You would probably be shocked if you knew which celebrities you love seeing on your big screens were related. Behind the bright lights and unforgettable talent, many celebrities share family ties that fly under fans’ radars. You may know these Black celebrities for their iconic roles, hit songs, or political achievements, but did you know they’re related too? Here are five Black celebrities who are related.
Popular Black Celebrities You Didn’t Know Are Related
Cory Booker and RuPaul (Cousins)
Starting our list, did you know that Senator Cory Booker and the “reigning queen of drag,” RuPaul Charles, are cousins? During a “Finding Your Roots” episode, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” host learned he was related to Booker.
“He looks like my kin,” RuPaul said in the episode. “There’s a sweetness about him that I’ve always loved and an intellect that’s undeniable. But every time I’ve ever seen him, he reminds me of my cousin Yula.”
These two first cousins are proof that you can change the world in very different ways—whether through politics or pushing boundaries in entertainment.
Janelle Monáe and Marsai Martin (Cousins)
Janelle Monáe, the multi-talented singer and actress, and Marsai Martin, the teen actress and producer known for her role on “Black-ish,” are cousins. According to Essence, they discovered they were related at a Golden Globes afterparty.
“I admire so many things about Janelle. My family members would always tell me how we were related, so I was excited when we got to meet and say hello in person,” said Martin.
The “Yoga” singer was happy to learn of her new relative.
Lenny Kravitz and Al Roker (Cousins)
One is a rock star, and the other is America’s favorite weatherman/host, and they are second cousins (once removed)! Kravitz, the Grammy-winning musician, and Roker, the longtime “Today Show” host, share family roots despite having very different career paths. According to NBC, in 2011, Roker revealed this surprising connection during an interview, saying their grandfathers were first cousins.
Viola Davis and Mike Colter (Cousins)
Viola Davis, the award-winning actress known for her powerful performances, and Mike Colter, the star of “Luke Cage,” are second cousins.
“Honestly, we had never met, but our families have family reunions, and they talk about us and stuff. They are very proud of us,” Mike said during a segment on “The Talk.”
“We’re just very busy… In LA, you could be right next to someone in the same neighborhood; you’re never home; you’re filming somewhere; they’re busy; life happens. And we just never got caught up… I figured we would just work it out, and we connected, and we just made it happen. Took us about a week. We were like, ‘Let’s get some coffee and talk,’ and I met her mom. Good times.”
Erykah Badu and Lauren London (Cousins)
Music and acting royalty unite in this family connection. Erykah Badu, the neo-soul legend, and Lauren London, the actress best known for her roles in “ATL” are cousins. Badu’s soulful, spiritual vibe contrasts with London’s down-to-earth acting style, but the bond between these two icons is undeniable. Their shared family roots reflect the wide spectrum of Black excellence in both music and film.
These surprising family ties show Hollywood is smaller than we think, and talent often runs deep in family bloodlines. These Black celebrities who are related remind us that even the most famous people share a common thread behind the scenes. Next time you watch one of these stars, you might see their cousin shining in another role!
Main Image Credit: Leon Bennett / Stringer | Getty Images
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