Marilyn Monroe and Dakota Johnson Are Related: 9th Cousins 2026

Marilyn Monroe and Dakota Johnson are related as ninth cousins three times removed, according to a new MyHeritage press release. This surprising celebrity genealogy revelation comes as Johnson stars as Monroe in the upcoming short film Flesh Impact, premiering at the Venice Film Festival.

How Are Marilyn Monroe and Dakota Johnson Related?

The shared ancestry traces back to Richard and Charity Tydings, 17th-century English settlers in Maryland. Marilyn descends from their daughter Pretitia, while Dakota and her father Don Johnson descend from Pretitia's younger sister, Mary. This makes the two actresses distant cousins, a connection that adds a fascinating layer to Johnson's portrayal of the iconic star.

While ninth cousins three times removed may sound distant, in genealogical terms it's a meaningful link. For context, most people share ancestry with historical figures through similar distant connections. The discovery was made using MyHeritage's extensive family tree database, which has become a popular tool for tracing celebrity lineages.

The Venice Film Festival Premiere

Flesh Impact, written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, features two versions of Monroe. Ellen Burstyn plays "a version of Monroe the world never got to see," while Johnson portrays Monroe in her prime. A promotional photo showing Johnson dressed as Monroe has already drawn comparisons, with many noting the striking resemblance.

This casting choice takes on new meaning given the family connection. It's not just an actor embodying a legend—it's a relative honoring her own heritage. The film is set to debut at this year's Venice Film Festival, marking what would have been Monroe's 100th birthday.

Other Surprising Hollywood Family Connections

Johnson and Monroe aren't the only stars with unexpected relatives. Kit Harington, known for Game of Thrones, discovered he is a direct descendant of Robert Catesby, the leader of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. Harington played Catesby in the BBC series Gunpowder, adding historical authenticity to his performance.

These discoveries highlight how interconnected families can be across centuries. With advances in DNA testing and genealogical research, more celebrities are uncovering their roots, often leading to surprising revelations about their famous ancestors.

Why This Matters for Fans

For fans of both Monroe and Johnson, this news deepens the intrigue around Flesh Impact. It raises questions about whether Johnson's performance will channel a familial connection or if it's merely a coincidence. Either way, the film promises to be a unique tribute to Monroe's legacy.

Genealogy experts note that such distant cousin relationships are more common than people think. Many individuals share ancestors with historical figures without knowing it. The key is having access to detailed records, which services like MyHeritage provide.

Comparison Table: Famous Celebrity Distant Relatives

Key Takeaways

• Marilyn Monroe and Dakota Johnson share 17th-century ancestors from Maryland.
• The connection was revealed by MyHeritage ahead of the Venice Film Festival premiere.
• Dakota Johnson plays Monroe in the short film Flesh Impact.
• Other celebrities, like Kit Harington, have similar distant family ties to historical figures.
• Genealogy research is making these connections more accessible to the public.

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