Los Angeles, California – Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas recently made a surprising discovery while appearing on the genealogy series “Finding Your Roots.” The Hollywood veteran found out that he is distantly related to his Marvel Cinematic Universe co-star, Scarlett Johansson.
During his segment on the show, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Douglas was informed that he shares identical DNA with Johansson on four different chromosomes, all of which can be traced back to Jewish communities in eastern Europe. The revelation left Douglas visibly surprised and in awe, exclaiming, “Oh, that’s amazing. Alright, this is cool. This is so cool. That’s incredible.”
The connection between Douglas and Johansson adds an interesting layer to their professional relationship, as both actors appeared in the superhero blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame.” Douglas played the role of Hank Pym, while Johansson portrayed Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow.
Despite his successful career in Hollywood, spanning decades as both an actor and producer, Douglas has expressed reluctance for his children to pursue acting. His wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, revealed that Douglas has cautioned their children, Dylan and Carys, against following in their parents’ footsteps. The veteran actor believes that children of famous parents face additional challenges in the industry.
In the same episode of “Finding Your Roots,” Lena Dunham, known for her role in the series “Girls,” discovered that she is a distant relative of Larry David, the creator and star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Dunham, expressing her excitement, exclaimed, “It’s Larry David – the other LD! This is the hottest information I could have ever gotten.”
The revelation of Douglas and Johansson’s familial connection offers a unique insight into the intertwined nature of Hollywood relationships, showcasing the unexpected bonds that can exist even among colleagues in the industry. As actors continue to explore their roots and genealogy, the discovery of such connections adds an intriguing layer to their personal and professional narratives.