5 famous actors with famous parents

In Hollywood and in the world of celebrities, it’s sort of an unwritten rule that stars give birth to stars. And while some parents may struggle to shape their children and get them to follow in their footsteps, for these famous actors, acting runs in the family. You can find them all on Showmax.

1. Alexander Skarsgård: Big Little Lies, True Blood

The tall hunk that is Alexandar Skarsgård – popularly known for his role as the vampire Eric in True Blood and as Nicole Kidman’s abusive husband Perry Wright in Big Little Lies – is the son of actor Stellan Skarsgård, who you’ll recognise from the series Chernobyl and movies like Mamma Mia and Pirates of the Caribbean. And these two are not even the only actors in the Skarsgård clan – ever heard of Gustaf (Vikings, Westworld), Bill (It, Deadpool 2) or Valter Skarsgård? You are welcome. Find Alexandar Skarsgård in True Blood and Big Little Lies, both on Showmax.

2. John David Washington: Ballers

John David Washington has never been one to ride on his father’s fame, so much so, that many (if we can use Instagram as a source) are still shocked to find out that the Ballers star is Denzel Washington’s son.

In Ballers, Washington plays pro-football playboy Ricky Jerret, a role that is not too far-fetched for the 34-year-old, who started his career playing in the NFL. Watch Ballers S1-4 on Showmax.

3. Colin Hanks: Fargo, S1

We know it’s the genes but it’s still mind-blowing to look at Colin Hanks and realise that he’s the spitting image of his father. I’m still waiting for a movie where these two play a younger and older version of each other – that would be the easiest casting in the universe. Make it happen, Hollywood. In the meantime, catch Colin as Officer Gus Grimly in Season 1 of Fargo, streaming on Showmax.

4. Zoe Kravitz: Big Little Lies

Daughter to 80s wild child Lisa Bonet and rockstar Lenny Kravitz, Zoe Kravitz is the Hollywood trifecta – actress, singer, model (imagine if she were a philanthropist as well). Find Zoe as the bohemian yogi Bonnie in Big Little Lies on Showmax.

5. Mamie Gummer: True Detective S3

Here’s a fun assignment, look at a picture of young Meryl Streep. Now look at her daughters Mamie and Grace Gummer. The Hollywood icon basically gave birth to herself not once but twice.

Catch Mamie Gummer in True Detective Season 3 as the mother of the missing Purcell children.

More famous actors with famous parents on Showmax

1. Liv Tyler, daughter of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. Find Live Tyler as Lady Isabella in Harlots.
2. Alison Williams, daughter to NBC journalist Brian Williams, and best known for her role as Marnie in Girls.
3. Lily Collins, daughter to singer Phil Collins. Catch her on the rom-com Love, Rosie on Showmax.