likeIt Could Happen to You(1994)andA Simple Plan(1998).Jane has continued to have a long and prosperous acting career, appearing in movies like80 for Brady(2023) andBook Club: The Next Chapter(2023).

07of 17

The Fonda family

Peter Fonda, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda, circa 1963.Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

With a Broadway and film career that spanned more than five decades,Henry Fondaleft an imprint on his actor children,Peter FondaandJane Fonda.

Peter,who died in 2019at 79 years old, starred in films such asUlee’s Gold(1997),3:10 to Yuma(2007) andWild Hogs(2007).His daughter, Bridget Fonda, also became an actor, known for films likeIt Could Happen to You(1994)andA Simple Plan(1998).

Jane has continued to have a long and prosperous acting career, appearing in movies like80 for Brady(2023) andBook Club: The Next Chapter(2023).

08of 17

The Douglas family

Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas onstage at the 75th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 23, 2003.KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/AP/Shutterstock

Since making his feature film debut in 1946, legendary actorKirk Douglaschurned out hits likeLust for Life(1956),The Vikings(1958) andSpartacus(1960) over the course of his 60-year career.He died at age 103in February 2020.

Michael’s son from his first marriage,Cameron Douglas, is also an actor. Cameron even appeared inIt Runs in the Familywith both Michael and Kirk — playing, fittingly, three generations of one family.

09of 17

The Roberts family

Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts attending the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Jesus Henry Christ’ at Mann Chinese 6 on April 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Julia Roberts, who shot to fame with films such asPretty Woman(1990),is aunt to actressEmma Roberts, who can be seen in everything fromRyan Murphyshows to Netflix rom-coms.

10of 17The Howard familyBryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard attending the ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California.Ian West/PA Images via GettyRon Howardmay be a former child star–turned–acclaimed director, but his daughter,Bryce Dallas Howard, is a presence both in front of and behind the camera.Bryce has captivated audiences with her performances inThe Help(2011) and theJurassic Worldtrilogy (2015–2022),but she also directed a documentary feature entitledDads(2019), as well as some episodes ofThe Mandalorian.

10of 17

The Howard family

Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard attending the ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California.Ian West/PA Images via Getty

Ron Howardmay be a former child star–turned–acclaimed director, but his daughter,Bryce Dallas Howard, is a presence both in front of and behind the camera.

Bryce has captivated audiences with her performances inThe Help(2011) and theJurassic Worldtrilogy (2015–2022),but she also directed a documentary feature entitledDads(2019), as well as some episodes ofThe Mandalorian.

11of 17The Reynolds/Fisher familyBillie Lourd with grandmother Debbie Reynolds and mom Carrie Fisher at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Jan. 25, 2015.Kevin Mazur/WireImageDebbie Reynoldsrose to fame in the ’50s with a career that spanned a whopping 70 years untilher death in December 2016at 84.The acting bug bit her daughter,the late Carrie Fisher, who went on to become one of the leads of theStar Warsfranchise and acted in films includingWhen Harry Met Sally(1989) andDrop Dead Fred(1991). Carriedied just one day before her motherat age 60 on Dec. 27, 2016.Fisher’s daughter,Billie Lourd, has also followed in their path as she’s established an acting career with roles inAmerican Horror Story,Scream QueensandBooksmart(2019).(Lourd’s auntJoely Fisher— grandfatherEddie Fisher’s daughter from his third wife, Connie Stevens — is an actress as well.)

11of 17

The Reynolds/Fisher family

Billie Lourd with grandmother Debbie Reynolds and mom Carrie Fisher at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Jan. 25, 2015.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Debbie Reynoldsrose to fame in the ’50s with a career that spanned a whopping 70 years untilher death in December 2016at 84.

The acting bug bit her daughter,the late Carrie Fisher, who went on to become one of the leads of theStar Warsfranchise and acted in films includingWhen Harry Met Sally(1989) andDrop Dead Fred(1991). Carriedied just one day before her motherat age 60 on Dec. 27, 2016.

Fisher’s daughter,Billie Lourd, has also followed in their path as she’s established an acting career with roles inAmerican Horror Story,Scream QueensandBooksmart(2019).

(Lourd’s auntJoely Fisher— grandfatherEddie Fisher’s daughter from his third wife, Connie Stevens — is an actress as well.)

12of 17The Coppola familyNicolas Cage, Sofia Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola.J. Vespa/WireImageWe knowFrancis Ford Coppolaas the brilliant mind who gave usThe Godfather(1972)and introduced director daughterSofia Coppolato the world inan acting role as Mary CorleoneinThe Godfather Part III(1990).She gave up acting to become a renowned director in her own right, helming such movies asThe Virgin Suicides(1999) andPriscilla(2023).What some people may not know, however, is thatNicolas Cageis actually a Coppola as well. His father, August Coppola, is Francis' brother, making Nicolas a cousin to Sofia.Cage changed his last name so as to forge his own path andnot be associatedwith his uncle all the time.Francis’ sister, actressTalia Shire, is known for playing Adrian in theRockyfranchise and appeared as Connie Corleone inThe Godfathertrilogy. Two of her sons —Jason Schwartzmanand Robert Schwartzman — are actors. Jason frequently stars inWes Andersonfilms while Robert is best remembered as Michael Moscovitz fromThe Princess Diaries(2001).

12of 17

The Coppola family

Nicolas Cage, Sofia Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola.J. Vespa/WireImage

We knowFrancis Ford Coppolaas the brilliant mind who gave usThe Godfather(1972)and introduced director daughterSofia Coppolato the world inan acting role as Mary CorleoneinThe Godfather Part III(1990).She gave up acting to become a renowned director in her own right, helming such movies asThe Virgin Suicides(1999) andPriscilla(2023).

