The New England Historic Genealogical Society conducted extensive genealogical research that uncovered a surprising family connection between Brad Pitt and Barack Obama.
These two prominent figures share the status of ninth cousins, tracing their lineage back to a common ancestor named Edwin Hickman, who passed away in Virginia in 1769. Obama publicly acknowledged this distant family tie during a 2008 appearance on “The View”, adding humor to the revelation by joking that Pitt “got the better-looking side of the gene pool.”
Key Takeaways
- Brad Pitt and Barack Obama are ninth cousins through their shared ancestor Edwin Hickman, who died in 1769.
- Obama humorously confirmed the connection on “The View” in 2008, saying Pitt got “the better-looking side of the gene pool.”
- The genealogical link spans nine generations and around 250–300 years, with only about 0.02% of shared DNA.
- Professional genealogists verified the connection using historical records such as censuses, birth certificates, and archival documents.
- Other notable celebrity-presidential ties include Ben Affleck as Obama’s eleventh cousin and James Dean as Richard Nixon’s seventh cousin.
Obama’s Hilarious Response to Being Related to Brad Pitt
Barack Obama handled the surprising genealogical revelation with his characteristic wit and charm when he appeared on ‘The View’ in 2008. During the interview, Obama confirmed the distant family connection with a dose of self-deprecating humor that would become one of his most memorable quotes about celebrity relatives. “I guess we’re ninth cousins, something removed – or something,” Obama said with his typical casual delivery, before adding the punchline that had audiences laughing: “I think he got the better-looking side of the gene pool.”
This admission came during the height of the 2008 presidential campaign, adding an unexpected twist to the election coverage. Media outlets seized on the story, recognizing the entertainment value of connecting two of America’s most recognizable figures through their family trees. The revelation sparked widespread discussions about the hidden connections between public figures and how distant relatives can end up in completely different spheres of influence.
Brad Pitt’s Response and Media Impact
Four years later, Brad Pitt addressed the family connection during a 2012 Hollywood Reporter interview, responding with his own brand of humor while expressing political support. Pitt’s reaction demonstrated the same lighthearted approach that Obama had taken, showing how both men could appreciate the amusing coincidence of their distant relationship.
The story gained significant traction across various media platforms, with Obama’s television appearance serving as the primary catalyst for public interest. His willingness to joke about the connection on national television helped transform what could have been a dry genealogical fact into an entertaining talking point that resonated with audiences. The lighthearted nature of Obama’s comments reflected his ability to find humor in unexpected situations, a quality that would define much of his public persona throughout his presidency.
This genealogical discovery also highlighted how DNA research and family history investigations can uncover surprising connections between seemingly unrelated individuals. The media attention surrounding this revelation demonstrated the public’s fascination with celebrity connections and the human tendency to find meaning in coincidental relationships. Obama’s humorous acknowledgment of their shared ancestry became a perfect example of how political figures can use self-deprecating humor to connect with audiences while acknowledging the sometimes absurd nature of media coverage during campaign seasons.
The Surprising Genealogical Discovery That Connected Two Icons
I find it fascinating how genealogical research can uncover unexpected connections between prominent figures. In 2008, the New England Historic Genealogical Society made a remarkable discovery that linked Hollywood star Brad Pitt and former President Barack Obama as distant relatives.
The connection traces back through nine generations to a shared ancestor named Edwin Hickman, who passed away in Virginia in 1769. This makes Pitt and Obama ninth cousins, sharing a bloodline that stretches back over two and a half centuries. The genealogical link demonstrates how American family trees often interweave in surprising ways, connecting people from vastly different backgrounds and career paths.
How the Connection Became Public Knowledge
The discovery gained significant attention when Obama himself acknowledged the relationship during an interview later in 2008. This public confirmation transformed what could have been merely an academic finding into a widely discussed piece of American cultural trivia. Obama’s acknowledgment of the connection with Brad Pitt’s background added legitimacy to the genealogical research and sparked broader interest in celebrity family connections.
The timing of this revelation coincided with Obama’s presidential campaign, creating an interesting footnote in American political and entertainment history. While ninth cousins share only a small percentage of DNA and the relationship is quite distant, the connection illustrates how genealogical research can reveal unexpected links between influential figures.
