35+ Famous Fathers That Passed On Their Names, Looks, And Talent To Their Sons
If you’re looking for handsome men, you need not look any further than Hollywood. Not only are most of the actors good-looking, but some are also immensely talented, with unquestionable work ethics and dedication to the perfection of their craft. If you grew up surrounded by actors, it wouldn’t be unusual if you also trudge the same path.
Hence, it’s a no-brainer for most Hollywood offspring to venture into acting since it’s a world they are familiar with. Although some might deviate and choose alternate career paths far from the limelight, there are only a handful of such individuals that manage to divorce themselves from show business. So, to indulge your thirst for Hollywood’s most talented, attractive, and suave men, we have come up with this list. And as a bonus, we are also throwing in their equally knockout offspring. What more could you ask for?
#1 Denzel Washington and John David Washington
Denzel Washington is regarded as the most handsome man, thanks to the perfect symmetry of his face. We’re not surprised that his son is also a looker. People would be more disappointed if his son wasn’t as handsome as him.
John has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps and although his name isn’t as recognizable as his father’s yet, he’s working hard on making his own path and not relying on his famous last name. Some of his works that are worth a watch are Ballers and The Book of Eli.
#2 Michael Keaton and Sean Douglas
The number of blockbusters Michael Keaton has starred in is too many that it’s going to be a challenge to pick only a few. We’re just thankful to be blessed with an actor who takes his job seriously, no matter how small his role is.
We just hope that’s a trait that Michael passed on to his son, Sean. He may not be an actor but it looks like his career as a singer and songwriter is slowly but surely taking off. He already has a Grammy under his belt for co-writing the country song “Die A Happy Man.”
#3 James Caan and Scott Caan
Where does one even start with James Caan? No one will argue with you if you say that his best movie role is that of Sonny Corleone in the award-winning mafia family movie, The Godfather, which remains our favorite to this day.
You’d think that his son Scott would feel daunted and hesitate to give acting a try because of his father, but acting runs in the family and there’s no way to avoid it. He has appeared in various programs, including the hits Hawaii 5-0 and Entourage.
#4 Stellan Skarsgård and Alexander Skarsgård
The Skarsgård father and son duo has to be one of the most good-looking and talented in Hollywood. Stellan has starred in some of the most memorable and well-loved movies, and although he is in his 40s, he still has a lot of energy and incredible acting talent. Who doesn’t remember him from Mamma Mia?
Stellan has also made his mark on the box-office hits Avengers and Thor. Alexander, on the other hand, has both small and big parts in a variety of productions, and his performance in HBO’s critically acclaimed Big Little Lies is unforgettable.
#5 Clint Eastwood and Scott Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is one of the most recognizable and respected names in Hollywood. Aside from being an actor, Eastwood has also won Oscars for directing The Unforgiven in 1992 and Million Dollar Baby in 2004. If there’s one career in Hollywood that most people would like to have, it would be his.
From the 1960s until now, Clint Eastwood has not lost his magic touch in movies. His son Scott, who looks uncannily like him, has also pursued acting and starred in a few movies. Although his films don’t have the same caliber as his father’s, there’s no doubt he has a good chance of achieving greatness, too.
#6 Daniel Day-Lewis and Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis
Sir Daniel Day-Lewis has the distinction of being one of the few actors who has won more than two Academy Awards in a starring role. He has three Oscars for his Best Actor performances in There Will Be Blood and Lincoln.
Gabriel-Kane looks a lot like his dad, but there are few similarities after that. Unlike other celebrity sons of actors, he has created his path and pursued music in New York City. Only time will tell how far his music career will take him.
#7 Sean Penn and Hopper Penn
Sean Penn has made a name for himself in Hollywood, and when people thought that he was only Madonna’s better half in the ’90s, he proved them wrong by achieving great things and starring in some of the most significant Hollywood movies.
Some of Sean Penn’s greatest movies are Dead Man Walking, Milk, and Mystic River. Hopper, Sean’s son with actress Robin Wright, has also pursued acting, but he still has a long way to go if he wants to achieve even half of what his father has managed to do.
#8 Stevie Wonder and Kwame Morris
One of the most successful musicians in the world, Stevie Wonder has cemented his place in history. Some of his most unforgettable songs are “Superstition,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”
His third child, a son named Kwame, inherited his looks. Just like his father, he is into music and modeling and has worked with several huge modeling companies. Now 33 years old, Kwame is slowly making a name for himself and stepping out of his father’s shadow.
#9 Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Now, this is one of the few father and son duos that will make you question yourself if you’re seeing the same person twice because they look eerily alike. At 25, Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. won’t have any problems playing the part of his father’s younger self.
