Families can be a bit confusing. And not just when it comes to behavior and relationships, but also when it comes to bloodlines. Today, many companies use genetics to trace your ancestors, all the way back to many generations. These very companies have researched famous celebrities and found out some surprising facts about their antecedents.
Bright Side delved into just a handful of these celebrities and found some relationships. Enough for us to exclaim that history truly repeats itself.
1. Beyoncé Knowles is the 25th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
Beyoncé Knowles, well known for being music royalty, has royal blood running in her veins too. She is the 25th cousin to Queen Elizabeth, once removed since they both share King Henry II as a common ancestor.
2. Angelina Jolie has lineage from King Phillip II of France.
King Phillip II of France ruled from 1180 to 1223 and is known to have brought financial stability to his country. He also increased the royal coffers. Actress Angelina Jolie carries French royal blood considering she is a direct descendant of Philip II. Strangely enough, she played Queen Olympias in the 2004 movie Alexander, opposite Val Kilmer’s Phillip II, only this was Phillip II of Macedonia.
3. Brad Pitt is a descendant of King Henry II of England.
Brad Pitt is no less royal either. He can trace his ancestry back to King Henry II of England, who ruled from 1154 until his death in 1189. Coincidentally, King Henry II’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was first married to French royalty, making Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie somewhat predestined to a failed marriage. This also makes Pitt a 25th cousin, twice removed, to Queen Elizabeth.
4. Jane Austen is Anna Chancellor’s great-aunt.
In 1995, Anna Chancellor starred as Caroline Bingley in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice BBC Miniseries. But she has a deeper connection to Jane Austen as well. The highly venerated author is an 8-time great aunt to Chancellor.
5. H.H. Asquith is Helena Bonham Carter’s great-grandfather.
Helena Bonham Carter is best known for her off-the-beaten-path roles, like that of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. But she comes from illustrious family background. Herbert Henry Asquith, the Prime Minister of the UK from 1908 to 1916, was her paternal great-grandfather. She is also related to Jane Austen, and subsequently to Anna Chancellor.
6. Harry Lloyd is a descendant of Charles Dickens.
Harry Lloyd, who plays Viserys Targaryen in Game of Thrones is the great-great-great-grandson of the famous Charles Dickens, the author. Lloyd’s mother, Marion is the descendant of the seventh child of Dickens, Henry Fielding Dickens, who in turn had 5 children.
7. Benedict Cumberbatch is the 16th cousin to King Richard III.
Benedict Cumberbatch is distantly related to King Richard III, who ruled England from 1452 to 1485. He was the last English king to have died during a battle, and later, there was a whole investigation into finding his remains, enough for a reburial. Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange in the Marvel movies, is the 16th cousin to the king. He also read a poem at his royal ancestor’s reburial.
8. King Henry I is the ancestor of Sigourney Weaver.
There seem to be many celebrities who can trace their lineage right back to English kings. King Henry I, who ruled from 1100 to his death in 1135 may have died without a male heir, but his bloodlines spread far and wide. Actress Sigourney Weaver, known for her role in Alien, is a descendant of Henry I, and this also makes her the 24th cousin of the Queen, once removed.
9. Jake Gyllenhaal has antecedents back to King Edward III.
King Edward III ruled the English from 1312 to 1377 and is known as a rather conventional king, who pursued warfare but could also show great clemency. There are many celebrities who can claim blood relations with him, including Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal. Others include Michael Douglas, Hillary Duff, and more.
10. Meghan Markle is related to William Shakespeare.
We know Meghan Markle is related to the British Royal Family, by way of her marrying Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. But she already has famous blood in her veins, considering she is cousins with the great playwright, William Shakespeare. Markle is a fifth cousin to the Bard, 12 times removed.
11. Ozzy Osbourne is related to Tsar Nicholas II, and more.
Then there is Ozzy Osbourne, and DNA might prove there is a method to his madness. Researchers say that the singer is not just a descendant of the Neanderthal man, but also a relative of outlaw Jesse James. But his claim to royal fame is with the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, whose entire family was wiped out in the revolution.
12. Cary Elwes is a descendant of infamous miser John Elwes.
Actor Cary Elwes is related to John Elwes. As a man, John Elwes may have been unremarkable except for the fact that he was an extreme miser. It is also alleged that he was Charles Dickens’s inspiration behind the miserly character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the classic A Christmas Carol.
13. The Deschanel sisters are related to Louis IV of France.
Zooey and Emily Deschanel have both made their names in Hollywood. Zooey is the star of the series New Girl, while Emily Deschanel was the heroine of Bones. And both can lay claim to royal French blood, all the way back to King Louis IV of France, who ruled from 936 to 954.