Professional genealogists often uncover such distant relationships when conducting extensive family tree research. The New England Historic Genealogical Society’s work in this case required tracing multiple family lines back through colonial American records to identify the common ancestor. Edwin Hickman’s descendants branched into different geographical regions and social circles, eventually producing both a future president and a Hollywood icon.
This discovery reflects the interconnected nature of American genealogy, where many families can trace connections back to early colonial settlers. The Hickman lineage represents just one example of how historical migration patterns and family settlements created complex webs of relationships that persist today, even when the individuals involved have no knowledge of their shared heritage.
How Genealogists Traced the Connection Back 200 Years
Professional genealogists used extensive archival research to verify the unexpected family link between Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt and former President Barack Obama. I find it fascinating how these experts managed to trace lineages spanning over two centuries, confirming that these two prominent figures share a distant common ancestor.
The Edwin Hickman Connection
The genealogical investigation centered on Edwin Hickman, who served as the crucial link connecting both family trees. Researchers discovered that both Pitt and Obama descended from this ancestor, establishing their relationship through careful documentation analysis. This discovery required painstaking examination of historical records dating back to the early 1800s.
Research Methodology and Documentation
Genealogists employed comprehensive research techniques to establish this 200-year connection. Their investigation included several key approaches:
- Cross-referencing multiple census records from different decades
- Analyzing birth, marriage, and death certificates from various states
- Examining land records and property transfers
- Reviewing church records and baptismal documents
- Studying immigration and migration patterns
The research team spent considerable time verifying each piece of evidence to ensure accuracy. They cross-referenced census data with vital records, creating a reliable family tree that withstood scrutiny. Public records provided the foundation for this genealogical detective work, with each document serving as another piece of the historical puzzle.
Census records proved particularly valuable because they tracked families across generations and geographic moves. Marriage certificates helped establish family connections, while death records often included valuable information about parents and birthplaces. The genealogists also examined historical documents that might seem unrelated to family research, such as military records and court documents, which sometimes contained crucial family information.
This type of comprehensive genealogical research demonstrates how professional researchers can uncover surprising connections between seemingly unrelated individuals. The verification process ensures that claimed relationships have solid documentary evidence supporting them. Brad Pitt’s family history reveals just one example of how celebrity genealogy can uncover unexpected historical connections that span centuries of American history.
Other Celebrity-Presidential Family Connections That Will Shock You
I’ve spent years exploring the fascinating threads that connect Hollywood stars to the highest office in America, and the Brad Pitt-Barack Obama connection represents just the tip of an incredibly intricate genealogical iceberg. Professional researchers continue uncovering surprising family ties that stretch across centuries of American history.
Ben Affleck shares blood with Obama as his eleventh cousin, according to findings from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. This connection demonstrates how deeply intertwined American families have become over generations, creating unexpected bridges between entertainment royalty and political leadership. Affleck’s lineage traces back through colonial settlers who also contributed to Obama’s ancestral line.
Hollywood Icons Connected to Past Presidents
The connections extend far beyond contemporary politics into America’s historical leadership. James Dean, the legendary rebel actor, emerges as a seventh cousin to Richard Nixon through shared ancestry dating back to the 1700s. This particular discovery highlights how genealogical research can reveal startling parallels between figures who seemed to represent completely opposite cultural movements.
Warren Buffett’s relationship to Obama proves even more distant yet equally fascinating. Ancestry.com researchers identified the investment mogul as Obama’s seventh cousin, three times removed. Their common ancestor lived in the 17th century, showcasing how American genealogical networks span both extraordinary time periods and diverse professional fields.
Professional genealogists working for institutions like the New England Historic Genealogical Society employ sophisticated research methods to trace these connections. They examine historical records, immigration documents, and birth certificates to establish legitimate family links. These discoveries often surprise both the celebrities and the public, much like scientific breakthroughs that reshape our understanding of genetics and heredity.
The process of establishing these connections requires extensive documentation and verification. Researchers must trace family lines through multiple generations, accounting for name changes, migrations, and incomplete historical records. Many connections become apparent only through DNA analysis combined with traditional genealogical research methods.