Well, it seems that he has already done that in the 2015 documentary Straight Outta Compton. O’Shea has also appeared in various films, including Den of Thieves and Ingrid Goes West. It looks like Hollywood is waiting for his big hit.
#10 David Cassidy and Beau Cassidy
Here is a picture of David Cassidy in his late 20s and his son Beau around the same age. They look alike, but we think Beau is a little more handsome. Of course, David was one of the biggest heartthrobs and musicians in the ’70s, and he had a lead role as Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family.
His son Beau is also trying to make it big in the music world and does acting and composing on the side. Although he only started acting in 2014, he’s steadily trying to prove to Hollywood that he’s as talented as his father.
#11 David Bowie and Duncan Jones
David Bowie, aka David Robert Jones, is one of the giants of music. When he passed away in 2016 of liver cancer in New York, people all over the world were saddened by the loss. Fans gathered at impromptu street shrines to pay their respects.
His son, Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones, has proven himself to be one of Britain’s best filmmakers. Aside from directing, he is also a writer and a musician. Some of his more popular works are Mute, Warcraft, and Moon. He has even received a BAFTA Award for the latter.
#12 Jack Nicholson and Ray Nicholson
Aside from an uncanny resemblance to his father when they were the same age, young Ray Nicholson also dabbles in acting, as well as working as an assistant and second director. He hasn’t yet matched his father’s career, but he’s working on it.
At only 29, Ray still has a long way to go as the older Nicholson has won the Academy Award for Best Actor two times for the movies As Good As It Gets and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest; and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the movie Terms of Endearment.
#13 Alan Thicke and Robin Thicke
Another of the most good-looking father and son duos in Hollywood is Alan Thicke and Robin Thicke. Alan Thicke was America’s favorite sitcom father in the sitcom Growing Pains where he played the role of Dr. Jason Seaver when he was in his ’30s and ’40s.
His son, Robin, on the other hand, steered clear of acting and forged his path in the music industry as a singer and songwriter. He’s had many number-one hits, but the most controversial is the song “Blurred Lines,” a collaboration with rapper Pharell Williams.
#14 David Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham
This British father and son duo has to be one of the most famous in the world. David Beckham used to play football for Manchester United, and Brooklyn is his son with his wife and former Spice Girl Victoria Adams, aka Posh Spice.
David had his early taste of stardom when he started playing football at the age of 18. On the other hand, his son Beckham started modeling a little later, but he grew up in the limelight with the rest of the Beckham brood.
#15 Tom Hanks and Colin Hanks
Colin Hanks has got to feel a lot of pressure when he’s acting because he is the son of Tom Hanks, one of the few men who has won Best Actor Oscars back-to-back for his movies Philadelphia in 1994 and Forest Gump in 1995.
The actor, now 41, is the same age as his father when he won his Oscars. Colin has had substantial roles in Fargo, Orange County, and The Good Guys, but he’s still got a long way to go if he wants to match what his father has achieved.
#16 Pierce Brosnan and Dylan Brosnan
Say what you will about his performance in the James Bond franchise, but one thing is true — Pierce Brosnan is one of the most beloved actors to take on the role of the suave spy and debonair. Just like his dad, Dylan is into acting too.
But he is more successful as a model, having worked with some of the most recognizable brand names such as Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry. He transitioned to acting in 2019 and made his debut in the movie Iconic, and we can say his performance was superb.
#17 Mel Gibson and Milo Gibson
The name alone, Milo Gibson, is a giveaway that he is somehow related to the great Mel Gibson. Well, Milo is Mel’s son and he is just starting to earn a name for himself in the movie world, and he already has movie credits in films like All the Devil’s Men and Hacksaw Ridge.
Mel Gibson needs no introduction, having worked in unforgettable movies such as the Lethal Weapon series, Braveheart, and The Patriot. Although he got embroiled in a few controversies, he remains a beloved figure in Hollywood. As for Milo, we expect his IMDb credits to grow in the future.
#18 Lloyd Bridges and Jeff Bridges
If you think that Will Smith’s or Tom Hanks’ sons are under a lot of pressure because their fathers are so famous, you must not have heard of Jeff Bridges and his father Lloyd. The older Bridges has starred in over 150 films. Yes, you read that right, 150 films!
But Jeff has managed just fine in Hollywood, where he is well-respected and has been blissfully married to Susan Geston for decades. Some of his most notable works are The Big Lebowski, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Last Picture Show, and True Grit.
#19 Jerry Stiller and Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller is one of the actors people think of when the comedy genre is mentioned. After all, he has starred in many hilarious movies such as Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, and Night at the Museum.
If you’re wondering where he got his funny bone, you need not look very far. It’s in his bones (pun intended). Just check out his father, Jerry Stiller. The comedian has been making people laugh for over 70 years. Talk about a successful career.