14. Anderson Cooper is Cornelius Vanderbilt’s great-grandson.
Anchor and host Anderson Cooper is the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the shipping and railroad magnate whose familial wealth was once more than the US treasury. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt was the granddaughter of Cornelius, but Cooper remembers deciding to start work early, considering the family fortunes were much diminished by the time he was in his teens.
15. Robert Pattinson is a descendant of Vlad the Impaler.
Robert Pattinson may have played the love-sick vampire, Edward Cullen, in the Twilight series, but he has a real-life blood connection to “Dracula.” Bram Stoker’s famous character was allegedly inspired by the Transylvania despot, Vlad the Impaler, and Pattinson is related to him, via the British royal family.
So which of these celebrity connections really caught your interest? Do you know of your family’s famous genealogical connections too?
Angelina Jolie’s relationship with her father, Jon Voight, has been complex and fraught with tension. However, they have managed to reconcile their differences, with Voight becoming a supportive figure in Jolie’s life, particularly during her divorce from Brad Pitt.
I Found a Ring in My Husband’s Drawer a Week Ago – Now It’s Gone but He Never Gave It to Me
They say curiosity killed the cat, but in my case, it almost shattered my marriage. A week ago, I found a hidden diamond ring in my husband’s drawer and thought I was in for a romantic surprise. Little did I know that the real surprise would come in the form of betrayal, heartbreak, and a twist you wouldn’t believe.
Mark and I had been together for seven years, and our anniversary was coming up. I was buzzing with excitement because each year, our anniversary felt like a small triumph. We’d had our ups and downs but we always came out stronger. This year, though, things took an unexpected and really confusing turn.
A loving couple cuddling while sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney
It started about a week ago. I was looking for some old documents in Mark’s drawer. You know how it is, rummaging through a drawer and hoping you find what you’re looking for. That’s when I saw it: a small, velvet ring box. My heart started pounding. I couldn’t resist; I had to see what was inside.
I opened it slowly, and there it was, a stunning diamond ring. It took my breath away. I instantly thought Mark had planned to surprise me on our anniversary with this beautiful ring.
A small velvet box containing a diamond ring lying in an open drawer | Source: Midjourney
I mean, we had our rough patches, but I knew he loved me deeply. I closed the box, put it back exactly where I found it, and shut the drawer.
The days leading up to our anniversary felt like forever. I was on edge but excited, imagining the moment he would give me the ring. However, our anniversary came and went, and the ring never made an appearance. He gave me a lovely pair of earrings, which I appreciated, but my mind was on that ring.
A pair of earrings in a small blue box | Source: Midjourney
“These earrings are beautiful, Mark,” I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
“I’m glad you like them,” he replied with a smile.
I forced a smile back, but inside, all I could think was, “What about the ring?”
Maybe he had another plan? Maybe he was waiting for the perfect moment?
A woman reading a book | Source: Midjourney
A few days later, while engrossed in a book, I received a message from my best friend, Emily. We had been friends since college, and we shared everything. I opened her message and saw a picture of her hand wearing a diamond ring: the same ring I had seen in Mark’s drawer.
My heart sank.
Emily’s text followed, “Look at this gorgeous ring! This new guy I met is already spoiling me!”
I stared at the picture, my mind racing. “That’s the ring from Mark’s drawer,” I thought, feeling a mix of shock and betrayal.
A closeup shot of a woman flaunting her diamond ring | Source: Midjourney
I was hurt and furious. But I knew I had to get to the bottom of this, so I came up with a plan.
“Hey, Jess. I’m going to take a shower,” said Mark, disappearing into the bathroom.
His timing was impeccable. Without wasting a moment, I grabbed his phone and quickly typed a message to Emily, pretending to be him.
“Hey, Emily. Let’s meet at Aurora Plateau Dining at 7 p.m. I’ve got something important to tell you.”
I hit send and put the phone back, my heart racing with a mix of anger and anticipation.
A woman texting on her phone | Source: Midjourney
When Mark emerged from the shower, I suggested we dine at the same place to maximize our anniversary celebration before another year slipped by. Fortunately, he agreed.
As the evening approached, my nerves were on edge. I couldn’t wait to uncover the mysteries, lies, and half-truths that awaited me. Amidst my conflicting thoughts, Mark’s voice interrupted my reverie. “Let’s order something, Jess. How about your favorite mushroom ravioli?”
The interior of a fancy restaurant | Source: Midjourney
“Let’s wait a bit,” I replied cautiously, careful not to reveal my plan.
“Okay, but are we expecting someone?” he inquired, looking puzzled.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I responded calmly, despite the turmoil inside me. My gaze alternated between Mark’s face and the entrance, awaiting the arrival of my special guest. I noticed Mark shifting in his seat, perhaps sensing what was about to unfold.
