Mother’s Day is just around the corner so I decided a tribute to some of the most famous mother and daughter pairings in Hollywood was an absolute must. I will admit not all of these mother and daughter couples are exactly ideal examples of the special relationship a mother and daughter can share but I thought it would be fun to take a look at the most famous mothers and daughters in Hollywood all the same. Some of the names on this list surprised me. Maybe they’ll surprise you too. Enjoy!
Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow
Blythe and Gwyneth are one of my favorite Hollywood Mother and Daughter duos. They seem to have such a close relationship not only offscreen but onscreen as well. Thus far, Blythe and Gwyneth have shared the screen together twice, the first time being the 1992 made for TV movie Cruel Doubt and the second time being 2003’s Sylvia. The pair make frequent public appearances together and Blythe has always seemed loving and supportive of her successful daughter.
Connie Stevens and Joely Fisher (Connie not pictured)
While Joely’s half sister Carrie Fisher (whom we’ll talk about in a moment) is probably the more famous of the two actresses, Joely has definitely made a name for herself in her own right. I’ve been a big Joely Fisher fan for quite some time now but I often forget her mother is Hollywood icon, Connie Stevens (not pictured). Speaking of this famous family, let’s talk about Joely’s half sister Carrie and Carrie’s mother, Debbie Reynolds.
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher have both worked hard to secure their place among Hollywood royalty and it hasn’t been an easy path for either of them. I’ve always admired Carrie for her unabashed honesty and openness when such things couldn’t have been easy for her. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, check out a brief synopsis of Carrie’s life in career on IMDB. Of course Carrie is most well known for her performance in Star Wars which can sometimes make it easy to forget that it was Mama Debbie that got Carrie started in Hollywood. Carrie’s very first role was on the stage alongside her mother in 1975’s Irene.
Demi Moore and Rumer Willis
When I think of Hollywood mother and daughter duos, I always think of Demi Moore and daughter Rumer Willis. I love both of these women in ways I can’t explain. Rumer has always had such a strong-minded confidence about her, something she clearly got from mother, Demi. While Demi has certainly had her problems as of late, Rumer has been a constant at her side, always offering her support and love. In return, Demi has always offered the same to Rumer, even helping her daughter break into showbiz by helping Rumer land her first role on the big screen back in 1996 when she played Demi’s daughter in Striptease. Of course Demi also has daughters Scout and Tellulah but they seem to stay more behind the scenes. Perhaps they’ve decided the public life isn’t for them, not shocking considering what both Demi and Rumer have gone through with the press. All the same, I wish nothing but the best for both of these women.
Diane Ladd and Laura Dern
Among the most accomplished and respected Hollywood mother and daughter duos on this list, Diane Ladd and Laura Dern have earned the distinction of being the only mother and daughter to receive Academy Award nominations for the same movie. That movie was 1991’s Rambling Rose but that certainly wasn’t the only time they shared the big screen. Their film credits together include:
- Wild At Heart (1990)
- Rambling Rose
- The Siege at Ruby Ridge (1996)
- Citizen Ruth (1996)
- Daddy and Them (2001)
- Damaged Care (2002)
- Inland Empire (2006)
Clearly this is one mother and daughter duo that isn’t afraid to share the spotlight!
Donatella and Allegra Versace
I can’t deny that this mother and daughter duo has me a little concerned. Neither mother nor daughter looks terribly healthy and that worries me. At the same time, from what I’ve heard anyway, both are apparently doing a little better these days and have sought help for their problems. Regardless of how things look on the outside in terms of physical health, it’s hard to deny these two care for each other a great deal. Hopefully the rumors are right and the next time we see this mother and daughter, they’ll look healthier and happier.
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson
Of all the Hollywood mother and daughter duos on this list, Goldie and Kate are most definitely my favorite. I love everything about these two. They seem to be so incredibly close – not just mother and daughter but best friends as well. It isn’t hard to imagine why Kate seems like such an awesome mother herself. Look at the relationship she has with her own mother. It tells you everything you need to know. Every time I see these two together, it reminds me of me and my Mom so I suppose this duo has a special place in my heart. Love you, Mom!
