Genealogy can be really fascinating. Not every family can trace their history back generations and generations, so those who can are really fortunate.
If you look back at the lineages of some of your favorite Hollywood celebrities, you can make some surprising discoveries. Hollywood is a smaller town than you think. Not only are a lot of famous people distantly related, but a lot of them are also descendants of royalty.
Check out these seven celebrities and learn about their unlikely ancestors.
Sarah Palin & Princess Diana
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin counts some real royalty among her lineage. She is the 10th cousin of the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana. The two ladies share an ancestor who immigrated from the UK who settled in present-day Massachusetts in 1634. Sarah is also ninth cousin to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Ben Affleck & Barack Obama
Actor Ben Affleck and Former President Barack Obama have a common ancestor. The men share a 19th great-grandfather, Sir John Savage.
Ozzy Osbourne & Jesse James
Ozzy Osbourne's affinity for the wild side of life may be in his genes. The rocker is related to famous outlaw Jesse James. Ozzy's DNA also reveals he's a descendant of Neanderthals.
Britney Spears & Amelia Earhart
Britney Spears counts a number of strong women among her relations. She's the seventh cousin, three times removed, of Amelia Earhart. She's also ninth cousin to both Meryl Streep and Marilyn Monroe.
Taylor Swift & Bill Nye
Taylor Swift is the seventh cousin, three times removed of Bill Nye the Science Guy. That might explain Taylor's geeky side, but if you're looking for her folklore vibes, consider she's also seventh cousin of author Laura Ingalls-Wilder.
Mark Wahlberg & Shemar Moore
Both have been known for having some serious abs, but you probably wouldn't guess that Mark Wahlberg and Shemar Moore are eighth cousins, twice removed. Mark is also an eighth cousin of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Cindy Crawford & Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball was a larger-than-life talent who was related to a number of other talented women. She's the eighth cousin, twice removed to both Bridget Fonda and Cindy Crawford, though through different relatives.
