Genealogical research released on October 7, 2026, by MyHeritage confirms that Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney and the late icon Marilyn Monroe are distant relatives. According to the global family history platform, the two stars are ninth cousins once removed, sharing a family line that dates back nearly four centuries.
Tracing the Ancestral Connection to Ezra Perry
MyHeritage researchers traced the family connection through both women’s paternal lines. Sydney Sweeney is connected through her father, Steven Sweeney. Marilyn Monroe’s line runs through her biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford.
The research reveals that their family trees intersect through a shared ancestor named Ezra Perry. Perry lived from 1625 to 1689 and was an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Roi Mandel, director of research at MyHeritage, noted that the discovery highlights the deep ancestral ties connecting individuals across generations.
"People have always drawn parallels between Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe, but seeing their paths align on a deeper level inspired us to look for a real bond in the MyHeritage archives," Roi Mandel said in a statement. "Uncovering their shared branch was incredible, and it is a powerful reminder that humanity is one vast family tree."
Years of Public Parallels and Red Carpet Homages
The confirmation arrives after years of public comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe. Both actresses became defining cultural symbols of their respective eras. They are frequently associated with blonde hair, Old Hollywood glamour, and intense media attention.
In recent months, Sweeney has leaned into these comparisons through high-profile fashion choices. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she wore a white Ceil Chapman gown reminiscent of the dress Monroe wore on a 1952 Life magazine cover. She also channeled Monroe during appearances for the premiere of The Housemaid, drawing widespread media attention for replicating classic Old Hollywood styling.
Historical Precedents in Celebrity Genealogy
MyHeritage has previously uncovered surprising familial links between prominent entertainment figures. One of the platform’s most notable past discoveries revealed that late Friends co-stars Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox were distant cousins in real life.
While Sweeney has not publicly commented on the newly confirmed genealogical tie, the revelation provides a concrete historical link between two generations of prominent Hollywood icons.
