Some well-known public figures have left an indelible mark on the world and their descendants. They have proven that good genes run deep in the family, passing their iconic looks to a new generation. Here are six celebrities whose grandchildren mirror their looks and embody their values.
Princess Diana pictured at home on February 1, 1983, in Kensington Palace, England. | Source: Getty Images
Kirk Douglas and Cameron Douglas
Cameron Douglas, the son of Michael Douglas and Diandra Luker, reflected on his deep bond with his late grandfather, Kirk Douglas, following his passing in February 2020.
Cameron, the oldest grandchild of Kirk and Diana Douglas, shared how his grandfather was always a supportive presence in his life, even during his toughest moments. “He believed in me even when maybe I had given up on myself,” the actor revealed.
This time together was a significant motivator for Cameron to relocate to Los Angeles, allowing him to pursue his career with the hope that Kirk would witness his positive progress.
Kirk Douglas, Anne Douglas, and Cameron Douglas attend Eighth Annual Red Cross Humanitarian Awards on November 13, 1991, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“He said to me,[…] ‘Cameron, I’m so happy to see that you’re finally functioning,'” Cameron recalled, noting how much it meant to make his grandfather proud.
Kirk’s advice wasn’t about the nuances of acting, but rather about the importance of hard work, preparation, and showing up — qualities he instilled in Cameron.
Diana, Kirk, Michael, and Cameron Douglas at the New York premiere of “It Runs In The Family,” 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Despite Kirk’s advanced age, Cameron admitted that losing him was still difficult. However, he finds comfort in the pride of being Kirk’s grandson and in having shared so many meaningful moments with a man he admired greatly.
“When I look at his life, what he accomplished, and the way he carried himself, it’s hard for me to imagine anyone doing it any better,” Cameron concluded.
Cameron, Kirk, and Michael Douglas at the ceremony honoring Michael Douglas with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 6, 2018, in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
Audrey Hepburn and Emma Ferrer
Emma Ferrer, the granddaughter of the iconic Audrey Hepburn, has inherited her grandmother’s striking features, including her porcelain complexion, almond-shaped eyes, and slender figure.
As a painter, Emma feels deeply connected to Audrey, recognizing why she remains an eternal fashion icon. “We are both artists,” Emma shared in an April 2024 interview.
Though Emma never met Audrey in person, she grew up immersed in her family’s legacy, which includes her grandfather, actor Mel Ferrer, and her father, filmmaker Sean Ferrer. This creative lineage has profoundly shaped Emma’s identity.
“I’ve just begun to appreciate what it means to be so closely related to this female emblem of power and success,” she reflected, expressing pride in her grandmother and family’s cinematic contributions.
Audrey Hepburn poses for a portrait on January 1, 1980, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Emma also embraces the humanitarian spirit that was central to Audrey’s life, particularly her work with UNICEF. “Humanitarianism has always been part of my life,” Emma explained.
She emphasized how Audrey’s experiences during World War II inspired her lifelong dedication to helping children. Emma continues this legacy through her involvement with UNICEF and her work with refugees as an ambassador for UNHCR.
Balancing the weight of her grandmother’s legacy has become easier for Emma with time. Her focus remains on honing her craft as an artist, which she sees as the true source of her confidence. She expressed, “Like her, I try to live my life with integrity and kindness. And to always be a lady.”
Elvis Presley and Benjamin Keough
After the tragic death of Benjamin Keough, the grandson of Elvis Presley, in July 2020, musician Brandon Howard spoke out about his dear friend. He reflected on the struggles that may have contributed to his untimely passing at 27.
Brandon shared that Benjamin battled depression, which was exacerbated by the pressures of living up to the Presley family name and the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It takes a lot. I wish I could have been there,” he expressed, acknowledging the immense burden Benjamin carried. Brandon also highlighted how the expectations tied to the Presley legacy played a role in Benjamin’s struggles.
“That kind of pressure is definitely a part of what happened,” he noted, explaining the difficulties Benjamin faced in trying to carve out his own identity. Despite this, Benjamin was always there for his friends, offering support when they needed it most. “He has always been there for everybody,” Brandon recalled.
Remembering Benjamin, he described him as a multi-talented individual — a skilled musician, an amazing chef, and a remarkable human being. “He was super inspiring,” Brandon added.
Whether offering advice or enjoying life with friends, Benjamin was a loving and generous person. His pal said he would miss his infectious laugh. “He had the craziest laugh. I want people to know about his humility. He wasn’t a spoiled kid. He was very humble, very giving, very loving, especially to his friends,” Brandon reflected.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Rose Schlossberg
In 2016, Rose Schlossberg, the granddaughter of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the oldest daughter of Caroline Kennedy, chose a unique path distinct from her family’s political legacy. Instead of pursuing a career in politics, Rose, a Harvard graduate, ventured into comedy.
She launched a web series called “End Times Girls Club” with her friend Mara Nelson-Greenberg. The now-filmmaker revealed that the satirical vlog aimed to teach women how to stay “girly” while surviving without modern conveniences.
