Genealogy Study Links Marilyn Monroe and Sydney Sweeney as Distant Cousins
MyHeritage research confirms that Marilyn Monroe and Sydney Sweeney are ninth cousins, once removed, sharing a 17th-century ancestor. The finding adds a biological dimension to the frequent public comparisons between the two actresses regarding their fashion and public image.
Key points
- MyHeritage identified a shared ancestor, Ezra Perry (c. 1625–1689), an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts, linking the two actresses.
- The relationship is classified as ninth cousins, once removed, indicating a distant biological connection.
- The discovery was prompted by ongoing public comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe, particularly regarding Sweeney’s white dress at The Housemaid premiere in December 2025.
- MyHeritage also revealed that Dakota Johnson, who portrayed Monroe in the short film Flesh Impact, is Monroe’s ninth cousin, three times removed.
- Sweeney has not portrayed Monroe onscreen, but her recent fashion choices, including a vintage Ceil Chapman gown at the 2026 Santa Barbara Film Festival, have drawn parallels to Monroe’s iconic looks.
Background
Sydney Sweeney has faced recent scrutiny over her public image, including backlash for a sexualized advertisement for the sports betting platform Novig in September 2026. She also launched a lingerie collection under her brand SYRN in August 2026. Meanwhile, the casting of Dakota Johnson as Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s short film Flesh Impact has kept the legacy of the 1960s icon in the spotlight, prompting deeper genealogical inquiries into the connections between modern actresses and Monroe.
Why it matters
The genealogical link provides a concrete, historical basis for the cultural comparisons between two iconic figures separated by decades. It highlights how modern celebrity culture often draws parallels between contemporary stars and historical icons, now reinforced by biological ancestry rather than just aesthetic or stylistic similarities.
What to watch
The finding may influence future casting decisions or public narratives surrounding actors portraying historical figures. It also underscores the role of genealogy platforms in uncovering unexpected connections among public figures, potentially affecting how audiences perceive the authenticity of such portrayals.
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