Ingrid Bergman and Isabella Rossellini
Ingrid Bergman is a Hollywood icon – a true legend of the silver screen. It should come as little surprise that Bergman’s daughter, Isabella, is following in her mother’s footsteps, building a strong and respectable career of her own. I would highly recommend learning more about Ingrid Bergman by checking out her IMDB bio.
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Willow Smith
Multi-talented Hollywood super couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, seemed almost destined to produce little stars and that’s apparently exactly what is happening. With Jaden Smith launching his own career and now Willow Smith joining the family’s Hollywood empire, this family has definitely earned their status as Hollywood Royalty. At the heart of all that success though, is a real family bond. While rumors abound every so often that Will and Jada aren’t the perfect picture of marital bliss, the couple is definitely invested in making sure their children are happy. Always nice to see.
Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis
Janet Leigh is an icon – a true legend, much like Debbie Reynolds and Ingrid Bergman whom we spoke of earlier. Jamie Lee Curtis has earned star status of her own, building a strong resume filled with tons of terrific performances. It seems like this family has always been destined for greatness even if scandal often comes along with it. Jamie, like Janet, is a strong and confident woman and the mother/daughter bond between them seems strong enough to handle anything.
Jayne Mansfield and Mariska Hargitay
This was one of the shockers for me. I’m a huge fan of Hollywood icon, Jayne Mansfield and I’m also a huge fan of Mariska Hargitay but I had no idea the two were even related let alone mother and daughter. How did I miss that little tidbit of trivia? No idea, but now I know and I suppose that’s all that matters. I’d long read that Mansfield’s children were in the car accident that killed Jayne in 1967 but I had no idea one of those children was Mariska. If you aren’t familiar with Jayne Mansfield’s story, I’d highly recommend reading her Wikipedia page. The woman was incredibly fascinating. I’d also recommend checking out Mariska’s work. She’s a beautiful woman and a very talented actress. Fun fact: both mother and daughter are Golden Globe winning actresses.
Joan and Melissa Rivers
I couldn’t make this list without including Joan and Melissa Rivers. I love Joan Rivers and while I haven’t yet decided how I feel about Melissa for sure as of yet, I will admit the girl grows on me. I think Joan and Melissa offer a pretty accurate picture of what most mother and daughter relationships are like. Fighting and drama are just a part of the package but in the end, it’s obvious these two love and support each other very much.
Judy Garland and Liza Minelli
Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli are both Hollywood legends in their own right but together, they are a mother and daughter team for the ages. As Liza followed her mother into showbiz, Judy herself entered the business following in her own mother’s footsteps. From just two years old, it was clear Judy was destined for big things – and big pressure. It took its toll on Garland and later, the same pressure would take its toll on her daughter Liza. Both women have remarkable stories filled with triumph and tragedy. Check them out on Wiki. They’re both worth knowing more about.
Kathy, Nicky and Paris Hilton
Not exactly a duo, but they still count and I couldn’t make this list without including the Hiltons. Despite Paris’ numerous scandals, Kathy has always stood by her daughter. Of course she has sometimes been criticized for being a little too supportive (yes, there is such a thing) but in the end, she clearly loves her daughters. While Nicky doesn’t get quite as much attention as her headline grabbing sister, that can really just be credited to Nicky’s lack of scandal. All in all, these three seem incredibly close and seem to have a great relationship.
Kris Jenner, Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian
Oh the Kardashian family. I can’t decide whether or not I include this group among the examples of good parenting in Hollywood or among the bad. One thing is certain with Kris Jenner – she’s raised three strong, confident and driven women. While I haven’t yet figured out exactly what it is the Kardashians do, they definitely seem to be successful at whatever that is. Mother also seems to have a great relationship with her daughters, at least from the point of view of a casual observer so I suppose they fall under the good category.
Linda and Stella McCartney
Paul and Linda McCartney are one of my favorite Hollywood love stories. The fact that their love story produced one of my favorite fashion designers is probably no small coincidence. I don’t really know much about the relationship Linda and Stella had before Linda passed away but it always seemed to be a close relationship.
Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz
I published this article and realized moments later I forgot one of my all time favorite mother and daughter duos – Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz. I had to edit the post to add them immediately. Lisa and Zoe aren’t just one of my favorite mother and daughter duos though. they’re two of my favorite actresses working in the industry today. While I haven’t seen Lisa in anything in a while, I still absolutely love her. She’s always been so true to who she is as an artist. Zoe is clearly following in Mom’s footsteps in that respect.
Meryl Streep and Mamie Grummer
Meryl Streep is one of my all time favorite actresses. As an actress, she just can’t seem to turn in a bad performance in anything. It’s no small wonder than her daughter, Mamie Gummer, decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Greatness is in her blood. What I like most about Mamie, aside from the fact that she’s incredibly talented in her own right, is that she chose to break into the business without using her famous mother’s last name. Mamie wants to be respected for her own work, not her mother’s. With that said, Mom is clearly very proud of her daughter and willing to support her career choices and why shouldn’t she? Mamie is a smart woman who makes great choices with her roles. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Michelle and Chynna Phillips
This beautiful mother and daughter duo may be one of my favorite mother daughter duos on this list. They’re both incredibly talented women and they seem to love and support each other the way a mother and daughter should. I’ve been a big Michelle Phillips fan since the first time I saw old video of her performing California Dreamin’ with The Mamas & The Papas and I’ve been a big Chynna Phillips fan since her time with Wilson Phillips (thrilled they’re back, by the way). I love these women and I love that they’re still so close.
Naomi, Wynonna and Ashley Judd
The Judds have clearly had their problems but they all seem to have gotten to a place where they love and respect each other. To me, that’s what mother/daughter relationships are all about. Very few women have flawless relationships with their mothers. Arguments happen. It’s how you make up after those arguments that make all of the difference. Will it be smooth sailing from here on out for this talented trio? Probably not but in the end, they clearly love each other and that’s all that matters.
Peggy Lipton and Rashida Jones
Two things surprised me about this one: One, I had no idea Rashida Jones was Peggy Lipton’s daughter and two, I had no idea Rashida Jones was Quincy Jones’ daughter. I guess I never know what I’m going to learn when I do these articles. I know Rashida mostly from Parks and Recreation as well as some of her big screen ventures and in researching this Hollywood mother and daughter duo, I noticed Peggy seems to be extremely supportive of her career choices and why wouldn’t she be? Rashida has a great career and a bright future ahead of her.
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley
It isn’t hard to tell Priscilla and Lisa Marie are related although no one would blame you if you thought they were sisters. Lisa Marie is looking more and more like her mother all the time. Of course we all know they’re mother and daughter considering this duo is probably among the more famous duos on our list. That has everything to do with Lisa Marie’s legendary father, Mr. Elvis Presley. Both mother and daughter have faced their hardships but they’ve come through on the other side and still seem to be there for each other.
Sharon and Kelly Osbourne
Next to Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne are my absolute favorite mother and daughter duo in Hollywood. Kelly definitely inherited her mother’s bold, gutsy attitude and fearlessness when it comes to speaking her mind. I love that about both of these women. More than that, I love how close they are. My favorite part about these two? While they argue on occasion, they’re never afraid to step up to the plate to defend each other when needed. I have to admit though, a bit part of my love for Kelly and Sharon comes from Kelly’s appearance on MTV’s Punk’d for which Sharon was the mastermind.
Susan Sarandon and Eva Amurri
I remember seeing Susan and Eva in The Banger Sisters and thinking it made perfect sense for Eva to follow her mother into acting. She might not be as well known as her mother as of yet but I think that day is definitely coming. She has the talent and good looks it takes to succeed in Hollywood and she’ll always have her mother’s support. All she really needs is that break out role and I’m sure it will come before long.
Tina and Beyoncé Knowles
To me, this Hollywood mother and daughter duo is a shining example of what mother and daughter relationships are all about. Tina is a strong, confident woman who has instilled those qualities in Beyonce, helping shape Beyonce into the woman she is today. She has always supported Beyonce’s career choices and has been there at her side every step of the way. In turn, Beyonce can take the things she’s learned from Tina and teach them to her own daughter, Blue Ivy.
