Michael Douglas has discovered he is related to one of his Marvel co-stars.
The actor, who is the son of three-time Academy Award nominee Kirk Douglas and is married to Best Supporting Actress winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, appeared on an episode of genealogy series Finding Your Roots.
At the end of his segment on the episode, Douglas received a surprise from host Henry Louis Gates, who told the Ant-Man actor he is distantly related to one of his Marvel Cinematic universe (MCU) co-stars: Scarlett Johansson.
“Your DNA cousin is the actress Scarlett Johansson,” Gates told the star, who won Best Actor for Wall Street at the 1988 Oscars.
Gates added: “Michael and Scarlett share identical stretches of DNA on four different chromosomes, all of which appear on Scarlett’s maternal lines, which stretch back to Jewish communities in eastern Europe.”
Visibly surprised, Douglas said: “Are you kidding? Oh, that’s amazing. Alright, this is cool. This is so cool. That’s incredible.”
He said he “looks forward to seeing” Johansson once more to inform her of their connection.
The actors both appeared in superhero mash-up Avengers: Endgame – Douglas as Hank Pym and Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow.
While Douglas has enjoyed a successful Hollywood career as an actor and producer since the 1970s, he does not want his children to follow in his footsteps.
In 2021, Zeta-Jones, whom he’s been married to for 23 years, revealed that Douglas warned their kids away from acting as he believes it is harder to succeed with famous parents.
Zeta-Jones said that Dylan, 23, and Carys, 21, want to follow in their parents’ footsteps, but said their Wall Street star father has tried to steer them away from the idea.
Douglas, who is 79, believes that they would have to work harder to overcome the association of who their parents are.
In the same episode of Finding Your Roots, Gates told Girls star Lena Dunham that she is a distant relative of Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David.
Dunham replied: “It’s Larry David – the other LD! This is the hottest information I might have ever gotten.”
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Michael Douglas, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in various movies, including Wall Street, has made an unexpected discovery regarding his family heritage.
In an episode of the genealogy series Finding Your Roots, Douglas received surprising news from the host, Henry Louis Gates. He learned that he is distantly related to one of his Marvel co-stars, Scarlett Johansson. The revelation came through a DNA analysis, which found identical stretches of DNA on four different chromosomes between the two actors.
Douglas, visibly surprised by the revelation, expressed his excitement and anticipation to reconnect with Johansson and inform her regarding their shared genetic connection.
Both Douglas and Johansson appeared together in the superhero film Avengers: Endgame, with Douglas portraying the character Hank Pym and Johansson playing Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow.
While Douglas has achieved great success in his Hollywood career, spanning several decades, he has expressed his reservations regarding his children following in his footsteps. He believes that it can be more challenging for them to succeed in the industry due to the association with their famous parents.
In a recent interview, Douglas’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, revealed that their children, Dylan and Carys, have expressed an interest in pursuing acting. However, Douglas has tried to steer them away from the idea, emphasizing the importance of working harder to establish their own identities and overcome the shadow of their famous lineage.
This revelation regarding Douglas and Johansson’s genetic connection raises intriguing questions regarding the influence of ancestry on an individual’s path and opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Moreover, it shines a light on the growing trend of exploring one’s genealogy and the fascination with discovering unexpected connections among celebrities and public figures. Shows like Finding Your Roots provide not only entertainment but also a deeper understanding of our own histories and shared experiences.
In a similar vein, Gates also revealed to Girls star Lena Dunham that she is a distant relative of Larry David, the creator of the hit series Curb Your Enthusiasm. This fascinating web of connections within the entertainment industry continues to captivate audiences and highlights the interconnectedness of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As we reflect on these remarkable discoveries and their implications, it is crucial to recognize the significance of ancestral ties in shaping our identities and opportunities. These revelations remind us that our paths are intertwined with those who came before us, even in unexpected ways.
Looking ahead, we can expect the exploration of genealogy and the quest for self-discovery to continue captivating audiences in the entertainment world. The connections between celebrities, both on and off-screen, will remain a source of fascination as we strive to uncover the hidden threads that unite us all.
In conclusion, the revelation of Michael Douglas and Scarlett Johansson’s genetic connection serves as a compelling reminder of the complex interplay between ancestry, fame, and success. It invites us to explore our own roots and consider the profound influence they have on our lives. As the entertainment industry evolves, these stories of unexpected connections will continue to spark our curiosity and inspire us to embrace our heritage.