Celebrity reactions to these discoveries vary dramatically. Some embrace their presidential connections as interesting conversation pieces, while others view them as mere historical curiosities. The entertainment industry’s fascination with these stories often amplifies their cultural significance beyond their actual genealogical importance.
Modern genetic testing has revolutionized how researchers identify distant family relationships. Companies specializing in ancestry research can now trace connections that would have been impossible to establish using traditional methods alone. DNA analysis confirms relationships that genealogical documents suggest, providing scientific validation for historical family trees.
These presidential connections reflect broader patterns in American genealogy. Early colonial families produced numerous descendants who spread across different regions and social classes. Over time, their lineages intersected with both political dynasties and entertainment families, creating the surprising connections we discover today.
The research continues revealing new celebrity-presidential links regularly. Brad Pitt’s diverse interests and accomplishments become even more intriguing when viewed alongside his presidential ancestry. Each new discovery adds another layer to America’s interconnected family story.
Ancestry.com and similar organizations maintain vast databases that make these discoveries possible. Their resources include millions of historical records, family trees, and DNA profiles that researchers can cross-reference to establish family connections. Professional genealogists use these tools to verify relationships and trace lineages across centuries.
The implications of these connections extend beyond mere entertainment value. They demonstrate how American society’s elite circles have maintained subtle connections across different eras and industries. These family ties illustrate the complex social networks that have shaped American culture and politics throughout history.
Complete Breakdown of Presidential-Celebrity Family Trees
I’ve always found it fascinating how America’s most recognizable faces share unexpected family connections that span centuries. The most intriguing discovery involves Brad Pitt and Barack Obama, who share a bloodline as ninth cousins through their common ancestor, Edwin Hickman, who passed away in 1769.
Notable Celebrity-Presidential Family Connections
Professional genealogical research has unveiled several remarkable family ties between Hollywood stars and political figures. These connections demonstrate the intricate web of American ancestry:
- Brad Pitt and Barack Obama connect as ninth cousins through Edwin Hickman
- Ben Affleck shares an eleventh cousin relationship with Obama
- Warren Buffett stands as Obama’s seventh cousin, three times removed
- James Dean and Richard Nixon were seventh cousins
- Multiple other celebrity-political figure connections exist through various ancestral lines
The New England Historic Genealogical Society and Ancestry.com have compiled extensive data that reveals these surprising family relationships. Their research methodology involves tracing lineages back through multiple generations, often uncovering connections that stretch across several centuries.
Brad Pitt’s diverse interests extend beyond acting, but his genealogical connection to a former president adds another layer to his public persona. The Pitt-Obama family tree demonstrates how distant cousin relationships, while appearing obscure on the surface, actually occur more frequently than most people realize.
Edwin Hickman serves as the pivotal ancestor linking these two prominent figures. Born in the early 1700s, Hickman’s descendants branched out across America, eventually producing both a Hollywood A-lister and a future president. This connection spans approximately nine generations, making the relationship distant but scientifically verifiable.
Genealogical experts explain that ninth cousin relationships mean the two individuals share great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents. While this might seem extraordinarily remote, such connections become more common when researchers dig deep into family histories. The probability of finding distant cousin relationships increases significantly when tracing lineages back to colonial America.
The Ben Affleck-Obama connection stretches even further back, requiring eleven generations to reach their common ancestor. This relationship illustrates how extensive genealogical research can uncover family ties that predate the formation of the United States itself.
Warren Buffett’s connection to Obama presents a different type of relationship structure. As a seventh cousin three times removed, Buffett represents a cousin relationship with an additional generational gap. This designation means one person descends from the common ancestor through more generations than the other.
The James Dean-Richard Nixon connection offers another example of how entertainment and politics intersect through family trees. Their seventh cousin relationship demonstrates that these types of connections aren’t limited to contemporary figures but extend throughout American history.
Deep genealogical studies continue revealing similar connections between public figures. Professional genealogists use sophisticated databases and historical records to trace these lineages, often requiring months or years of research to verify distant relationships. The process involves cross-referencing birth records, death certificates, marriage documents, and census data across multiple states and time periods.
These discoveries highlight the interconnected nature of American ancestry. Most Americans with colonial-era heritage likely share distant cousin relationships with numerous public figures, though these connections remain undiscovered without professional genealogical research.
