Top 10 Hollywood Dynasties
Number 10: The Voights
Kicking off our list is the family of action heroine Angelina Jolie. She may be one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, but she wasn’t the first of her kin to strut down the red carpet or win an Academy Award. In fact, she shares a passion for cinema with her lesser-known brother James Haven, and together they are the offspring of their once-estranged father, “Midnight Cowboy” star Jon Voight.
Number 9: The Reitmans
Ivan Reitman has directed and produced some of the most beloved comedies of all-time, including the well-loved “Ghostbusters.” With the Reitman name carrying much weight in Hollywood, it’s no wonder his equally talented son followed in his footsteps. Though the two often collaborate, Jason is known for his distinct sense of humor and sensibilities, as seen in the film “Juno.”
Number 8: The Sutherlands
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has been in the business since the early 1960s. He rose to prominence as “Hawkeye” Pierce in “Mash” The movie, and since then has taken home countless awards for his acclaimed film portrayals. His son Kiefer also shares this pastime; however some of his biggest successes have been in television, more specifically as Jack Bauer on “24.”
Number 7: The Sheens/Estevezes
This family has tiger blood and Adonis DNA. That’s right, we’re talking about former “Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen, his brother Emilio Estevez and their father Martin, of “Apocalypse Now” and “West Wing” fame. If there’s one Hollywood dynasty of actors you’re sure to have heard about in the tabloids, it’s this one.
Number 6: The Douglases
During his illustrious fifty-year career, family patriarch Kirk Douglas became an Oscar-winning screen legend known for his tougher-than-nails protagonists. Son Michael Douglas later emerged to capture a comparable measure of success, and it wasn’t only because he’s the spitting image of his dad. The famous family includes Michael’s wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their son Cameron, who seems destined to carry the torch.
Number 5: The Bridges
Jeff Bridges and his high profile brother Beau descended from one of Hollywood’s greatest: outrageous funny man Lloyd Bridges. Though they appeared in their father’s 1950s television series “Sea Hunt” as kids, the duo never stood under his shadow. Instead, they carved out unique and acclaimed careers for themselves and are still working today.
Number 4: The Baldwins
This is undoubtedly one of the most distinct families on the list. The most prominent of the Baldwin brothers is Alec, who had a successful movie career before his turn on TV’s “30 Rock.” William likewise made it big on the small screen, while Stephen and Daniel devoted more time to film. The brothers are as famous for their acting as they are for capturing headlines with their personal lives.
Number 3: The Barrymores
Despite Drew Barrymore’s privileged and troublesome youth, she is one of Hollywood’s elite members thanks to her family’s involvement in early cinema. Drew is the great niece of Oscar-nominated actors Ethel and Lionel Barrymore. She is also the granddaughter of legendary actor John Barrymore and the daughter of TV star John Drew.
With quite a legacy to live up to, Drew has surpassed expectations by becoming more than just a Charlie’s Angel and found her footing as a model, director, producer and screenwriter.
Number 2: The Fondas
Coming in at number two is one of the older and most prolific families to ever appear on the silver screen. Henry Fonda starred in over one hundred films in less than fifty years and became known for playing the morally unshakeable hero.
His children have since carried the torch. Jane began her Academy Award-winning career in the 1960s, while her brother Peter became a counterculture icon with his milestone film “Easy Rider.” Even Henry’s granddaughter Bridget has spent time in front of the camera.
Number 1: The Coppolas
Taking top honors on our list is the family of one of the most legendary directors of all-time: Francis Ford Coppola. “The Godfather” visionary was blessed with his gifted daughter Sofia, who has taken up a similar position behind the camera. And if that weren’t enough of a legacy, he is also the uncle of Hollywood heavyweights Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman.