Sons With Their Famous Father’s Talents And Looks
It is not breaking news that Hollywood has seen its share of attractive leading men over the years. Famous fathers with sons who have taken on their dad's good looks and talent are a more compelling story. Stars like Will Smith, Tom Hanks, and Clint Eastwood have had sons bearing a mirror image of them.
Social media and the popularity of their fathers have allowed star-gazers to follow their every move from birth. This article presents the famous men who passed on their abilities and attractiveness to their boys.
Tom Hanks And Colin Hanks
While Tom Hanks and his son Colin are not spitting images of each other, their looks and careers have similar features. Having won two Academy Awards at this age, the senior Hanks member has some big shoes to fill, but Colin is no slouch in Hollywood either.
Colin has appeared in blockbusters like King Kong and the Jumanji series of films. He made his big-screen debut in the 1996 movie That Thing You Do!, starring Liv Tyler, Bryan Cranston, and his famous dad.
O'Shea "Ice Cube" Jackson And O'Shea Jackson Jr.
West Coast rapper Ice Cube, aka O'Shea Jackson, began his career dropping hard-hitting lyrics and entered the acting world as an actor and director. O'Shea Sr. starred in and co-produced movies like the Friday franchise, Boyz n the Hood, and Ride Along.
Although Jackson Jr. never reached the status of his infamous rapping father, he did dabble in the music industry, releasing a mixtape in March of 2012. His uncanny resemblance to his dad was never more apparent than when he acted in the role of his father in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton.
Damon Wayans And Damon Wayans Jr.
Actor Damon Wayans comes from a family of actors, so it should surprise nobody he would be the father to a son who not only acts like him but could pass as his doppelganger. Wayans is most famous for his roles in the variety series In Living Color, which also starred his brothers and sister.
Wayans Jr. inherited his father's good looks and joined him in the acting industry. Jr. proved that the apple does not fall far from the tree when he starred in comedies like Blankman and Super Troopers II.
Jerry Stiller And Ben Stiller
Comedian and actor Jerry Stiller and his hilarious antics entertained audiences for many decades before becoming the father of a famous actor. He co-starred or made cameos in classic shows like The Love Boat and Archie Bunker's Place, but most fans recognize him from his role as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld.
Stiller's son Ben took the baton in appearance and comedic acting skills from his dad and successfully ran with it. He dropped in on hit television shows like Friends and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but the actor caught attention after starring in the film Zoolander.
Kirk Douglas And Michael Douglas
There is not enough space or time to describe the talent and rugged good looks of actor Kirk Douglas. Douglas and his trademark cleft chin appeared in one of Hollywood's most popular movies before becoming a parent, Spartacus.
His son, Michael Douglas, minus the cleft mark, passed on his father's charm, appeal, and success. Douglas topped the box office after starring in hits like Wall Street, Basic Instinct, and Fatal Attraction. He won an Academy Award for producing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Best Actor in Wall Street.
Eugene Levy And Dan Levy
Legendary comedian Eugene Levy and his signature black-rimmed glasses and hairdo have been splitting the sides of fans for years in Hollywood. While today's generation may recognize him from his work on the sitcom Schitt's Creek, their parents will remember him hilariously for his characters on SCTV.
Dan Levy began his acting career as a host on MTV but attracted attention for his striking resemblance to his dad, and they co-produced Schitt's Creek. The proof in his pudding was winning a Primetime Emmy Award for acting, writing, producing, and directing the show in the same year.
Clint Eastwood And Scott Eastwood
"Go ahead, make my day!" is a Clint Eastwood quote that fans remember with his raspy voice, squinty stare, and distinct jawline. Eastwood's acting versatility and directing skills came later in his career, but starring in Westerns like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and the blockbuster movie series Dirty Harry is how most remember him.
Scott Eastwood inherited his father's standout jaw structure and his acting skills. 2008's Gran Torino, directed by Clint, featured his son Scott. He also appeared in the 2015 film The Longest Ride and Suicide Squad in 2016.
Arnold Schwarzenegger And Patrick Schwarzenegger
Austrian-born actor and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is almost famous for his bulging biceps and accent, which he never lost. Before Arnie graced Hollywood in films like Commando and The Terminator, he racked up seven Mr. Olympia bodybuilding titles, a record until it was broken in 1991.
One of Arnold's sons, Patrick Schwarzenegger, skipped leg days at the gym to focus on acting like his 80s action star of a father. Patrick debuted at age 10 with a tiny part in The Benchwarmers and earned his first lead role in the 2018 film Midnight Sun.
Daniel Day-Lewis And Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis
In addition to actor Daniel Day-Lewis winning three Best Actor Academy Awards for his roles in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln, he was honored and knighted in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace by the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, in 2014.
Unfortunately for Daniel, his son Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis only inherited his dad's looks, looking every bit like him at the same age. Gabriel decided to forgo the acting industry to pursue a career in the NYC music scene.
John Lennon And Sean Lennon
Former legendary British singer John Lennon was best known for his contributions to the band The Beatles and later his solo projects. Lennon went independent and released the 1971 hit single Imagine. Later, he gained headlines for his anti-war activism with his wife, Yoko Ono.
Sean Lennon looks eerily similar to John's photos from the 60s and 70s down to his hippie-style long hair and beard. Born in New York City, Lennon showed he had his mother and father's musical talents after his 1998 solo debut album Into the Sun.
Donald Sutherland And Kiefer Sutherland
Labeled as one of the best actors to never get an Oscar nomination, Donald Sutherland managed to have an esteemed acting career. Sutherland earned his acting stripes in The Dirty Dozen and M*A*S*H, the motion picture that inspired the spinoff series on air from 1972 to 1983.
One of Donald's children, Kiefer Sutherland, has a close resemblance to him and made a name for himself in Hollywood. Kiefer starred in films like Stand By Me, The Lost Boys, and A Few Good Men, but his star shined brightest after getting the lead role in the hit action series 24.
Bob Marley And Ziggy Marley
It is almost impossible to hear Reggae music and not equate it with the iconic singer Bob Marley. With his group, The Wailers, and his solo endeavors, Marley brought the sound of his native Jamaica to the world with classic tunes like "No Woman, No Cry" and "I Shot the Sheriff."
One of his sons, Ziggy Marley, seemed to inherit his musical gifts, social consciousness, and trademark raspy voice. His debut album, Dragonfly, was released in 2003, months after the band with his siblings named The Melody Makers was disbanded.
Stevie Wonder And Kwame Morris
Singer Stevie Wonder, with an unforgettable smile that gave fans heartwarming memories and songs for decades. His single at age 13, "Fingertips," turned heads after topping the Billboard Hot 100. Wonder won 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of music's most successful artists ever.
Kwame Morris is the third eldest of Wonder's children and benefitted from his father's infectious smile in his career as a model and producer. Morris co-produced the film Paralyzed in 2015. Morris deserves credit for not using his dad's fame while establishing his name in Hollywood.
Marlon Brando And Tuki Brando
Vito Corleone is the character former actor and activist Marlon Brando is remembered by, but he was more accomplished and a heartthrob than most fans would know. Brando appeared on theater stages for nearly a decade before his role as Corleone in The Godfather landed his second Academy Award.
Tuki Brando took his grandfather's vintage look of the 50s and ran with it as a professional model. Tuki turned the signature Brando appeal into a modeling career with companies like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace.
Will Smith And Jaden Smith
Will Smith grew up before his fans' eyes as a musician and an actor and appears like he never aged, which many are envious of. The former star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the Bad Boys film franchise began his career as a teenage rapper in the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
Smith and Jada Pinkett passed genes and acting talents to their son Jaden. Jaden first appeared in Pursuit of Happiness with Will. In 2010, Jaden debuted his Rap career in a 2010 single with Justin Bieber called "Never Say Never."
David Bowie And Duncan Jones
Singer David Bowie needs no introduction for his storied musical career. Bowie made a commercial splash collaborating with the group Queen on the song "Under Pressure," and his independent single "Let's Dance" soared up the charts in 1983. Bowie's stage presence resounded with female fans.