The Brad Pitt-Obama connection specifically showcases how two individuals from completely different backgrounds can share common ancestry. Their paths diverged centuries ago when Edwin Hickman’s descendants spread across different regions, pursuing various occupations and lifestyles that eventually led to Hollywood stardom and political leadership.
Professional genealogists emphasize that such distant relationships don’t imply any meaningful family connection in practical terms. Ninth cousins typically share less than 0.1% of their DNA, making the genetic relationship virtually negligible. However, these connections provide fascinating insights into American migration patterns and family histories.
The ongoing research by genealogical institutions continues uncovering additional celebrity-political figure relationships. Each discovery adds another piece to the complex puzzle of American ancestry, demonstrating how historical family trees create unexpected modern connections.
What Being “Ninth Cousins” Actually Means in Genealogical Terms
When genealogists describe two people as ninth cousins, they’re referring to individuals who share a common ancestor nine generations back in their family tree. I’ve discovered that this specific relationship between Brad Pitt and Barack Obama traces back to Edwin Hickman, who passed away in 1769. This ancestral connection places their shared lineage well into the 18th century, making their familial bond quite distant yet scientifically verifiable.
Understanding the Genealogical Mathematics
Ninth cousins share great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents, which means their family trees converge approximately 250-300 years ago. Each generation typically spans about 25-30 years, so this relationship reaches back roughly nine generations from both individuals. Professional genealogical societies have developed sophisticated research methods to trace these connections, examining historical records, census data, church registries, and other documentation to establish these family links.
The work involved in establishing such distant relationships requires extensive documentation and cross-referencing. Genealogical researchers must verify each generation’s connection, ensuring accuracy through multiple sources. These societies maintain vast databases and employ researchers who specialize in colonial American genealogy, particularly for families that settled in the early American territories.
Public fascination with these discoveries becomes particularly intense when celebrities are involved. Obama’s appearance on “The View” generated widespread media attention when he discussed this unusual family connection. Similarly, Pitt’s humorous comments during interviews about being related to a former president demonstrate how these genealogical revelations intersect with popular culture in unexpected ways.
The mathematical reality of ninth cousins means that Brad Pitt and Barack Obama share only a tiny fraction of their DNA – approximately 0.02%. This minuscule genetic connection illustrates how distant these relationships truly are from a biological standpoint. However, the cultural significance far outweighs the genetic reality, especially when the connection involves two of America’s most recognizable figures.
Celebrity genealogy has become increasingly popular, with television shows and online platforms capitalizing on public interest in these discoveries. The revelation about Pitt and Obama exemplifies how genealogical research can produce surprising connections that capture public imagination, even when the actual relationship is extraordinarily distant.
Historical context adds another layer of intrigue to this particular connection. Edwin Hickman lived during the colonial period, before the United States became an independent nation. His descendants eventually branched into different regions and social classes, with one line eventually producing a Hollywood actor and another culminating in a U.S. President. This divergence illustrates how American families spread across the continent over generations, creating unexpected connections between people from vastly different backgrounds.
Professional genealogists emphasize that such distant relationships are actually quite common when sufficient research is conducted. Most Americans with colonial ancestry likely share similar distant connections with thousands of other people, including many notable figures. The difference lies in the resources dedicated to tracing these connections and the public interest generated when celebrities are involved.
The verification process for these genealogical claims involves multiple steps and extensive documentation. Researchers must establish each generational link through historical records, often working backwards from known family information. This process can take months or even years to complete, particularly when tracing connections across multiple centuries.
Brad Pitt’s interests extend beyond acting into various pursuits, but his genealogical connection to Obama represents one of the more unexpected revelations about his background. The discovery demonstrates how genealogical research continues to uncover surprising connections in American family history, particularly among prominent figures whose ancestors participated in early American settlement patterns.
This type of genealogical discovery highlights how interconnected American families can be when traced back through sufficient generations, creating a web of distant relationships that span different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds across centuries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRFBPj0xT1o
Sources:
Business Insider, “11 celebrities who are related to US presidents”
UNILAD, “Barack Obama had surprising response when asked about famous relative”
BET, “True Blood: Stars You Didn’t Know Were Related”
Venture Capital Journal, “Barack Obama and Brad Pitt Cousins? It’s True, says Forbes”
