It’s A Family Affair: Amazing Dynasties Across The Arts

Some families don’t just create art, they define it. Across generations, certain artistic dynasties have passed down their genius like an heirloom, shaping entire movements and leaving behind legacies that still captivate the world. From the Brueghels, who painted the drama of life in the Renaissance, to the Bachs, whose music still echoes centuries later, and the Barrymores, who turned Hollywood into their stage. These families prove that creativity isn’t just a gift, it’s a legacy. Find out more in It’s A Family Affair: Amazing Dynasties Across The Arts.

But what makes these dynasties so enduring? Is artistic brilliance something inherited, nurtured, or simply inevitable? Certainly, the creative world is scattered with families: from siblings to generations sharing their talents.

Numerous are their forms of expressions and so are these dynasties. In the Music field, talented families range from the 18th-century composer, violinist, and music teacher, Leopold Mozart, who passed on his artistic talent to his son who became the incomparable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; to the contemporary Cyrus family, among the most well-known dynasties for pop music, spanning multiple generations. From Billy Ray Cyrus, the patriarch of the family who rose to fame in the early 1990s with his hit song Achy Breaky Heart, to Trace Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, actress and singer-songwriter, and Noah Cyrus, who distinguished herself among indie pop music and was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2021.

Similarly, in the field of figurative art, Camille Pissarro, who founded the Impressionist movement, and passed down its artistic vocation to his sons and great-sons and great-grandsons; to the Brontë, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, authors of the masterpieces Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights; concluding with the French authors Alexandre and Alexandre Jr. Dumas, authors of The Three Musketeers and The Lady of the Camellias.

From a more contemporary perspective, Jake and Dinos Chapman are the modern British visual artists par excellence. After having completed their studies at the Royal College of Art in London, the two brothers became part of the Young British Artists movement and started to push boundaries through different ways of expression, from sculpture to painting, and installations, becoming well-known for their provocative, controversial, and satirical works that challenge social, political, and moral issues.

Come and See – Chapman Brothers

Moving on into the world of photography, the Sorrenti family is a well-known artistic dynasty, particularly in fashion and editorial work. At the centre of this legacy is Mario Sorrenti, a renowned fashion photographer famous for his intimate and raw imagery.

His influence extends beyond his work, as creativity runs deep in the Sorrenti family, with multiple members contributing to photography and the arts. Best known for his work in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Calvin Klein’s campaigns, the Italian-American fashion photographer rose to fame in the 1990s, particularly for his Calvin Klein ‘Obsession’ campaign featuring Kate Moss. The family is also well-known for the work of Vanina Sorrenti with Gucci, Missoni, and MiuMiu, and Francesco Sorrenti, specialises in documentary-style and portrait photography.

Not least, the art of cinema and entertainment make no exception. Artists of the calibre of the Chaplin family, one of the most iconic dynasties in film history, with its roots firmly planted in the golden age of Hollywood.

At the centre of this legacy is Charlie Chaplin, the legendary silent film star whose character, The Tramp, became a global symbol of comedy and humanity. His influence extended far beyond his own career, with multiple generations of Chaplins, from his son Sydney Chaplin to his granddaughter Oona Chaplin, leaving their mark on film, theatre, and music.

Film poster for the 1918 Charlie Chaplin vessel A Dog’s Life

And again, the Hollywood scenario is the stage for the prestigious Barrymore family. Spanning over a century, this legendary acting dynasty has shaped American theatre, film, and television, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment. From the golden age of silent cinema to modern Hollywood, the Barrymores have been at the heart of storytelling, blending charisma, talent, and, at times, personal struggles that made them as fascinating off-screen as they were on it.

At the centre of this legacy, find Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore, three siblings who dominated stage and screen in the early 20th century. Their influence continued with later generations, culminating in Drew Barrymore, one of the most notorious actresses of her era. This is the story of a family that turned acting into an inheritance and Hollywood into their home.

Born in 1992, Billie Lourd grew up in a Hollywood dynasty, being the granddaughter of Debbie Reynolds, legendary actress and singer in Singin’ in the Rain, and daughter of Carrie Fisher and Bryan Lourd, respectively actress and talent agent. After an initial period away from the spotlight, Billie Lourd has built a successful acting career with roles in both films and television, such as Scream Queens, American Horror Stories, Star Wars sequel trilogy, and Booksmart, among the most notable.

Again, the Streep-Gummer family is a dynasty of actors, musicians, and creatives, making their mark across multiple generations in Hollywood and the arts, with Maryl Streep being among the most well-known and talented actresses of the family.

At the peak of familial connections lies the Coppola family. From Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind The Godfather, to his children and extended family members who have shaped film, acting, and music, the Coppolas are the Hollywood dynasty par excellence. Their legacy spans multiple generations, influencing storytelling across genres and decades.

Born in 1939, Francis Ford Coppola established himself as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, having directed classics such as The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Winner of multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director, he founded the production company American Zoetrope.

Thanks to his success, Francis Ford’s family started to follow his pathway, from the sister Talia Shire to the next generation, including his sons Sofia Coppola and Roman Coppola. Not only, part of the legacy are also Nicolas Cage, Coppola’s nephew, Jason and Robert Schwartzman, Talia’s sons, and Gia Coppola, granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola. 

The latest film directed by Gia Coppola and written by Kate Gersten is The Last Showgirl. This American drama includes movie stars Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Billie Lourd, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, and Kiernan Shipka.

The movie’s plot focuses on a middle-aged Las Vegas showgirl, Ruby Sinclair, who, after three decades in the spotlight, has to face an uncertain future after learning that the revue is scheduled to close.

Now finding herself cast aside by the glittering world she once ruled, an unexpected opportunity forces her back on stage, this time as a mentor to a struggling young dancer. Ruby Sinclair must confront her past, re-discover her passion, and finally prove that the curtain hadn’t closed on her just yet. With dazzling performances, drama, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour, this movie is an intriguing tale of resilience, reinvention, and the unbreakable spirit of a true performer.

If you enjoyed reading It’s A Family Affair: Amazing Dynasties Across The Arts why not try Family Movie Night and From Rebellion to Rhythm: Dandyism was Revolutionary to Dance.

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