Bowie's son Duncan Jones slightly resembles him but inherited his talent to become an acclaimed film director and producer. The British-born director received an award for his debut production, Moon released, in 2009.
James Brolin And Josh Brolin
Before his son became a successful Action-movie star, actor James Brolin had an accomplished acting career in Hollywood. Brolin starred in the television series Hotel for five seasons and in films like Skyjacked and Catch Me If You Can. Brolin and singer Babara Streisand are the parents of Josh.
Josh Brolin has an uncanny resemblance to his father and has a few blockbuster films on his resume. After gaining recognition in the industry starring in the 1985 film Goonies, Josh starred in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men and Marvel's Avengers franchise.
Rob Lowe And John Owen Lowe
Former teen heartthrob Rob Lowe was blessed with beauty that he used well for a long career in acting. His smile and perfect coif stirred hormones first at 15, but fans obsessed over him when he appeared in the 80s classic St. Elmos Fire.
John Owen Lowe, son of Rob, owns his dad's hypnotizing smile and immaculate hair and, like his father, parlayed them into an acting career. John acted in a few modest productions but is known for being on the reality show The Lowe Files with his brother and dad.
Jack Nicholson And Ray Nicholson
Some fans of Jack Nicholson might feel his smile was ideal for his role as the Joker in the 1989 movie Batman, but the character was more suited to fit him because of it. Nicholson's trademark grin spooked audiences in classics like The Shining, released in 1980.
Ray Nicholson has blue eyes while his dad does not, but there is no mistaking his smile and jawline, which Jack passed on to him. Ray dipped his toe in acting like his father but immersed himself in Hollywood as a director.
Jean-Claude Van Damme And Kristopher Van Varenberg
Nobody other than actor Steven Seagal made more of an impact with his martial arts films than Jean-Claude Van Damme. The action star known as the "Muscles from Brussels" kicked, flipped, and chopped villains in hits like Bloodsport and Kickboxer with a smile that trademarked many of Van Damme's characters.
Jean-Claude is the proud poppa of Kristopher Van Varenberg, who does not have his father's name but does act on the big screen, flashing a smile and performing daring karate stunts like him. Van Damme and Van Varenberg starred together in the 1996 film The Quest.
Glenn Frey And Deacon Frey
80s legendary singer Glenn Frey had the decade's big hair and a singing voice that thrilled audiences and fans first with the rock band The Eagles. Frey is responsible for the vocals and lyrics for hits like "The One You Love" and "The Heat is On."
Frey's son Deacon took the term family business literally, attempting to honor Glenn's legacy by singing and going on tour with The Eagles after his father's passing in 2016. Deacon left the group in 2022 for his solo career but returned to them in 2023.
Martin Sheen And Emilio Estevez
A breakthrough appearance by Martin Sheen in the 1973 classic Badlands helped launch a legendary acting career that starred in many movies that influenced Hollywood and his sons. Sheen starred in films like Apocalypse Now, Wall Street, and The Departed.
One of Sheen's sons, Emilio Estevez, has a different surname from his dad but carries a resemblance to Martin and his brother, Charlie Sheen. Estevez and his boyish good looks charmed fans in The Breakfast Club, released in 1985, and The Mighty Ducks franchise.
Jude Law And Rafferty Law
Famed British actor Jude Law starred in the hit movies The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain, which were Oscar-nominated. Law owns a gaze rivaled only by his son Rafferty, who also acts like Jude. Law has many nominations for his work in movies and theater.
Rafferty Law appears in a few minor film projects but chose to find his way as a model and musician in addition to acting. Law walked fashion runways for iconic names like DKNY and Dolce and Gabbana.
Jeremy Irons And Max Irons
Whether a fan of actor Jeremy Irons or not, everyone has to admit to seeing his piercing eyes in almost every film produced during his prime. A highlight of his success and hard work came after he won the 1991 Oscar Award for Best Actor in Reversal of Fortune.
Max Irons stole his dad's talents to launch his acting career and made no apologies to anyone. Max has co-starred in features like The Wife, Terminal, and the suspense series Condor for two seasons.
Pierce Brosnan And Dylan Brosnan
Known for playing the James Bond character in the 007 franchise, Pierce Brosnan made his name and debut in the acting industry on the small screen. Brosnan's charming smile and well-styled hair starred in the series Remington Steele from 1982-1987.
In an ironic twist of fate and destiny, Pierce's son Dylan also acts and reminds people of his famous father everywhere he appears. Dylan entered the acting industry and debuted in the 2019 Short-film Iconic, approximately the same age as his dad's debut in film.
Val Kilmer And Jack Kilmer
Once Val Kilmer and his striking look caught the gaze of fans in the 80s blockbuster, Top Gun not surprisingly enjoyed a successful and long career because of it. Kilmer earned recognition for portraying Jim Morrison in the hit docudrama The Doors.
Jack Kilmer received the allure of his dad and the ability to act in respectable movies and projects. Kilmer co-starred in the 2013 Thriller Palo Alto with his dad and in the 2018 Horror film Lords of Chaos with another actor from an acting family, Rory Culkin, the youngest brother of Macaulay.
Sean Penn And Hopper Penn
Sean Penn dominated the Hollywood spotlight after starring in the classics Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Carlito's Way. Penn's attractiveness caught the heart of star singer Madonna on his way to winning Oscar Awards for his roles in Mystic River and Milk.
Hopper Penn combined the DNA and thespian talents of Sean and his mother, actress Robin Wright, landing roles in films like Signs of Love in 2022 and Devil's Peak, released in 2023. Oddly enough, Hopper Jack Penn was named after two actors who were not related to him or his parents, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson.
Denzel Washington And John David Washington
The number of awards and accolades Denzel Washington achieved in his acting career is long and as familiar as his charming smile. Washington starred in blockbusters like Power, Malcolm X, and Courage Under Fire before winning Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Glory and Best Actor in Training Day.
Denzel continues acting and has passed it and his familiar smirk to his son, John David Washington. John David made cameos on the hit series Ballers and in the movies BlacKkKlansman's and The Book of Eli.
Kurt Russell And Wyatt Russell
Iconic 80s star Kurt Russell blessed fans with his lovely big hair and chiseled facial features in Big Trouble in Little China, Tango & Cash, and Backdraft. Kurt and his wife, actress Goldie Hawn, were a power couple with looks to die for and passed them on to their kids.
Wyatt Russell played ice hockey for a minute before getting bitten by the acting bug. Underneath his facial hair and his parents' likeness is an actor in Wyatt, slowly earning his stripes as an actor in films like Cowboys & Aliens and 22 Jump Street.
Mick Jagger And James Jagger
Mick Jagger is to The Rolling Stones as much as their iconic logo, partially created to feature his infamous pair of lips. Jagger and the band rocked fans for over six decades, producing memorable hits like "Satisfaction" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
One of Mick's sons, James Jagger, took his dad's unmistakable eyes and signature lips and decided they would best serve him in the music industry. James appeared in the 2016 movie Vinyl, The Outpost in 2019, and The Deep House, released in 2021.
David Cassidy And Beau Cassidy
Teen girls in the 70s enamored themselves over the dreamy looks of actor David Cassidy. Cassidy starred in the hit series The Partridge Family as Keith, son of Shirley, played by his real stepmother Shirley Jones. David capitalized on his teen idol status, becoming a pop and acting celebrity.
Beau Cassidy debuted in 2014, modeling his dad's appeal to female fans and combining the acting education he earned at the Boston University School of Theater. Beau can be found in the Netflix horror film Mama Claus: Deck the Halls with Guts.
Bill Pullman And Lewis Pullman
Actor Bill Pullman established himself as a Hollywood acting force in hits like Spaceballs, Sleepless in Seattle, and Independence Day. For over forty years, Pullman starred or appeared in blockbuster after blockbuster, displaying his classic head tilt, preppy hairstyle, and rye smile, which his son Lewis inherited.
