We Are Family: TV Actors Related to Hollywood Legends

Hollywood is interconnected. From everyone basically dating one another to actors starring alongside each other on television and in films, actors and actresses are widely popular for being linked. So, it really should come as no surprise that most Hollywood stars are related in some shape or form. I wanted to take a look at -- of course TV actors and actresses -- but also at how, who and if they’re related to legendary actors and singers. Here are just 12 TV stars that have some grand Hollywood connections.

1. Steven R. McQueen and Steve McQueen
Connection: Grandfather and Grandson

Steven R. McQueen is known to ‘The Vampire Diaries’ fans for playing hunk Jeremy Gilbert on the hit CW series. Well, for those that don’t know, McQueen is the grandson of Steve McQueen -- yes, that Steve McQueen. You know, the one that starred in ‘The Great Escape,’ ‘Bullitt,’ and ‘Papillon’? Now that’s something to brag about!

2. Mariska Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield
Connection: Mother and Daughter

On ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ Mariska Hargitay is beloved for portraying Detective Olivia Benson, not to mention being recognized for her beauty and style. She gets a lot of that from her mother Jayne Mansfield, who just happened to be a major sex symbol and Playboy Playmate in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

3. Sasha Alexander and Sophia Loren
Connection: Mother-In-Law and Daughter-In-Law

Not only is Sasha Alexander known for playing Kate Todd on ‘NCIS’ and Maura Isles on ‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ but she’s also known for marrying Sophia Loren’s son Edoardo Ponti. Back in the day, Loren was recognized for her Italian beauty and starring in films like ‘Houseboat,’ ‘Marriage, Italian Style’ and ‘Two Women,’ which won her an Academy Award.

4. Jordan Bridges and Beau Bridges
Connection: Father and Son

The Bridges family is one of the most popular families in Hollywood. Well, ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ actor Jordan Bridges is the son of Beau. Of course, Beau is a huge movie star, but like his son, he’s also dabbled in TV, including ‘Stargate: SG-1,’ ‘Brothers & Sisters’ and ‘White Collar.’ Of course, Jordan also calls Jeff and Lloyd Bridges uncle and grandpa, respectively.

5. Maya Rudolph and Minnie Riperton
Connection: Mother and Daughter

Maya Rudolph is an extremely talented comedian. Most know and love her for her skits on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ her role on ‘Bridesmaids’ and starring in NBC’s ‘Up All Night.’ Well, did you know her mother is legendary singer Minnie Riperton? Sadly, Riperton died at the age of 31, but she left the world with hits like ‘Lovin’ You.’ Doesn’t ring a bell? Trust me, you’ll recognize it as soon as you hear the first note.

6. Mark Harmon and Ricky Nelson
Connection: Ex-Brother-In-Laws

Most ‘NCIS’ and Mark Harmon fans know of his connection to ‘60s teen singing and acting sensation Ricky Nelson. For 19 years, Mark’s sister Kristin was married to Nelson. In addition to their Kristin connection, Harmon and Nelson are/were TV stars. For years, Nelson starred alongside his family on the sitcom ‘The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet.’

7. Mamie Gummer and Meryl Streep
Connection: Mother and Daughter

Who wouldn’t want their mother to be the 17-time Oscar nominated actress Meryl Streep? Mamie Gummer is one lucky lady to call the woman who won Academy Awards for ‘The Iron Lady,’ ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ her mother. Gummer clearly got the acting bug from Streep, since she’s been spotted on the small screen in ‘Emily Owens M.D.’ and ‘The Good Wife.’

8. Amber Tamblyn and Russ Tamblyn
Connection: Father and Daughter

Amber Tamblyn’s appeared all over TV. From ‘General Hospital’ to ‘Joan of Arcadia’ to most recently starring as Charlie Harper’s lesbian daughter on ‘Two and a Half Men,’ she’s definitely taking after her actor/singer father Russ Tamblyn. He’s a huge musical success and has starred in ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ and West Side Story,’ to name a few.

9. Miguel Ferrer and Rosemary Clooney 
Connection: Mother and Son

Who would have thought that the classic Rosemary Clooney, largely known for her role as Betty in Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas,’ would give birth to an actor who is capable of playing rough around the edges characters on shows like ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and ‘Crossing Jordan’? If that’s not enough celebrity linkage for you, Miguel Ferrer is also George Clooney’s cousin.

10. Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones
Connection: Father and Daughter

Rashida Jones comes from a talented family. Not only is her mother actress Peggy Lipton, but her father is music mogul and the Oscar-nominated Quincy Jones. She clearly gets all of her acting (‘The Office,’ ‘Parks and Recreation’), writing, producing and singing talents from her versatile family members.

11. Sam Robards and Lauren Bacall/Jason Robards
Connection: Mother, Father and Son

Sam Robards is that one actor that appears in everything. From ‘Twisted’ to ‘Gossip Girl,’ Robards pops up all over the TV world. Did you know he comes from some extremely noteworthy parents? His mother is Lauren Bacall (‘The Big Sleep’) and Jason Robards who has starred in a slew of big and small screen projects like ‘All the President’s Men,’ which earned him an Oscar statue.

12. Ethan Peck and Gregory Peck
Connection: Grandfather and Grandson

One name: Atticus Finch. That’s all anyone has to utter and the legend that is Gregory Peck is immediately thought of. The ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ actor is the grandfather of young actor Ethan Peck, who has been spotted on the short-lived TV series ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’ I know I’d be proud to say my grandfather starred in some of the greatest movies ever created.