Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe Found to Be Distant Cousins

A recent study by MyHeritage has revealed a genealogical connection between actress Sydney Sweeney and the iconic Marilyn Monroe. The research indicates that Sweeney, 29, and Monroe are ninth cousins, once removed. The connection traces back through their fathers' paternal lines to Ezra Perry, an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts, who lived in the 1600s.

Comparisons between Sweeney and Monroe have been frequent, with Sweeney often drawing parallels to the late star. She has publicly expressed admiration for Monroe, even wearing a vintage Ceil Chapman dress in February that Monroe had previously worn on the cover of Life magazine in 1952. This was for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Sweeney also previously emulated Monroe's style for the premiere of "The Housemaid" in December 2025, donning a gown reminiscent of Monroe's famous white halter dress from "The Seven Year Itch." Additionally, Sweeney adopted a hairstyle styled in soft waves, evoking Monroe's look from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," at the Governors Awards red carpet event a month prior.

Sources have noted that Sweeney's boyfriend, mogul Scooter Braun, views her as a "modern Marilyn Monroe." Another source told Page Six in May that Braun is supportive of Sweeney's acting choices, including her more provocative roles, understanding that it is part of her profession and respecting her dedication to her craft.

Sweeney herself has courted controversy, notably with a recent sports betting advertisement. In response to backlash, she shared images from the ad campaign and highlighted athletes who had appeared nude in ESPN's Body Issue, drawing parallels to Monroe's own history of navigating public perception and provocative imagery.