These Famous Families Have Become Acting Royalty In Hollywood

Kurt Douglas recently turned 100 years old, and in his 60-year career, he’s played close to 100 roles in movies and TV. If that isn’t enough to bring acclaim to the Douglas family, his 72-year-old son Michael’s 50-year career has scored him close to 60 roles and counting. That’s a remarkable achievement for any family’s legacy, but compared to some other Hollywood dynasty’s, that’s just a drop in the bucket.

Whether they’ve been father and son, brother and sister, or husband and wife, there are many legacies in Hollywood of one family member catching the acting bug and someone close to them catching it as well. In some families, it’s clear who the standout performer is, but in many cases, each family member is as talented as the next.

Check out our list of Hollywood royalty and let us know your favorite performers in the comments!

The Coppolas

Academy Award-winning Francis Ford Coppola directed films like Apocalypse Now, Patton, and The Godfather trilogy. He’s also the father of director Sofia Coppola, who has made Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, and The Bling Ring (and was also briefly married to director Spike Jonze). But it doesn’t stop there! One of Coppola’s nephews is Ghost Rider himself, Nicolas Cage, and another nephew is Jason Schwartzman, star of Rushmore and Bored to Death. Not enough for you? His sister is Talia Shire, who everyone remembers as Adrienne from the Rocky films. The Copolla family is easily one of the most famous and well-acclaimed families in Hollywood.

 

The Fondas

Acotr Henry Fonda was a highly-regarded star of the stage and screen, who father Peter and Jane. Both siblings have had careers spanning over 50 years, which combined with their father’s career, adds up to over 160 years on the stage and screen. Peter’s daughter Bridget went on to star in films like Single White Female, Jackie Brown, and Lake Placid. Bridget married Danny Elfman in 2003, who is credited with having composed music for close to 100 films. 

 

The Sheens

Martin Sheen (born Ramón Estévez) earned acclaim for his lead role in Apocalypse Now, and also went on to star in films such as The Dead Zone, JFK, and the hugely popular TV series The West Wing. His first son, Emilio Estevez, became a household name thanks to The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, and The Outsiders. Martin’s youngest son Charlie build a name for himself right along brother Emilio, starring in films such as Platoon, Wall Street, and Major League. The brothers also worked together on the hit ’80s action-western Young Guns.

 

The Hawns/Hudsons/Russells

Although not officially married, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have been together for over 30 years, each establishing names for themselves on the big screen. Hawn starred in films like Private Benjamin and Cactus Flower, with Kurt starring in films like Big Trouble in Little China, The Thing, and Escape From New York. The two even worked together on the film Overboard! Goldie’s daughter is Kate Hudon, famous for starring in films like Almost Famous and The Skeleton Key, and their son together, Wyatt Russell, has recently taken up acting and starred in films like 22 Jump Street, Everybody Wants Some!!, and an episode of Black Mirror.

 

The Bridges

Dorothy and Lloyd Bridges both built careers for themselves with their acting, with Lloyd amassing over 150 credits throughout his career. The two had four children, and two of them established their own names for themselves. Oldest son Beau has earned acclaim in multiple arenas, winning Golden Globes, Emmys, and even a Grammy. Their son Jeff won an Academy Award for his role in Crazy Heart and has amassed a massive cult following for his role of “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski.

 

The Curtises

Janet Leigh is possibly the first ever “Scream Queen,” famous for her role in Hitchcock’s Psycho, who was married to Tony Curtis, who performed over 100 roles in his 60-year career. Their daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, followed in her mother’s heels by starring in horror films like Halloween, Prom Night, and The Fog, among various other motion pictures. Jamie is married to Christopher Guest, responsible for hilarious mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, along with starring in This is Spinal Tap.

 

The Voights

Jon Voight won an Academy Award for his role of a paraplegic in Coming Home, and also won acclaim for his performances in films like Deliverance, Midnight Cowboy, and The Champ. Voight is the father of Angelina Jolie, who quickly rose to fame with films like Gia and Girl, Interrupted. Jolie was married to Billy Bob Thornton Thornton, who garnered acclaim for his roles in films like Sling Blade, U-Turn, and A Simple Plan. And just in case that dynasty wasn’t strong enough, Jolie latter married Brad Pitt, who was already one of the biggest stars on the planet, and the two continued to gain attention for their performances across a variety of films.

 

The Culkins

The Culkin haven’t garnered quite as long of careers, but the fact that a new one seems to pop up every year earns them a right to be considered a dynasty. Macaulay kicked things off in the early ’90s as a child actor in Home Alone, The Good Son, and Richie Rich. Younger brother Kieran followed suit a few years later when he starred in films like The Mighty, She’s All That, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Another brother appeared, in the form of Rory Culkin, who starred in films like Signs, You Can Count On Me, and Scream 4. From the time you started reading this, it’s possible another Culkin has risen to take one of their places.

 

The Brolins

James Brolin has starred in a variety of projects, both on screens big and small, and has won two Golden Globes and an Emmy. He married Barbara Streisand, a musical icon whose career has spanned six decades, in which time she has won ten Grammys and two Academy Awards. James’ son Josh started his acting career in 1985 with The Goonies, and went on to star in films like No Country For Old Men, True Grit, and Sicario. Josh was married to Diane Lane, who starred in The Outsiders, Unfaithful, and Man of Steel.

 

The Baldwins

At one point in time, different Baldwin brothers have been the most famous of the clan, but looking back on all of their careers, Alec’s career definitely became the most prolific. Alec, the oldest of the brothers, starred in films like Beetlejuice, The Departed, and The Cooler, along with being the star of the hit NBC show 30 Rock. Alex was also married to Kim Basinger for nine years, who won an Academy Award for her role in L.A. Confidential. Second oldest brother followed Alec’s suit by starring in films like Vampires, Mulholland Falls, and the TV series Homicide: Life on the Street. Second-youngest brother William got a later star, portraying roles in films like Flatliners and Backdraft, while also starring in TV shows like Dirty Sexy Money. And lastly, Stephen took the spotlight, thanks to his role in The Usual Suspects, which he followed up with lots of comedies and thrillers.