Top 10 Most Influential Hollywood Families in History | POP DNA

#10: The Barrymores

Born in 1849 as Herbert Arthur Chamberlayne Blyth, when he took up acting he adopted the stage name Maurice Barrymore, thereby founding the acting dynasty. After Maurice married actor Georgiana Drew, the duo had Lionel, Ethel, and John, who all followed in their parents’ footsteps, taking up performing on stage and a slightly different route with film acting. Lionel would become the first Barrymore to claim an Oscar in 1931, while Ethel would also get one in 1944. One of John’s sons was John Drew Barrymore, the father of John Blyth Barrymore and Drew Barrymore. Time will tell whether Drew’s children will stay in the family business or venture elsewhere.

#9: The Wayanses

In modern times, no family has dominated film and TV comedy more than the Wayanses. Originating from a non-entertainment couple, Howell Stouten Wayans and Elvira Alethia Green, the duo would have ten children, many of whom found their way to working in showbiz. This included composer Dwayne Wayans, actor Damon Wayans, actor/director/writer Keenen Ivory Wayans, and actor Kim Wayans. On top of stand-up work, the family would go on to create and perform in “In Living Color” and “The Wayans Bros.” They then moved on to films with “White Chicks” and “Scary Movie,” being particular highlights. The family’s presence in the industry was boosted by a new generation, including Damon Wayans Jr., Chaunté Wayans, and Damien Dante Wayans.

#8: The Gyllenhaals

It might seem like a small family in Hollywood that only began with director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Achs, having actors and directors Maggie and Jake as children, yet their lineage is incredible. The family descends from Swedish nobles, going all the way back to 1652 when Nils Gunnesson Haal was knighted by Queen Christina. On top of military officers and scientists, the family also had Lars Herman Gyllenhaal in their ranks, who served as Sweden’s Prime Minister for Justice in 1843. Not long after their mother was nominated for an Oscar for her 1988 screenplay, “Running on Empty,” Jake and Maggie got to work as actors, earning their own Oscar nominations later.

#7: The Newmans

No family has cornered the film composing market as well as the Newmans. As a result, the family has the most Oscar nominations in history. Including shared nominations, they have a shocking 95 nominations between them with 12 wins! While his brothers Lionel and Emil also had incredible careers, Alfred Newman was the most successful in the family. Starting out as a conductor on Broadway, Alfred switched to films. Aside from little things like composing the 20th Century Fox fanfare, he worked on over 200 productions, earning him 9 Oscars and 45 nominations! Several of his children, such as Maria, David, and Thomas, worked in film or related music industries, and all had massive success. The music gene also went to his nephew, Randy, who has earned 2 Oscars and 22 nominations!

#6: The Zanucks

One family formed not one, but two of the most impactful film production companies in Hollywood history. After leaving Warner Bros., Darryl Zanuck teamed up with Joseph Schenck to create Twentieth Century Pictures in 1933. The company was a massive success, leading to them merging with Fox Film to create 20th Century Fox. Darryl later appointed his son, Richard, as Fox’s production head, making him the youngest in Hollywood history at 28 years old. However, after some financial failures, Richard was fired by his father. In 1972, Richard co-founded The Zanuck/Brown Company with David Brown. The group ushered in the blockbuster era with 1975’s “Jaws” and many more hits. Richard’s son, Dean, is following in his family's heritage with Zanuck Family Entertainment.

#5: The Marx Brothers

Coming from a family of entertainers, Minnie Schönberg would marry Sam Marx and have children, forming the basis of one of the most influential comedy groups in history, the Marx Brothers. Featuring Chico, Harpo, Gummo, Zeppo, and Groucho, the siblings swept into vaudeville and Broadway, earning rave reviews. With their parents installed as their managers, the Marxes would begin their film careers in 1921, releasing 17 as a team altogether. While Gummo never appeared in films, instead leaving the act in 1918 after being drafted in World War I, he worked later as an agent behind the scenes. Many of their children also found work in Hollywood. The Marx Brothers influenced the careers of iconic filmmakers, such as Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, and Woody Allen.

#4: The Murdochs

One of the most powerful families in the media didn’t start with Rupert’s empire. Instead, the seeds were sown by his father, Sir Keith Murdoch. After being drawn to journalism, he eventually began monopolizing newspaper companies as well as radio stations. After his father’s passing, Rupert continued the family mission as he purchased more papers in Australia and abroad. This led to him forming News Corporation, which purchased 20th Century-Fox in 1985, becoming a Hollywood stalwart. By the following year, he created Fox Broadcasting Company, which became a TV powerhouse. Many of Rupert’s children have worked in the company. After he retired, Lachlan won the succession battle to be Fox Corporation’s CEO following the film branch being sold to Disney in 2019.

#3: The Fondas

In 1981, Henry and Jane Fonda became record-breakers by becoming the first parent and child to be nominated at the same Oscars for their work in “On Golden Pond.” Henry, coming from a non-acting family, was suggested to try the industry by Marlon Brando’s mother. And he did, leading to great success as an “everyman” character actor. After meeting socialite Frances Ford Seymour, the couple would have Jane and Peter. As well as being an actor, Peter would get an Oscar nomination for writing 1969’s “Easy Rider.” Jane, with an award-studded acting career, including two Oscars, would lend her vast influence towards activism, gaining her even more respect. Peter’s daughter, Bridget, and Jane’s son, Troy Garity, both worked as actors, too.

#2: The Warner Brothers

After emigrating from Poland to the US, Benjamin Wonsal and Pearl Leah Eichelbaum anglicized their children’s names, becoming Albert, Jack, Harry, and Sam Warner. As youngsters, the film industry was their passion as they got a projector and charged small towns to see movies. By 1923, they officially formed their famous company, Warner Bros. It didn’t take long for the group to become one of the biggest film studios in Hollywood. Yet their crowning early moment was arguably 1927’s “The Jazz Singer.” With Sam’s insistence, the company had invested in technology that allowed them to turn that movie into one of the first “talkies,” changing the film industry forever. By 1930, the company introduced the Looney Tunes, which became one of the greatest cartoon franchises in history.

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

The Sheens/Estevezes

With Many Accolades in the Family, Charlie Was Also the Highest Paid TV Actor at One Point

The Hustons

After His Father Walter’s Acting Success, John Would Become One of the Greatest Directors & the Hollywood Lineage Goes on With His Children & Grandchildren

The Baldwins

With 4 Acting Brothers & Their Children Following Suit, They’ve Been Around a While

The Selznicks

David Followed Dad Lewis’s Footsteps to Form Iconic Film Production Companies

#1: The Coppolas

At the time of writing, the Coppolas hold the record with the most individual family members to be nominated for an Oscar, with ten. And when you look at who’s in it, you won’t be surprised. Starting with Francis Ford. With a composer as a father, Francis became one of the greatest directors in history, earning himself five Oscars. His son, Roman, formed a powerhouse team with Wes Anderson. Daughter Sofia created her own directing legacy, earning herself an Oscar. Francis’s brother, August, a film executive and academic, had among his children Nicolas Cage, who won an Oscar for his acting. Then, there’s Francis’s sister, Talia Shire, a two-time Oscar-nominated actor who had Jason and Robert Schwartzman, with them also enjoying great success as performers.

Which other Hollywood powerhouse family did we miss from our list? Let us know below!