#20 Nicolas Cage and Weston Coppola Cage
As part of the famed Coppola family, it’s no surprise that Nicolas Cage is one heck of an actor and before he got into serious financial troubles, he headlined adrenaline-inducing hits such as Face Off, The Rock, and Con Air. He was the biggest action star in the 90s and early 2000s.
In 1990, he had his first son, Weston. He followed his father’s footsteps and ventured into acting, though he also has a history in music as the lead vocalist of death metal bands Eyes of Noctum, which disbanded in 2012, and Arsh Anubis, which was established thereafter.
#21 Jeremy Irons and Max Irons
If you ask us to name our favorite British actors, Jeremy Irons would certainly be on our list. Not only does he have serious talent, but he also has good looks too, which he passed on to his son, Max. One look at Max, and you can tell that he is related to Jeremy.
Although still a rising star with a long way to go to match his father’s body of work, Max is hard at work and is not discouraged. You might have seen him in films, including Terminal and The Wife. We should watch out for more from this pretty face.
#22 Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell
Kurt Russell’s career has always been one that newbies in Hollywood have envied. At 71, he has projects left and right that are hits in cinemas all over the world. Some of his highest-grossing and most memorable movies are Bone Tomahawk, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Grindhouse.
His son, Wyatt Russell, is 33 and is the replica of his father when he was 33. He still has a long way to go, but we’re confident he’ll make a name for himself and step out of his father’s shadow.
#23 Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.
The Wayans are famous for being comedic geniuses, and the countless movies they have starred in have made us laugh over and over again. Luckily for us, the new generation of the Wayans family is going to continue what their predecessors have started — making people laugh until their stomachs hurt.
Damon Wayans Jr. is bravely putting his best foot forward as a standup comedian, emulating his famous father. He has one foot in the door and has his sights on Hollywood. Want to see some of his work? Go watch Happy Together and New Girl.
#24 Tommy Lee and Brandon Thomas Lee
Being the son of Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson either makes you or breaks you. Brandon Thomas Lee is looking at his glass as half full and is taking advantage of all the good things being the son of a star comes with.
But he’s forging a path that’s different from his father’s. Instead of becoming the drummer of a rock band, he has chosen acting, just like his mother. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that he’s not close to his old man.
#25 Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe
He may be a little older now, but we think that Rob Lowe is still one of the most handsome actors in the world. Just look at those piercing blue eyes! We need not say anymore. In the 1980s, he was one of the most in-demand heartthrobs.
He has kept his good looks all these years and managed to pass some of his genes to his son, John Owen. Although he spent his adolescent years shying away from the media, it seems that the acting bug has bitten him too.
#26 Val Kilmer and Jack Kilmer
Another popular actor in the ’90s is Val Kilmer. Although he isn’t as visible in Hollywood as he used to be, people can’t forget his acting talent and his memorable movie roles in the movies Top Gun, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Heat, and Tombstone.
His son, Jack, has predictably followed in Val’s footsteps and has starred in a few critically-acclaimed films such as Lords of Chaos, Dead, and Under the Graveyard. We won’t be surprised if he’ll make it big one day. It’s just a matter of when.
#27 Henry Fonda and Peter Fonda
Ah, the great Fonda acting clan, who doesn’t recognize them? Maybe if you’re not into movies or you’ve been living under a rock for decades, you won’t have heard about them, but most film buffs know them and are in awe of them.
Henry Fonda is the legendary patriarch who worked in Hollywood for 50 years. His son, Peter, made his debut in the movie Tammy and the Doctor, and has continued flexing his acting muscles for years, much to the delight of audiences everywhere. Sadly, he died of cancer in 2019.
#28 James Brolin and Josh Brolin
We think that it’s a disadvantage to be the offspring of someone very famous who has achieved great success. For one, how and where do you start stepping out of the shadows of your parents? There’ll definitely be a lot of pressure.
Thankfully for Josh Brolin, he knew just what to do. The son of the great James Brolin took everything in stride and started small. He’s had various enviable roles that allowed him to show people that he’s got what it takes.
#29 Bill Pullman and Lewis Pullman
Who remembers Bill Pullman from While You Were Sleeping? He was once our celebrity crush, and we can say that until now, he has kept his good looks and is every inch the dashing and kind gentleman that he was in the movie.
His son Lewis is a tad less good-looking than his father — don’t hate us, but we just love Bill so much! Just like his old man, Lewis has acted in a few movies, too, and one of the most well-known is the thriller The Strangers: Prey at Night.
#30 Jean-Claude Van Damme and Kristopher Van Varenberg
One of the biggest action stars in the late 80s up to early 2000s, Jean Claude Van Damme starred in quite a few successful action flicks. Aside from acting, the Belgian actor also directs, produces, and choreographs fights. A lot of people know that his son Kristopher worked with him on the movie Quest.
