Top 10 TV Kids Who Look Exactly Like Their Fictional Parents

Top 10 TV Kids Who Look Exactly Like Their Fictional Parents



Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for TV characters with the strongest resemblances to their fictional parents.

#10: Brooke Davis from “One Tree Hill” (2003-12)

Mother: Victoria Davis

Business affects the mother-daughter relationship between Victoria and Brooke Davis at times—to such an extent that you might not know that they’re mother and daughter. Their dynamic in “One Tree Hill” is turbulent, with its share of highs and lows—but one thing stays constant: their physical resemblance. Brooke, played by Sophia Bush, has a strong likeness to her mother, Victoria, played by Daphne Zuniga starting in Season 5. It was a late introduction, so when it finally came, the casting had to be spot on to satisfy viewers after such a long wait. Sure enough, it was. The resemblance between the show’s Peyton Sawyer and her mother Ellie is also strong, but not quite to the extent of Brooke and Victoria.

#9: Veronica Lodge from “Riverdale” (2017-23)

Mother: Hermione Lodge

Especially during the more emotional and heartfelt moments between Veronica and Hermione Lodge, it’s easy to think that they really do look like mother and daughter. The on-screen chemistry between Camila Mendes and Marisol Nichols in “Riverdale” is impressive in and of itself. But their physical likeness enhances their dynamic as a fictional mother-daughter duo. In an interview with TODAY, Nichols, who’s about 21 years older than Mendes, compared her younger self to her “Riverdale” co-star. Their resemblance adds an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship and highlights the contrast with Veronica's complex relationship with her powerful, manipulative, up-to-no-good father.

#8: Adam Groff from “Sex Education” (2019-23)

Father: Michael Groff

Sometimes a teen student might try to keep it on the down low that their parent is a teacher—or headmaster at their school. But that’d be impossible for Adam Groff in the series “Sex Education.” Why? Because he looks too much like the headmaster! They have to be related! Multiple fans have pointed out this striking physical resemblance between the fictional father-son duo, played by Alistair Petrie and Connor Swindells, respectively. The question has been posed of whether or not they’re related in real life. Just so we’re clear, they’re not. Although, a DNA test would be appreciated—just to confirm.

#7: Theo Crain from “The Haunting of Hill House” (2018)

Mother: Olivia Crain

In the horror drama miniseries “The Haunting of Hill House,” the lasting impact of paranormal activity on the Crain family is highlighted through a series of flashbacks. It’s during the present-day timeline that there’s a resemblance between two characters so striking, it’s eerie—eerie in a different way than the series itself, of course. This resemblance is between Olivia Crain, the family matriarch, and her middle child, Theo. Olivia is played by Carla Gugino, while adult Theo is portrayed by Kate Siegel. Although some might argue they look too close in age to be mother and daughter, it’s undeniable that they look related.

#6: Hope Mikaelson from “The Originals” (2013-18)

Mother: Hayley Marshall

The result of a one-night stand between Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall is the birth of the first ever tribrid—part witch, part vampire, and part werewolf. Yeah, um, that’s definitely one unusual outcome. The name of the supernatural kid is Hope. In the fifth and final season of “The Originals,” teenage Hope is played by Danielle Rose Russell. Did someone cast some kind of spell? Because she looks extraordinarily similar to her mom in the series—who’s played by Phoebe Tonkin. Seriously, “The Originals” casting really hit the mark to close out the series.

#5: Bjorn Ironside from “Vikings” (2013-20)

Father: Ragnar Lodbrok

A powerful character transformation can come in a myriad of ways. For Bjorn Ironside in the historical drama series “Vikings,” it comes in the form of not only power and responsibility, but also appearance. With his grown-out beard and strong build, the physical similarities between Bjorn and his father, the Viking warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, become apparent. Their facial structures and blue eyes mirror each other as well. Ragnar is played by Travis Fimmel, while Bjorn is played by Alexander Ludwig. These two really look like a potentially real-life father and son.

#4: Mia Smoak from “Arrow” (2012-20)

Mother: Felicity Smoak

The only possible complaint one can make for this casting pair is that Mia and Felicity Smoak look a bit too close in age to be mother and daughter in the superhero TV series “Arrow.” Because, besides that, when it comes to appearance, the likeness is striking. Katherine McNamara, who plays Mia, a.k.a Blackstar, and Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Felicity, a.k.a. Overwatch, are separated by just four years of age in real life. Still, the series does a great job of masking that reality—and there’s no question that Mia Smoak looks like a younger Felicity Smoak.

#3: Rachel Berry from “Glee” (2009-15)

Mother: Shelby Corcoran

There’s a Reddit thread about Rachel Berry and Shelby Corcoran being the perfect mother-daughter casting, and we can see why. These “Glee” characters are played by Lea Michele and Idina Menzel, respectively. In real life, Menzel is about 15 years older than Michele. It’s like twins were separated at birth, with one aging faster on another planet. For real, the resemblance is uncanny. Menzel’s first appearance as Shelby on "Glee" comes in the 14th episode of the series after fans lobbied for her—pointing out the striking physical resemblance between her and Michele. While the series doesn’t immediately confirm that Shelby is Rachel’s biological mother, it just feels like she has to be.

#2: Lexie Richardson from “Little Fires Everywhere” (2020)

Mother: Elena Richardson

The eldest daughter of Elena Richardson in the drama miniseries “Little Fires Everywhere” is a dead ringer for her mother. Jade Pettyjohn, who plays Lexie, looks like a younger version of Reese Witherspoon, who portrays Elena. Or, Reese Witherspoon looks like an older version of Jade Pettyjohn. Whichever way you want to spin it, there’s no denying that they look alike. In scenes where Lexie and Elena are side by side, their matching features make their on-screen relationship even more convincing—and make us wonder if they could be a real-life DNA match.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Susan Mayer from “Desperate Housewives” (2004-12)

Mother: Sophie Bremmer

Phoebe Buffay from “Friends” (1994-2004)

Mother: Phoebe Abbott

Dre Johnson from “Black-ish” (2014-22)

Father: Pops Johnson

Devi Vishwakumar from “Never Have I Ever” (2020-23)

Mother: Nalini Vishwakumar

Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

Mother: Lorelai Gilmore

#1: Phil Dunphy from “Modern Family” (2009-20)

Father: Frank Dunphy

Fans have raved in online threads about the casting combo of Phil and Frank Dunphy in the sitcom “Modern Family—” and rightfully so. While Phil is a more featured character in the series, when Frank enters the scene, there's no mistaking him for anyone else other than Phil's father. Their facial structures, including their noses, eyes, and mouths—you name it—are near-mirror images of each other. Phil is played by Ty Burrell, while his father is played by the late Fred Willard. Just check out this scene. Does that not look like Phil giving his older self a haircut? Exactly.



Is there a fictional TV parent-child combo that you think we missed? Let us know in the comments!