Unexpected Political Connections: Celebrities with Surprising Ties to Elected Officials

In the world of entertainment, where the spotlight often shines on the glamorous lives of celebrities, it's easy to forget that some of these famous faces have unexpected political connections. From actors and musicians to reality TV stars, a surprising number of well-known personalities are related to or have close ties with elected officials, ranging from local representatives to former U.S. presidents. This article delves into the intriguing stories behind these unlikely political affiliations, shedding light on the hidden intersections between the realms of celebrity and government.

Unveiling the Surprising Political Ties of the Rich and Famous

Billy Bush: The Cousin of Two U.S. Presidents

While Billy Bush, the host of Extra, may be known for his entertainment industry work, he also has a remarkable political connection. Bush is the cousin of both the 41st and 43rd presidents of the United States, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, respectively. This familial tie to the highest office in the land is a surprising revelation about the television personality.

Maria Shriver: The First Lady of California

Journalist and actress Maria Shriver has a political pedigree of her own. She was married to former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and served as the state's First Lady from 2003 to 2011. Shriver's role as the First Lady of the Golden State added a unique political dimension to her already impressive career.

Sandra Lee: The First Lady of New York

Popular television chef Sandra Lee also had a political connection during her marriage to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. From 2011 to 2019, she served as the First Lady of New York, using her platform to advocate for various causes and initiatives.

Brad Pitt's Distant Cousin: Barack Obama

Even the renowned actor Brad Pitt has a surprising political tie. Pitt revealed that he is distantly related to former President Barack Obama, with the two sharing a distant ancestral connection. As Pitt jokingly remarked, "I guess we're ninth cousins, something removed – or something. I think he got the better-looking side of the gene pool."

RuPaul and Cory Booker: A Shared Genetic Lineage

The cultural icon RuPaul and former presidential candidate Cory Booker discovered an unexpected connection during a PBS show, "Finding Your Roots." The two share a long line of identical DNA, making them distant relatives. Booker expressed his admiration for RuPaul, stating, "I love RuPaul, and I hope that he and I can have a family reunion sometime."

Madonna's Cousin: Hillary Clinton

Another surprising political connection is the one between musical legend Madonna and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The two are distant cousins, a fact that adds an intriguing layer to their respective careers in the public eye.

Steven Ford: The Actor Son of a President

Former President Gerald Ford had four children, including Steven Ford, a popular actor in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Steven Ford's acting career and his father's political legacy intersect, creating a unique family dynamic.

Katie Couric and Her Political Sister

American journalist and author Katie Couric has a political connection through her sister, Emily Couric, who was a Virginia state senator from 1996 to 2001. Tragically, Emily Couric passed away from pancreatic cancer in the early 2000s, but Katie has paid tribute to her remarkable sister.

Olympia Dukakis and the Dukakis Political Dynasty

Acclaimed actress Olympia Dukakis has a strong political connection to the Dukakis family. She is related to Michael Dukakis, the 65th and 67th governor of Massachusetts, who also ran for president in 1988.

Kate Mulgrew's Political Spouse

Star Trek and Mercy actress Kate Mulgrew was married to Tim Haggan, who served as the Cuyahoga County Commissioner from 2004 to 2011 and was a former Ohio gubernatorial candidate from 1999 to 2014. Mulgrew's personal life intersected with the political realm through her marriage.

Cher's Political Ex-Husband

The iconic singer Cher was once married to Sonny Bono, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the 16th Mayor of Palm Springs. This unexpected political connection adds an intriguing dimension to Cher's personal history.

Larry David and Bernie Sanders: Distant Relatives

Comedian and actor Larry David discovered his surprising political connection to Senator Bernie Sanders while appearing on the PBS show "Finding Your Roots." The two are distant relatives, a revelation that adds an interesting twist to their respective careers.

Kate Upton's Political Uncle

Sports Illustrated model Kate Upton has a political connection through her uncle, Fred Upton, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2023.

Meghan McCain: The Daughter of a Presidential Candidate

Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, who ran for president in 2008, has been vocal about her father's political career and her own experiences as the child of a prominent political figure.

Jenna Bush Hager: The Daughter of a President

Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, has shared her insights and experiences growing up in a political family, both on her television appearances and in her writing.

Stephen Colbert's Political Sister

Comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert has a political connection through his sister, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, who was a candidate for South Carolina's first congressional district in 2013.

Amy Schumer's Cousin: Senator Chuck Schumer

Comedian and actress Amy Schumer has defended her cousin, Senator Chuck Schumer, against negative comments from former President Donald Trump, showcasing her political involvement and support for her relative.

Robin Thede's Political Lineage

Comedian and creator of "A Black Lady Sketch Show," Robin Thede, is the daughter of Representative Phyllis Thede, who served in Iowa's House of Representatives until 2023. This familial connection adds an interesting layer to Thede's creative work.

The Schwarzenegger-Kennedy Connection

Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, has ties to the renowned Kennedy family through his family's political connections.