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11 Actors Who Mirror Their Parents and Grandparents in Fictional Roles
11 Actors Who Portrayed Their Own Parents or Grandparents
In the world of film and television, it’s not uncommon for young actors, or those with acclaimed parents, to take on the roles of their family members. Some actors resemble their famous relatives so strikingly that they are cast to portray them directly in films or series. Let’s take a look at 11 instances where actors stepped into the shoes of their real-life parents or grandparents.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his acting debut in 1999 playing his father, pro wrestler Rocky Johnson, on That ’70s Show. It was a significant moment as he showcased a familial connection to the character.
2. Melissa Rivers took on the role of her mother, Joan Rivers, in the biopic Joy, which tells the story of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop. Reflecting on her performance, Melissa described the experience as surreal and her determination to avoid turning it into a caricature.
3. O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed his father, Ice Cube, in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton. He emphasized that he had put in two years of acting classes and auditions to ensure he did justice to his father’s legacy.
4. Ian Shaw not only played his father, Robert Shaw, in the 2019 play The Shark Is Broken but also co-wrote it. The play humorously explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics on the set of Jaws and allows Ian to connect with his father’s legacy.
5. C.J. Wallace depicted the younger version of his father, Biggie Smalls, in the 2009 film Notorious. He shared that his personal connection and knowledge of his father’s life shaped his performance.
6. In the 1980 TV movie Sophia Loren: Her Own Story, Sophia Loren portrayed both herself and her mother, Romilda Villani, capturing intimate family moments on screen.
7. Rubén Amaro Jr. featured as his father, former MLB player Rubén Amaro Sr., in two episodes of The Goldbergs. Interestingly, he attended school with the show’s creator, who based the series on his life.
8. Ruth Wilson played her grandmother, Alison Wilson, in the historical drama Mrs. Wilson. She took on the role of executive producer to ensure her family’s story was accurately represented.
9. Mario Van Peebles wore multiple hats as he wrote, directed, and starred as his iconic father, filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, in the 2003 biopic Baadasssss!, a film about Melvin’s groundbreaking work in the industry.
10. Olivia Valli took to the stage to play her grandmother, Mary Delgado, in an off-Broadway rendition of Jersey Boys. Her performance moved her grandfather, Frankie Valli, who was visibly proud of her portrayal.
11. In the film Unbroken, Stephen J. Douglas appeared as his grandfather, flight engineer Clarence Douglas. His unanticipated casting came directly from the director, Angelina Jolie, who felt he embodied the spirit of his grandfather.
These performances not only highlight the undeniable resemblance between these actors and their relatives but also demonstrate a deep respect for family legacies. Who else do you think has the look or talent to portray their famous parents in a film? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