What some people may not know, however, is thatNicolas Cageis actually a Coppola as well. His father, August Coppola, is Francis' brother, making Nicolas a cousin to Sofia.

Cage changed his last name so as to forge his own path andnot be associatedwith his uncle all the time.

Francis’ sister, actressTalia Shire, is known for playing Adrian in theRockyfranchise and appeared as Connie Corleone inThe Godfathertrilogy. Two of her sons —Jason Schwartzmanand Robert Schwartzman — are actors. Jason frequently stars inWes Andersonfilms while Robert is best remembered as Michael Moscovitz fromThe Princess Diaries(2001).

13of 17

The Baldwin brothers

William Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, Alec Baldwin and Daniel Baldwin attending the U.S. launch event for Lotus New Era on Nov. 12, 2010, in Los Angeles.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Thisband of brothershas been an undeniable presence in Hollywood since the ’80s.

14of 17The Smith familyTrey Smith, Jaden Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Will Smith attending the Environmental Media Association’s 26th annual EMA Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on Oct. 22, 2016, in Burbank, California.Randy Shropshire/GettyWill SmithandJada Pinkett Smithare acting powerhouses on their own, so it’s no surprise that those genes have been passed on to their kids — most notably sonJaden Smith.At just 8 years old, Jaden gave an outstanding performance inThe Pursuit of Happyness(2006)alongside his father. He went on to doThe Karate Kid(2010),which Will and Jada produced, and then took the big screen alongside his dad again inAfter Earth(2013).ThoughWillow Smithhas gravitated toward music, she did have a brief stint on the big screen as Will’s daughter inI Am Legend(2007) and lent her voice to different characters in the animatedMadagascarfranchise, in which her mom starred.Trey Smith, Will’s son from his first marriage, has shied away from the spotlight for the most part. He played football in high school and had a brief stint as a DJ.

14of 17

The Smith family

Trey Smith, Jaden Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Will Smith attending the Environmental Media Association’s 26th annual EMA Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on Oct. 22, 2016, in Burbank, California.Randy Shropshire/Getty

Randy Shropshire/Getty

Will SmithandJada Pinkett Smithare acting powerhouses on their own, so it’s no surprise that those genes have been passed on to their kids — most notably sonJaden Smith.

At just 8 years old, Jaden gave an outstanding performance inThe Pursuit of Happyness(2006)alongside his father. He went on to doThe Karate Kid(2010),which Will and Jada produced, and then took the big screen alongside his dad again inAfter Earth(2013).

ThoughWillow Smithhas gravitated toward music, she did have a brief stint on the big screen as Will’s daughter inI Am Legend(2007) and lent her voice to different characters in the animatedMadagascarfranchise, in which her mom starred.

Trey Smith, Will’s son from his first marriage, has shied away from the spotlight for the most part. He played football in high school and had a brief stint as a DJ.

15of 17The Griffith/Johnson familyMelanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, and Don Johnson.Jamie McCarthy/GettyDakota Johnsonis the daughter of actorsMelanie GriffithandDon Johnsonand has carried on their legacy (as well as that of her maternal grandmother,Tippi Hedren, a legendary “Hitchcock Blonde”).Dakota shot to fame playing Anastasia Steele in theFifty Shades of Greyfilm franchise and has continued to grow her career with such movies asThe Lost Daughter(2021),Madame Web(2024) andAm I OK?(2024).

15of 17

The Griffith/Johnson family

Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, and Don Johnson.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Dakota Johnsonis the daughter of actorsMelanie GriffithandDon Johnsonand has carried on their legacy (as well as that of her maternal grandmother,Tippi Hedren, a legendary “Hitchcock Blonde”).

Dakota shot to fame playing Anastasia Steele in theFifty Shades of Greyfilm franchise and has continued to grow her career with such movies asThe Lost Daughter(2021),Madame Web(2024) andAm I OK?(2024).

16of 17

The Curtis family

Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis at the 36th annual Genii Awards.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Her father,Tony Curtis, had a 60-year career that began in the late ’40s, while her mother,Janet Leigh, is the original scream queen, having starred inAlfred Hitchcock’s iconicPsycho(1960).

17of 17The Cusack siblingsAnn Cusack, John Cusack and Joan Cusack attending the afterparty for the Focus Features premiere of ‘The Ice Harvest’ on Nov. 21, 2005, in Chicago.Matt Carmichael/GettyBorn to Ann Paula (a teacher) and Richard Cusack (an actor and filmmaker),John Cusackand his siblings — Bill Cusack, Susie Cusack, Ann Cusack and Joan Cusack — took after their father and pursued acting as well.While Susie and Bill (not pictured) have fallen back from the limelight, Ann, John and Joan have continued to work, with such credits asThe Boys,Pursuit(2022)andHomecoming, respectively.

17of 17

The Cusack siblings

Ann Cusack, John Cusack and Joan Cusack attending the afterparty for the Focus Features premiere of ‘The Ice Harvest’ on Nov. 21, 2005, in Chicago.Matt Carmichael/Getty

Born to Ann Paula (a teacher) and Richard Cusack (an actor and filmmaker),John Cusackand his siblings — Bill Cusack, Susie Cusack, Ann Cusack and Joan Cusack — took after their father and pursued acting as well.

While Susie and Bill (not pictured) have fallen back from the limelight, Ann, John and Joan have continued to work, with such credits asThe Boys,Pursuit(2022)andHomecoming, respectively.

source: people.com