A new genealogy report from MyHeritage has revealed that actress Sydney Sweeney and the late Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe are ninth cousins once removed. This officially links the modern star and the legendary 1950s cinematic symbol through a shared ancestral line in Massachusetts.
The Genealogical Connection Explained
According to MyHeritage, the familial bond runs through Sydney Sweeney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and Marilyn Monroe’s biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford. Researchers discovered that the two entertainment stars share common ancestors in Ezra Perry and Elizabeth Burgess, who were 17th-century British settlers in New England.
Ezra Perry, born around 1625 and passing away in 1689, was an early settler and local militia lieutenant in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Elizabeth Burgess belonged to one of the founding families of the first permanent English settlement in the region. Genealogical records indicate that this same Perry-Burgess lineage also connects to historical figures such as former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur.
Roi Mandel, director of research at MyHeritage, noted that the investigation was sparked by years of public speculation and stylistic comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe.
“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,” Mandel said in a statement. “Uncovering their shared branch was incredible, it’s a powerful reminder that humanity is one vast family tree, and when we dig deep, we uncover how remarkably interconnected we all are.”
Channeling an Icon On and Off Screen
The revelation comes as little surprise to fans who have long tracked similarities in the careers, aesthetics, and public appearances of both actresses. Sweeney, known for her breakout roles in HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has frequently leaned into old Hollywood glamour.
In December, Sweeney drew widespread media attention at a premiere event by wearing a striking white dress reminiscent of Monroe’s iconic blowing-skirt scene in The Seven Year Itch. Later, at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, her stylist Molly Dickson confirmed that Sweeney wore a vintage Ceil Chapman gown modeled after the look Monroe sported on the cover of LIFE magazine in April 1952.
Despite the constant comparisons and her newly uncovered genealogy, Sweeney has often downplayed direct imitation. In a cover story for the WSJ. Magazine, when asked about being styled as a contemporary bombshell, she explained simply, “I think I just connect to history.”
Broader Connections in Hollywood
MyHeritage’s ongoing research into cinematic royalty has yielded other surprising familial ties as well. Alongside the Sweeney discovery, researchers found that actress Dakota Johnson-who previously portrayed a version of Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s short film Flesh Impact-is also related to the legendary star. According to the archive data, Johnson and Monroe are ninth cousins, three times removed.
While Marilyn Monroe passed away at the age of 36 in August 1962, long before Sydney Sweeney was born, their newly mapped genealogical link adds an unexpected layer of real-life continuity to the timeless allure of Hollywood history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe related?
According to MyHeritage, Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are ninth cousins once removed. They share mutual ancestors, Ezra Perry and Elizabeth Burgess, who were 17th-century settlers in Massachusetts.
Who are the shared ancestors of Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe?
Their shared ancestors are Ezra Perry (c. 1625-1689) and Elizabeth Burgess. This lineage is traced through Sydney Sweeney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and Marilyn Monroe’s biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford.
Who initiated the genealogical study?
The study was conducted and released by MyHeritage, led by Director of Research Roi Mandel, following years of public comparisons between Sweeney’s aesthetic and Monroe’s classic style.
Are other celebrities linked to Marilyn Monroe through MyHeritage?
Yes. MyHeritage also discovered that actress Dakota Johnson is related to Marilyn Monroe, specifically as her ninth cousin, three times removed.
Has Sydney Sweeney commented on the relationship?
Sydney Sweeney has not publicly commented on the MyHeritage genealogy report, though she has previously acknowledged a strong personal connection to Hollywood history and vintage fashion.
