Actresses Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe share a familial connection, according to a recent genealogy report released by MyHeritage, a global family history platform. Researchers at MyHeritage identified Sweeney and Monroe as ninth cousins once removed, tracing their lineage back to a common ancestor in 17th-century colonial Massachusetts. This revelation adds a documented ancestral link to the long-standing public comparisons between the two stars.
"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." Roi Mandel, Director of Research at MyHeritage
The common ancestor identified is Ezra Perry, who lived from approximately 1625 to 1689. Perry was an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts. MyHeritage researchers established the connection along the paternal side of both actresses' family trees. Sweeney's lineage was traced through her father, Steven Sweeney, while Monroe's connection runs through her biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford.
Roi Mandel, MyHeritage's director of research, articulated the impetus behind the project. "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 stated in a comment obtained by Fox News Digital. He described the moment of discovery, adding, "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." Representatives for Ms. Sweeney did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the report.
The genealogical finding coincides with years of public and media comparisons between Sweeney, a star of "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus," and the iconic Marilyn Monroe. These parallels often highlight their shared "blonde bombshell" image, a perceived Old Hollywood glamour, and the significant public scrutiny that has followed their careers and private lives. Sweeney herself has appeared to embrace some of these comparisons, particularly through her fashion choices on various red carpets.
One notable instance occurred in February at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where Sweeney wore an ivory Ceil Chapman gown. This dress bore a striking resemblance to the one Monroe famously wore on the cover of Life magazine in April 1952. The vintage piece, featuring dramatic ruching, a cinched waist, and an off-the-shoulder design, was reportedly sourced by Sweeney's stylist, Molly Dickson, from a Beverly Hills boutique. Sweeney further echoed Monroe's styling by adding a decorative brooch to the neckline, a detail present in Monroe's original ensemble.
This was not the first time Sweeney's wardrobe drew comparisons to Monroe. At the December premiere of "The Housemaid," Sweeney wore a white gown with a sweeping skirt, a silhouette that evoked Monroe's famous dress from the subway grate scene in "The Seven Year Itch." These deliberate fashion choices have fueled the narrative of Sweeney as a modern-day embodiment of Monroe's allure.
Beyond aesthetics, another reported parallel involves their spiritual journeys. Page Six reported that Sweeney is considering a conversion to Judaism as she continues her relationship with Scooter Braun, with the couple reportedly contemplating their future. This potential step mirrors Marilyn Monroe's own conversion to Judaism in 1956, shortly before her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. Sweeney's representatives did not immediately comment on the Page Six account.
With approximately 400 years separating the two actresses from their shared ancestor, Ezra Perry, the MyHeritage report provides a new, tangible dimension to the ongoing comparisons. For the first time, the parallels drawn between Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are now underscored by a documented, ancestral family connection.
