# That famous person is related to WHO? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 14, 2011, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049 "2011-07-14T19:34:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/121 "2011-07-18T02:00:03Z")
J. Geils’ lead singer Peter Wolf was married to Faye Dunaway from 1974-1978. Phylicia Rashad, formerly Phylicia Ayers-Allen, is the sister of Debbie Allen from _Fame._ Before she was married to Ahmad Rashad, she was previously married to the cop in the Village People, Vic Willis. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/122 "2011-07-18T02:06:49Z")
Did anyone mention that Lenny Kravitz’s mother is Roxie Roker, who played Helen Willis on The Jeffersons? If not, I’m mentioning it now. And…well, I guess even if so, I’m still mentioning it now! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![KinkiNipponTourist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e9bcb4/32.png) [@KinkiNipponTourist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KinkiNipponTourist)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/123 "2011-07-18T02:23:53Z")
> [@Sarahfeena](#): > > Did anyone mention that Lenny Kravitz’s mother is Roxie Roker, who played Helen Willis on The Jeffersons? If not, I’m mentioning it now. And…well, I guess even if so, I’m still mentioning it now! 😛 psst! You forgot to mention the [Al Roker](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Roker/) connection! ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/124 "2011-07-18T03:18:31Z")
> [@KinkiNipponTourist](#): > > psst! You forgot to mention the [Al Roker](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Roker/) connection! I did not know that! You’re link isn’t working, BTW. [This](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Roker) should work. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/125 "2011-07-18T03:58:36Z")
One I mentioned in the odd TV facts threads: Michael Warren, who played Officer Bobby Hill on _Hill Street Blues_, is Jessica Alba’s father-in-law. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/126 "2011-07-18T06:02:42Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > One of my celebri-crushes is Rashida Jones from _Parks And Recreation_. Her mom is Peggy Lipton from \*The Mod Squad \*and \*Twin Peaks \*and her father is musician/producer Quincy Jones. I am prepared to fight you to the death for Rashida Jones. ---
**Author:** ![Harvey\_The\_Heavy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Harvey\_The\_Heavy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harvey_The_Heavy)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/127 "2011-07-18T11:56:50Z")
Jennifer Jason Leigh is the daughter of Vic Morrow. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/128 "2011-07-18T13:59:03Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Sean Astin, of LOTR fame, is the biological son of Patty Duke and the adopted son of John Astin, of The Addams Family fame. Duke has always insisted that John Astin is Sean’s biological father, even after DNA results proved Sean’s bio-father is Michael Tell, who Duke married but still insists their relationship was never consummated. She was also going with Desi Arnez Jr. at the time, and some speculated he was the true father. Mackenzie Astin is Duke & Astin’s biological son.. Cookbook author and Martha Stewart executive Susan Spungen is the sister of the late Nancy, girlfriend and murder victim of Sid Vicious. Authors Joe Hill and Owen Phillip King are both the sons of authors Stephen and Tabitha King. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/129 "2011-07-18T15:01:42Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Sean Astin, of LOTR fame, is the biological son of Patty Duke and the adopted son of John Astin, of The Addams Family fame. But he’s feeling MUCH better now… ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/130 "2011-07-18T19:12:26Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Authors Joe Hill and Owen Phillip King are both the sons of authors Stephen and Tabitha King. [Hijack]The GI Joe action figure [Sneak Peek](http://www.yojoe.com/action/87/sneakpeek.shtml) is modeled after Owen King, and even has his name as his civilian identity.[/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/131 "2011-07-18T20:03:18Z")
[QUOTE=Jim’s Son] Has anyone mentioned that Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink) was the son of well known classical conductor Otto Klemperer? [/QUOTE] Kind of stretching for a “famous” connection but I’ll mention anyway: Klemperer’s widow is the sister of Lynn Hamilton, most famous for playing Donna on _Sanford & Son_ or Verdie on _The Waltons_. His ex-wife Susan Dempsay is well known in mental health circles as an advocate for schizophrenics (their son has schizophrenia). Speaking of _Hogan’s Heroes_ cast members, Robert Clary (LeBeau) was married to Eddie Cantor’s daughter until her death. Ethan Suplee (who, incidentally, has [lost 200 lbs](http://www.tmz.com/2011/03/24/my-name-is-earl-ethan-suplee-fat-weight-loss-bicycle/). in the last 10 years) is married to Brandy Lewis, sister of Juliette and daughter of Geoffrey, both of whom appeared with him on _My Name is Earl_. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/132 "2011-07-18T21:08:24Z")
