For years, film fans and pop culture commentators alike have drawn the exact same conclusion: Sydney Sweeney is this generation’s Marilyn Monroe. Between the classic blonde bombshell aesthetic, the effortless Old Hollywood glamour, and the intense media scrutiny surrounding her every move, the parallels have always been impossible to ignore. Every red carpet appearance and magazine cover seemed to nod to the iconic star of the 1950s. But as it turns out, the connection between the Euphoria star and the legendary screen siren is much more profound than a shared cinematic vibe.
According to fascinating new research released today, Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are actually blood relatives.
The global family history platform MyHeritage has officially confirmed that the two actresses are ninth cousins, once removed. The historical link traces back nearly four centuries to an early American settler named Ezra Perry, who lived in the town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, between roughly 1625 and 1689.
The dedicated team of family tree researchers meticulously followed the paternal lines of both women to verify the connection. The lineage runs directly through Sydney’s father, Steven Sweeney, and connects to Marilyn through her biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford. It is a staggering historical find that finally provides a literal, genetic foundation for the endless Hollywood comparisons that have followed Sweeney since her breakout roles.
The timing of this revelation could not be more perfect. Earlier this year, the internet went into overdrive when Sydney stepped out wearing a stunning 73-year-old vintage Ceil Chapman gown. Fashion historians and eagle-eyed fans quickly realised the dress closely mirrored one of Marilyn’s most recognisable and celebrated looks, further cementing Sydney’s status as a modern-day Monroe. Knowing what we know now, wearing that specific style feels less like a simple red carpet tribute and more like a very glamorous family tradition.
Beyond the wardrobe choices, both women have had to navigate the complex reality of being a global sex symbol while fighting to be taken seriously as dedicated actors. They both built their careers while dealing with a level of public obsession that few other stars ever experience.
Interestingly, the career trajectories and physical similarities are not the only things these two women share. Life seems to be imitating history in other deeply personal ways as well. Back in 1956, Marilyn Monroe famously converted to Judaism before marrying the renowned playwright Arthur Miller. In a fascinating modern echo, reports have surfaced just this week suggesting that Sydney is currently considering converting to Judaism herself, amid her ongoing relationship with music executive Scooter Braun.
“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,” explains Roi Mandel, the Director of Research at MyHeritage. “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.”
While MyHeritage is no stranger to uncovering surprising celebrity connections—they previously revealed that beloved Friends co-stars Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox were actually distant cousins—this latest discovery feels uniquely special. It beautifully bridges two completely different eras of Hollywood royalty, connecting an enduring mid-century icon with today’s most talked-about leading lady.
So, the next time you see Sydney Sweeney channelling that classic, undeniable Monroe magic on the red carpet or the big screen, you will know it is not just the work of a great stylist or a clever PR strategy. It is quite literally in her DNA.
