Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney and legendary actress Marilyn Monroe have an unexpected connection beyond their shared screen glamour. According to research by genealogy platform MyHeritage, the two actresses are distant relatives, adding a new twist to the comparisons fans have made between them.
A Family Link Across Generations
The research identifies Sweeney and Monroe as ninth cousins, once removed. Their family trees reportedly connect through a common ancestor who lived centuries ago, making the relationship distant rather than a close family bond.
The Ancestor Behind the Discovery
According to MyHeritage, the connection traces back to Ezra Perry, an early settler who lived in Sandwich, Massachusetts, during the 17th century. The family link runs through Sweeney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and Monroe’s biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford.
Why Fans Compare the Two Stars
Fans have frequently drawn parallels between Sweeney and Monroe because of their blonde looks, glamorous public images and vintage-inspired fashion. The newly reported family connection has given those comparisons an unexpected genealogical angle.
Sydney Sweeney’s Old Hollywood Style
Sweeney has embraced classic Hollywood-inspired looks at public events. At the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she wore a vintage-style gown that recalled a look associated with Monroe, prompting renewed discussion about their similarities.
What Does ‘Ninth Cousins, Once Removed’ Mean?
The term describes relatives who share an ancestor several generations back, with a one-generation difference between them. In this case, the reported connection reaches back to the 1600s, so it does not suggest a close relationship in everyday family terms.
An Unexpected Hollywood Connection
The discovery highlights how genealogical research can uncover links between people from different eras. While Sweeney and Monroe built their careers in very different periods, the reported family connection adds another layer to the public fascination surrounding the two actresses.