Jane Curtin’s dad Hoyt was a composer who scored, among many other things, the dramatic music heard in the “Jonny Quest” cartoons. Debbie Boone’s grand-dad was singer Red Foley. Debbie, her dad, and her grand-dad all had #1 records. Character actor Vinton Haworth, best recognized as Dr. Bellows’ boss on “I Dream of Jeannie” was uncle to both Ginger Rogers (his wife’s sister’s daughter), and Rita Hayworth (his sister’s daughter). This is kinda obscure, but. . . “Our Gang” member Mel Jasgur [you can see him [here](http://ourgang.wikia.com/wiki/Canned_Fishing) with Alfalfa and Spanky, was the uncle of Max Yasgur of Woodstock fame. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/133 "2011-07-18T22:09:10Z")
> [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](#): > > This is kinda obscure, but. . . “Our Gang” member Mel Jasgur (you can see him [here](http://ourgang.wikia.com/wiki/Canned_Fishing) with Alfalfa and Spanky) was the uncle of Max Yasgur of Woodstock fame. I like this posting more than any other so far, because it really seems so random. Pretty much all the other postings (I think) are about cousins, etc. who both became entertainers/artists of one sort or another, so there’s at least some chance that it’s not a total coincidence, but rather a career choice that, for any of several reasons, “runs in the family”. This one, though, can’t be anything but chance, because Michael Lang and the other Woodstock producers didn’t drive around New York State looking for the nephew of a Little Rascal; they just came across a farm with the right physical characteristics for a concert, and contacted the owner. (On second thought, maybe even this wasn’t TOTALLY random…perhaps Lang et al. had tried contacting other farmers first, but were rejected; but Max accepted their proposal, indirectly _because_ he had a bit more familiarity with the ways of the entertainment industry, and so wasn’t so suspicious of them…Just maybe.) ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/134 "2011-07-18T23:01:55Z")
Joel Gretsch (The 4400, V) is married to the daughter of William Shatner (Star Trek, TJ Hooker, Boston Legal) ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/135 "2011-07-19T00:41:21Z")
Here’s one I just discovered: The actor who plays the boss in the [Geico commercials](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OIEFo2axGE&feature=related) is [Brian Carney](http://www.geofffox.com/MT/archives/tag/brian-carney), son of the famous Art Carney, Ed Norton in “The Honeymooners.” ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/136 "2011-07-19T00:46:29Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > On second thought, maybe even this wasn’t TOTALLY random…perhaps Lang et al. had tried contacting other farmers first, but were rejected; but Max accepted their proposal, indirectly _because_ he had a bit more familiarity with the ways of the entertainment industry, and so wasn’t so suspicious of them…Just maybe. It wasn’t completely random. Lang and company were asking around the area for a last-minute site and some local people recommended they talk to Yasgur. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/137 "2011-07-19T00:52:39Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > It wasn’t completely random. Lang and company were asking around the area for a last-minute site and some local people recommended they talk to Yasgur. Okay, thanks. Figures. ---
**Author:** ![Tess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e480ec/32.png) [@Tess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tess)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/138 "2011-07-19T01:36:23Z")
Pierce Brosnan adopted his first wife Cassandra Harris’ two children with her first husband Dermot Harris, making Brosnan the legal father of Richard Harris’ biological niece and nephew. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/139 "2011-07-19T02:39:43Z")
I don’t know how famous he’s considered to be but [William Mapother](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0544611/) is the less attractive but far better actor first cousin of Tom Cruise. I mostly know him from " The Grudge" but I guess he’s been in "Lost " and other stuff you might know. I think there’s a strong resemblance once you know the connection. ---
**Author:** ![postcards](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e8cbc/32.png) [@postcards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/postcards)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049/140 "2011-07-19T15:25:12Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > Actor Mark Harmon gives us a lot of material: > > 1. His father, Tom Harmon, won the Heisman Trophy at Michigan > > 2. His wife, Pam Dawber, starred on “Mork & MindY” and “My Sister Sam.” > > 3. His sister married former teen idol Ricky Nelson. > > 4. His nephews Matthew and Gunnar were the hair metal duo Nelson. > [@dropzone](#): > > Tom was a good looking guy and Mom was [too hot for words.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elyse_Knox) Not surprising their kids turned out well. Mark and Pam are probably maintaining the tradition of passing along exceedingly good genes, though I haven’t seen their kids. Mark and Pam’s son Sean Thomas plays the young L.J. Gibbs in flashback scenes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-famous-person-is-related-to-who/589049.md?page=8)