Rose Schlossberg pictured outside the John F. Kennedy Library on May 5, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Rose explained that the series was inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, where she noticed that many, particularly women, were “grossly underprepared” and often fell into a “damsel in distress mode.” She said, “I thought it would be interesting to create this world where girls have to be survivalists without compromising their cute factor.”
In May 2014, Rose’s mom shared a Mother’s Day message in which she described Jackie as a woman of immense courage and dedication. According to her, she gave her best in every role, whether raising her children, serving as First Lady, or working as a book editor.
Jacqueline Kennedy during the filming of a CBS News Special program on January 15, 1962, in Washington DC. | Source: Getty Images
“I feel so fortunate to have had such great role models and I hope that I’ve been able to pass some of the lessons they taught me onto my children,” said the mother of three.
Marlon Brando and Tuki Brando
Tuki Brando, the grandson of legendary actor Marlon Brando, does not fit neatly into the typical categories of celebrity fame. Unlike many from famous families, Tuki’s rise to prominence was not significantly influenced by his family’s legacy.
His mother, Cheyenne Brando, tragically took her own life at 25 after battling addiction, compounded by the traumatic murder of her partner, Dag Drollet, by her half-brother Christian Brando. This tragic event occurred while Cheyenne was eight months pregnant with Tuki.
Born a few weeks after his father’s death, Tuki became an orphan by the time he was five and was raised by his maternal grandmother, Tarita Teriipaia, who was Marlon’s third and final wife.
Despite his lineage, Tuki was not included in his grandfather’s will, which showed the distant and cold relationship between them. Tuki’s career took off after he was photographed by Bruce Weber for L’Uomo Vogue in 2007, launching him into the modeling world.
He went on to become the face of prominent brands like Versace and TechnoMarine watches, marking his own path distinct from his family’s troubled history.
In a February 2012 interview, Tuki, also a doctor, recalled his early memories of him and his famous grandparent. “My earliest memory of my grandfather is when we were together swimming in the pool, and he was talking about everything he saw in his life. And he told me how to work my abs in the swimming pool,” Tuki recounted.
The model, who was the face of the Mr Porter campaign at the time, also remembered Marlon telling him that “‘being comfortable is the best thing in style.'”
An X user shared a photo of Marlon’s grandson in September 2020. He had shoulder-length blonde hair, thick eyebrows, and brown eyes.
One person commented, “Stole his grand daddy whole face.” Someone else penned on Instagram, “He’s actually sooo much more handsome than his Grandpa!!” While another gushed, “So beautiful.”
Marlon Brando outside the Los Angeles County Courthouse on June 17, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Gregory Peck and Ethan Peck
Ethan Peck is an American actor known for being the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck and his first wife, Greta Kukkonen. In 2019, Ethan took on the role of a young Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery,” a character he continues to portray in the television series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”
Earlier in his career, from 2009 to 2010, Ethan starred in the ABC Family series “10 Things I Hate About You.” In 2010, at just 24 years old, he stepped into the iconic role of Patrick Verona, a part originally played by Heath Ledger in the 1999 romantic comedy film “10 Things I Hate About You.”
Ethan Peck on the set of “10 Things I Hate About You,” 2009 | Source: Getty Images
When asked about the challenge of following in Heath’s footsteps, Ethan confidently remarked, “I never felt any pressure to fill his shoes. I’m doing my own thing, and he did his own thing—awesomely.” Despite his professional success, Ethan’s relationship with his famous grandfather was more about personal connection than career influence.
“He was just Grandpa to me,” Ethan reminisced, recalling fond memories like learning to float in a swimming pool under Gregory’s watchful eye. “He passed when I was 17, and I don’t recall ever having a conversation with him about acting,” Ethan noted, adding that he now wishes he had the chance to ask him more about his life and career.
Gregory Peck poses for a portrait on January 1, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana and Princess Charlotte
In March 2024, Charles Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, shared a throwback photo from 1967 that highlighted the remarkable resemblance between a young Diana and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte.
The image, featuring a joyful Diana alongside her brother and mother, evoked a sense of nostalgia and drew widespread attention on social media. Many commented on how closely Princess Charlotte resembles her grandmother, with one user noting, “Princess Charlotte is the spitting image of Lady Diana.”
Others echoed, “You can really see Princess Charlotte in Diana in this photo!!” “Wow I see princess Charlotte in her grandmother here [sic],” and “Diana looks just like Charlotte. Great memory!”
Beyond their physical likeness, Charlotte carries Diana’s legacy in more ways than one. Named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, her name itself honors her grandmother. Charles Spencer expressed his delight at this tribute, sharing that his daughter, also named Charlotte Diana, was thrilled by the name connection.
Prince William has prioritized keeping “Granny Diana’s” memory alive for his children. Through stories and photographs, he ensures that Charlotte and her siblings maintain a connection to the grandmother they never had the chance to meet.
William acknowledged the difficulty, especially since his wife, Kate Middleton, never met Diana either, but their dedication to preserving her legacy remains strong.
The strong family resemblances and shared values among these iconic figures — Princess Diana, Gregory Peck, and Marlon Brando — show how their legacies continue to influence and shape their descendants, keeping their spirits alive across generations.