A couple dining in a fancy restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Moments later, Emily entered, elegantly dressed and sporting a wide grin. However, her expression fell when she spotted me, her demeanor changing as if she had seen a ghost. With hesitant steps, she approached our table, while I struggled to maintain composure upon noticing the diamond ring adorning her finger.
“Good evening, everyone,” Emily greeted, her movements cautious as she took a seat. It didn’t take long for her and Mark to grasp the reality of my setup, and the atmosphere grew tense.
A woman in a stunning dress standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Before I could speak, Mark cleared his throat, seemingly prepared to offer an explanation or excuse.
“Jess, I can explain…” he began, but I cut him off.
“Please, let me speak,” I interjected, shifting my gaze from Mark to Emily, who nervously fiddled with her hands, attempting to conceal the ring.
Rising from my seat, my voice trembled but determined. “I found the ring in your drawer, dear husband. Now, will you please tell me why you didn’t give it to me? And Emily, why are you wearing it?”
A closeup shot of silver wedding rings in a box | Source: Midjourney
Mark’s face turned pale, and he stammered, “I… I bought that ring for you, Jess. Our wedding rings were simple because we couldn’t afford much back then. I wanted to give you something special this anniversary, something you deserved. But I realized it was the wrong size. Emily offered to help because she knew a jeweler who could fix it.”
“Perfect. Now, Emily,” I paused to take a deep breath. “Why were you taking pictures with that ring when you simply took it to get resized? And then you had the audacity to send those pictures to me? Why?”
A man trying to talk to his angry wife in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Emily’s eyes filled with guilt as she glanced between us. “I… I did take the ring to get it resized, Jess. But… I also sent you that picture because… I’m in love with Mark. I wanted you to think he was giving it to me, so you would leave him.”
The room fell silent, the weight of her confession hanging in the air. Mark looked at Emily, shocked and dismayed. “Emily, how could you do this? Jess is my wife. I love her more than anything.”
A woman being angry at her friend in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
I took a deep breath, my anger now directed solely at Emily. “I trusted you, Emily. You were my best friend. How could you betray me like this?”
Emily broke down in tears, apologizing repeatedly, but her words felt hollow. Mark reached out to hold my hand, his eyes filled with remorse and love. “Jess, I had no idea she felt this way. I only wanted to surprise you. Please. You have to believe me.”
I looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. “I believe you, Mark. But Emily, this is unforgivable.”
A woman burdened with remorse is sitting alone in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
We left the restaurant, leaving Emily behind with her tears and apologies. As we stepped out into the cool night air, Mark squeezed my hand.” Jess, I’m so sorry for everything. I love you more than anything, and I want to make it up to you.”
I nodded, my heart heavy but resolute.
We walked in silence for a while, the cool breeze helping to calm my nerves. The streets were quiet, with the occasional car passing by. It was just us and the sound of our footsteps on the pavement.
A couple walking on the road at night | Source: Midjourney
“Jess,” Mark said softly, breaking the silence. “I know I’ve messed up by not telling you about the ring, and I’m sorry you had to go through that confusion and hurt. I just wanted to make this anniversary special for you.”
I squeezed his hand, appreciating his words. “I know, Mark. I understand why you did it now. It’s just… it was such a shock seeing that ring on Emily’s finger. I thought the worst.”
He stopped walking and turned to face me, his eyes earnest. “I promise, from now on, no more secrets. We talk about everything, okay?”
A loving couple hugging on the road at night | Source: Midjourney
“Okay,” I agreed, feeling a bit lighter. “No more secrets.”
As we resumed walking, I couldn’t help but reflect on the night’s events. Emily’s betrayal cut deep, but Mark’s unwavering support gave me hope. I knew it would take time to heal, but I believed we could get through it.
Curious to hear your thoughts! Did this situation resonate with anyone? How might you have handled it? Share your experiences in the comments section. In the meantime, check out another story that might pique your interest:
A woman flaunting her engagement ring while hugging her fiancé | Source: Midjourney
I Ran into My Ex-Fiancé Who Dumped Me for Not Being ‘Good Enough’ – He Was on a Date & My Revenge Was Sweet
Before we move on to the main story, here’s a bit of context. About five years ago, I was engaged to this guy named Mark. We had been together for three years and I was in love with him: you know, the kind where you cannot imagine your life without your favorite person.
A man celebrating his promotion in office | Source: Midjourney
Luckily, Mark reciprocated my feelings and always assured me that he too felt the same way. We were deep into our wedding plans and I was over the moon to start a new chapter of my life with him when, out of the blue, he called it quits. Yes, you heard that right. He broke up with me.
His reasoning? I “wasn’t good enough for him.” Apparently, he’d landed a big promotion at work and suddenly felt like I didn’t fit his new image. Sounds crazy, right?
A woman crying after a breakup | Source: Midjourney
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