Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe Revealed as Distant Relatives

Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe share more than their striking looks and similar fashion choices, as new genealogy research has revealed that the two actresses are distant relatives. According to the findings, the Hollywood stars are ninth cousins, once removed, connecting the modern-day actress with one of the most celebrated icons in entertainment history.

The family connection was discovered through an investigation into the actresses’ family trees, which traced their ancestry through their fathers. The research found that Sweeney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and Monroe’s biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford, reportedly share a common ancestor named Ezra Perry.

Perry was a 17th-century settler who lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts, from approximately 1625 to 1689. His descendants eventually formed branches of the family tree that included both actresses, creating an unexpected link between two Hollywood figures from different generations.

Roi Mandel, director of research at the genealogy platform MyHeritage, explained that the investigation began after years of public comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe. Their similar appearances, fashion choices and glamorous public images had frequently attracted attention, prompting researchers to explore whether the resemblance might be accompanied by a family connection.

The discovery has added a new dimension to the ongoing comparisons between the two actresses, whose careers have developed in very different eras of Hollywood.

Sweeney, best known for her performances in popular television series and films, has increasingly embraced vintage-inspired fashion on major red carpets. Her styling has often drawn comparisons with Monroe, who became famous for her glamorous image, iconic blonde hair and memorable screen presence.

Earlier this year, Sweeney paid tribute to the legendary actress while attending the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. She accepted a Virtuosos Award wearing a vintage Ceil Chapman gown that closely resembled a dress Monroe wore on the cover of Life magazine in April 1952.

The outfit attracted attention because of its resemblance to Monroe’s classic look. Sweeney’s stylist, Molly Dickson, later confirmed that the fashion choice was deliberately inspired by the late actress. The appearance further strengthened the visual comparisons between the two stars.

Sweeney also channelled Monroe’s signature glamour at the Los Angeles premiere of The Housemaid. For the occasion, she wore a white gown designed by Galia Lahav, featuring a feathered skirt that recalled Monroe’s famous white dress from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch.

Monroe’s appearance in the film remains one of the most recognisable moments in classic cinema. Her flowing white dress became an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour, inspiring generations of designers, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.

By choosing outfits that reference Monroe’s most memorable looks, Sweeney has demonstrated her appreciation for the actress’s lasting influence on fashion and popular culture.

The newly revealed family connection gives the comparisons an unexpected personal dimension. While the actresses belong to different generations and built their careers in different periods, their shared ancestry offers another reason for the public to associate their names.

Genealogy research has also uncovered surprising connections between other well-known celebrities. Previous investigations have reportedly identified a distant family relationship between Friends co-stars Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox.

For Sweeney and Monroe, however, the discovery is particularly interesting because their names have already been linked through fashion, appearance and Hollywood glamour. Their distant family relationship adds another layer to that connection, bringing together a rising contemporary star and a legendary actress whose influence continues to shape entertainment and style decades after her death.