New genealogical research reveals that Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are ninth cousins once removed, according to findings published by MyHeritage and reported by Page Six. The 29-year-old Euphoria actor and the late Hollywood icon share a lineage connected through their fathers, both descending from Ezra Perry, an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts, who lived during the 1600s.
Genealogical Tracing Through Paternal Lines
According to MyHeritage researchers, the familial connection links Sydney Sweeney through her father, Steven Sweeney, and Marilyn Monroe through her biological father, Charles Stanley Gifford. Their shared ancestor, Ezra Perry, lived from approximately 1625 to 1689. Just Jared reported that Roi Mandel, MyHeritage’s Director of Research, stated that seeing the public draw parallels between the two actors inspired the company to examine their archives for a real bond. Mandel noted that uncovering the shared branch demonstrates how interconnected humanity is across generations.
Old Hollywood Fashion Tributes and Public Comparisons
Sweeney has frequently channeled Monroe’s style throughout her career. In February, she wore a vintage Ceil Chapman dress at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival that Monroe famously wore on the cover of Life magazine on April 7, 1952. In December 2025, Sweeney wore a custom Galia Lahav gown resembling Monroe’s white halter dress from 1955’s The Seven Year Itch at the premiere of The Housemaid. She also wore a bob styled in soft waves recalling Monroe’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes era at the Governors Awards red carpet.
Scooter Braun Supports Sweeney Amid Public Scrutiny
A source told Page Six that Sweeney’s boyfriend, mogul Scooter Braun, views her as a modern-day counterpart to Monroe and fully supports her acting career, including her work in Euphoria. Both actors have faced intense public scrutiny regarding their hyper-sexualized public images. Sweeney recently pushed back against backlash over a sports betting advertisement with Novig by sharing additional campaign photos and highlighting athletes who have posed for ESPN’s Body Issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ancestral Discovery
How was the familial link between Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe discovered?
MyHeritage conducted genealogical research after observing years of public comparisons between the two actors. Researchers traced their paternal family trees and located a shared ancestor, Ezra Perry, who settled in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in the 17th century.
Who were the fathers of Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe?
Sydney Sweeney’s father is Steven Sweeney, while Marilyn Monroe’s biological father was Charles Stanley Gifford. Both men descend from Ezra Perry, establishing the ninth-cousin-once-removed relationship.
What specific vintage Monroe looks has Sydney Sweeney recreated?
Sweeney wore a Ceil Chapman dress previously featured on the April 7, 1952, cover of Life magazine at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. She also wore a gown inspired by Monroe’s white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch at a film premiere.
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