But that wasn’t the young man’s first foray into acting as he made his debut in the movie Derailed. In an interview, he said that aside from acting, he also enjoys writing and directing — just like his dad. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
#31 Jude Law and Rafferty Law
One of the best English actors of his generation, Jude Law has received a handful of accolades throughout his acting career. Some of his best movies are The Aviator, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Road to Perdition, Hugo, The Nest, and Spy.
At 22, the same age as when his father started acting, his son Rafferty is pursuing a singing, acting, and modeling career. He has acted in short films and will soon be seen in a new version of Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist.
#32 Eugene Levy and Dan Levy
Who could forget Eugene Levy as the deadpan hilarious dad in American Pie? It’s safe to say that everyone loved him in that movie. The Canadian actor and comedian has been acting since the ’70s and has left his mark in show business.
His son, Dan, is also earning his own credibility, both in acting and writing. He helped develop and write the 2015 hit Schitt’s Creek and appeared in it as David. The actor shows no signs of slowing down, and we’re ready for bigger and better things from him.
#33 Don Johnson and Jesse Johnson
Donnie Wayne Johnson or Don Johnson is a multi-talented star. He is an actor, songwriter, singer, director, and producer. Everyone remembers him for his role as Nash Bridges in the unforgettable hit TV show Miami Vice, which gave him a Golden Globe.
His son, Jesse, is as handsome as his father, and we do not doubt that he is just as talented. He made his debut in the CBS series Nash Bridges and went on to have roles in Word of Honor and Redline.
#34 John Lennon and Sean Lennon
John Lennon is a name that everyone recognizes. Aside from being the better half of Yoko Ono, he is a member of one of the most influential bands in history, The Beatles. Unfortunately, he met his untimely demise when he was assassinated at the age of 40.
Sean, his son, not only has his father’s looks but his musical talents, too. He made his musical debut in Yoko’s album when he was only nine years old and is a guitarist and composer. He may never become as big a name as his father, but he’s trying to make it on his own.
#35 Alain Delon and Alain-Fabien Delon
The French actor, Alain Delon, became famous in the 1960s. One of Europe’s most prominent thespians and sex symbols, he received France’s Legion of Honors award in 1991 for his substantial work in film. He has three children, one of which also became an actor.
Alain Fabien Delon not only shares his father’s name but good looks, too. Before foraying into acting, he was modeling and became the face of no less than Dior Homme. His debut in the film Fabio Montale was well received, and had fans clamoring for more.
#36 Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez
Martin Sheen’s performance in the movie Apocalypse Now is unforgettable, and if you ask people, most would tell you that his performance in that movie is one of their favorites. He has won countless awards and still acts now and then.
Two of his sons, Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen, are both actors, but we’ll focus on Emilio. He inherited his father’s good looks and it’s part of the reason why he became a part of the 1980s Brat Pack but he is more than just a pretty face.
#37 Bill Hudson and Oliver Hudson
Bill Hudson, the biological father of Oliver and Kate, does not have a smooth relationship with his children. Although he gave them his famous last name and their looks, they consider Kurt Russell, the man who raised them with their mother Goldie Hawn, as their father.
His son Oliver is the spitting image of Bill. Estranged relationships aside, Oliver pursued a career in acting, just like his famous parents. He may not be as well-known as his sister or his mother, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of giving his all in every role.
#38 Dustin Hoffman and Jake Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman has so many unforgettable performances that it’s difficult to pick one. However, one of our favorites will always be his role as Bernie Focker in Meet the Fockers. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, but most people enjoyed it — including us.
His son, Jake, may not be as famous as Dustin, but he’s been acting alongside his father since he was a little boy. At the tender age of seven, he made his debut in the movie Rain Man, another one of his father’s masterpieces. He has also appeared in the hit movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
#39 Will Smith and Jaden Smith
Before the controversial slap that was heard all around the world, Will Smith was one of Hollywood’s most wholesome and respected actors. He starred in some of the biggest movies, including Men in Black and Independence Day, not to mention his music that earned him four Grammys!
His son Jaden, named after his wife Jada, also wanted a music career. Although he’s not as successful as his dad when it comes to movies and music, he has made a name for himself in fashion and is one of the most recognizable influencers today.
#40 Gary Busey and Jake Busey
At almost 80, Gary Busey has had an illustrious career in showbiz with projects ranging from cult classic films, shows, and even reality TV. During his prime, he worked with some of Hollywood’s greats like Clint Eastwood and Barbara Streisand.
Though he grew up on multiple movie sets like most kids whose parents are actors, his son, Jake Busey, didn’t take a career in acting seriously till his late teens. He has been in a couple of films like The Frighteners, Tomcats, and more recently, he joined the cast of Stranger Things as a reporter.