Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe Linked as Relatives
New genealogical research has revealed that actor Sydney Sweeney shares an ancestor with icon Marilyn Monroe.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Celebrities
A study conducted by MyHeritage has identified a familial connection between Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe. The two stars share a common ancestor named Ezra Perry, who lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts, during the 1600s.
Why it matters
The discovery comes after recurring public observations and media comparisons between the two celebrities. Genealogists used the MyHeritage database to establish the link between Sweeney's father, Steven Sweeney, and Monroe's father, Charles Stanley Gifford.
Researchers successfully linked the celebrities by tracing family trees back to an ancestor from the 1600s. The investigation was initiated following years of public commentary regarding physical similarities.
The players
Sydney Sweeney
She is a prominent American actress known for her roles in television series and feature films.
Marilyn Monroe
She was a legendary American actress, model, and singer who remains a significant cultural icon.
MyHeritage
It is an online genealogy platform that provides services for family tree building and DNA testing.
Larry David
He is an American comedian, writer, and actor best known for creating Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Bernie Sanders
He is a long-serving United States Senator from Vermont and a former presidential candidate.
The details
Researchers confirmed the relationship by analyzing historical records stored within the MyHeritage database. The study established that the connection stems from shared ancestry originating in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Timeline
The shared ancestor Ezra Perry lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts, during the 1600s.
Ludacris announced his relation to Richard Pryor in 2015.
Larry David confirmed his familial connection to Bernie Sanders in 2017.
Sweeney wore a retro look at a premiere in December 2025.
Sweeney donned a gown reminiscent of Monroe's in February 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This revelation follows a broader trend of celebrity genealogy research designed to pique public interest through unexpected familial links. These findings often mirror previous high-profile DNA and record-based discoveries connecting major stars to other historical or cultural figures.
Fans can explore their own family histories using similar genealogical archives and databases available to the public. These tools allow individuals to identify potential connections to historical figures through shared ancestral records.
The takeaway
The study highlights how modern genealogical tools can bridge the gap between contemporary stars and historical icons. Readers interested in their own heritage may find similar tools useful for uncovering long-forgotten family branches.
Further reading
For more on entertainment industry news, visit our Celebrities section.