Lewis Pullman earned comparisons to his father with his similar facial features and talent as an actor. Pullman is most notable for his role in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel to the 80s classic film.
Sean Combs And Christian Combs
Music mogul and actor Sean Combs, formerly known as "Puffy" and head of Rap music label Bad Boy Records, blazed his trail to stardom. Combs' unique overbite is responsible for the successful careers of artists like Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim, and The Lox.
Christian Combs, Sean's son, wasted no time using his father's reputation, influence, and signature open-mouth pose to start a musical career as an up-and-coming rapper. Christian may not become as popular as his dad, but the fact he has over two million Instagram followers is a great way to start.
Dennis Quaid And Jack Quaid
Dennis Quaid has been in many classic movies, starting with his debut in the 1975 film Crazy Mama. Quaid's physical appeal exploded after appearing in the 1986 cult hit The Big Easy. Quaid's talents and looks were in several successful films without earning an Academy Award.
Jack Quaid took his famous father's lineage and acting abilities to launch his Hollywood career. Quaid co-stars in one of the most prosperous movie franchises, The Hunger Games, and the 2023 hit Oppenheimer.
Stellan Skarsgard And Alexander Skarsgard
Marvel Universe fans instantly recognize Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard from his role as Dr. Erik Selvig in the Thor movies. Skarsgard's rye smile did not make his debut in superhero flicks. Skarsgard has acted in popular films like The Hunt for Red October, Good Will Hunting, and Ronin.
Stellan's son Alexander Skarsgard was not looking to hide his mirror image of his dad or acting abilities. Alexander debuted with a memorable performance in the comedy hit movie Zoolander, released in 2001.
James Caan And Scott Caan
James Caan is remembered fondly for his iconic roles on the silver screen, none more than The Godfather as Sonny Corleone, which earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.
Caan passed his stoic look to his son Scott but not the desire to act in movies. Scott starred in the successful HBO series Entourage and is the star of the action television drama Hawaii Five-O. Scott walked down several paths to establish himself, including being a roadie for Rap music groups Cypress Hill and House of Pain.
Don Johnson And Jesse Johnson
Say the name Don Johnson, and there might not be as much recognition as there is from his most infamous role as Sonny Crockett on the 80s hit drama series Miami Vice. Not resting on his laurels, Johnson moved on from the success of Miami Vice to another hit show, Nash Bridges.
Johnson's son Jesse is not shy about using the similarly handsome features he got from his dad to pursue his acting career. He debuted in the 2007 film Redline, which was not received well by critics.
Lloyd Bridges And Jeff Bridges
Lloyd Bridges took no time off during his long acting career while appearing in over 150 movies and many guest spots on television. After enlisting with the United States Coast Guard during WWII, Bridges found the time to star in films like Sahara and High Noon.
One of his acting sons, Jeff Bridges, takes on Lloyd's physical facial details more noticeably than his brother Beau, who also has a successful acting career. Jeff won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Actor for his part in Crazy Heart.
Rance Howard And Ron Howard
Rance Howard and his acting career would have been unnoticed if it were not for his famous son's resemblance and success following his footsteps in Hollywood. Rance starred in over 150 films.
Ron Howard won over the hearts of American audiences as Opie in the hit series The Andy Griffith Show for eight seasons before co-starring in the 80s iconic sitcom Happy Days. Howard drew on his experience as an actor to seamlessly move into directing blockbusters like Splash and Cocoon. Howard won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind.
Alan Thicke And Robin Thicke
When people talk about Alan Thicke, they automatically reminisce about his days on the 80s sitcom Growing Pains, but how many know of his musical talents? The Canadian-born actor, songwriter, and game show host produced the theme songs for The Facts of Life and the game show The Joker's Wild.
Singer Robin Thicke appeared in several episodes of Growing Pains with his father and took his smooth likeness but did not get bitten by the acting bug. Instead, he burst onto the music scene, notably with his 2013 hit single "Blurred Lines."