22 celebrity dads whose look-alike sons are following in their footsteps

Eugene Levy and Dan Levy.Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Damon Wayans and his son Damon Wayans Jr. have shared the screen together.

Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr.Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

Damon, 61, is best known for his stand-up comedy from the ’90s and his sitcoms like “In Living Color” and “My Wife and Kids.”

The comedian’s son, Damon Jr., 39, shares the same name, looks strikingly like him, and also caught the acting bug. The younger actor is best known for his roles in “New Girl” and “Happy Endings.”

The father-son duo have also collaborated on acting projects. Both were in “My Wife and Kids,” “The Underground,” and Damon made a cameo as his son’s character’s father in both “Happy Endings” and his son’s other sitcom, “Happy Together.”

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. He’s not hanging on my coattails. I’m on his,” Damon told Spoiler TV in 2018. “So I have to come in and be Damon 2 […] I’m super proud.”

Robert Irwin has picked up his late father Steve Irwin’s looks and love for wildlife.

Steve Irwin and Robert Irwin.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock; DFree/Shutterstock

The late Steve Irwin was one of the most recognizable faces in the world of wildlife conservation and became a loved figure by many. In addition to his conservation efforts, he was an environmentalist, zookeeper, and a TV personality best known for his documentary series “The Crocodile Hunter.”

Steve was 44 years old when he died from being pierced by a stingray in 2006. His son, Robert, now 18, was just two years old at the time.

Robert has grown into the spitting image of his father in more ways than one. He shares the same charismatic and caring personality as his dad, and also went on to gain the same love of animals that his father had, particularly for crocodiles. Robert has now become a wildlife conservationist and TV personality.

He’s known for his talk show appearances and reality TV series “Crikey! It’s the Irwins,” alongside his mother, Terri, and sister, Bindi. Robert also works with the Australia Zoo like his father did and has successfully pursued wildlife photography.

Story continues

“I hope in every aspect of my life that I can make him proud, and [make] sure that his message never dies,” Robert told Esquire Middle East in 2021.

Colin Hanks followed in his father Tom Hanks’ footsteps by also pursuing an acting career.

Tom Hanks and Colin Hanks.Tinseltown/Shutterstock; Lev Radin/Shutterstock

From his performance in “Forrest Gump,” to his voice role in the “Toy Story” franchise, to impressions of public figures like Walt Disney, Tom, 65, has become a national treasure. While he usually graces the big screen, his eldest son, Colin, 44, who has followed in his footsteps, can be seen on both the small and big screens.

Colin has starred in the TV shows “Dexter,” “Fargo,” and “American Crime Story” as well as the films “King Kong,” “The House Bunny” and the “Jumanji” reboot.

The nearly identical father and son shared the screen in “The Great Buck Howard,” where Tom played Colin’s character’s father. Colin even played Fred Rogers in an episode of “Drunk History” before Tom famously did in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

“Oh, did someone else get cast in a rival Mr. Rogers project? I would hate to be them right now,” Colin jokingly tweeted in 2018.

Both of Billie Joe Armstrong’s sons have his musical genes and perform in their own rock bands.

(From left to right) Joey Armstrong, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Jakob Danger.Mike Lewis Photography/Getty Images; Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock; Scott Legato/Getty Images

The Green Day frontman has been going strong as a prominent and influential singer and musician for over 30 years. Billie Joe, 50, has a knack for creating timeless punk rock and pop-rock music, a skill trickled down to his two sons.

Billie’s younger son, who goes by the stage name Jakob Danger, 23, followed in his father’s footsteps. He is a singer-songwriter and guitarist both as a solo artist and for his punk band Mt. Eddy, which formed in 2017.

The “American Idiot” singer’s older son Joey Armstrong is also a singer and has been the drummer for the alternative rock brand SWMRS since 2004, though the band’s status is unclear at the moment.

In July 2020, Joey was accused of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse by musician Lydia Night. The two started dating when she was 16 and he was 22. He released a statement, saying in part, “While I don’t agree with some of the things she said about me, it’s important she be allowed to say them and that she be supported for speaking out. I respect her immensely and fully accept that I failed her as a partner.”

Denzel Washington’s son, John David Washington, has been on the same path to stardom.

Denzel Washington and John David Washington.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Denzel, 67, is Hollywood royalty, playing major roles in blockbuster films like “Remember the Titans,” “Training Day,” and “The Equalizer.” He’s had a long, successful career and his shoes may seem difficult to step into, but his son John David Washington, 37, is on his way.

John David’s first minor acting credit was as a student in Spike Lee’s 1992 film “Malcolm X,” which his father starred in as the real-life revolutionary.

He then pursued a career as a professional NFL player, before seriously transitioning to acting and starring in the football comedy “Ballers.” Within the last few years, he’s made a name for himself with films like “BlacKkKlansman,” “Tenet,” and “Malcolm & Marie.”

Young actor Michael Gandolfini is a doppelgänger of his late father, James Gandolfini.

James Gandolfini and Michael Gandolfini.Matt Sayles/AP Images; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

The late James Gandolfini famously played the Italian mob boss Tony Soprano in the HBO series “The Sopranos.” He unexpectedly died at 51 years old in 2013 from a heart attack. His son, Michael, now 23, was a teenager at the time.

After this tragedy, Michael turned to acting like his father. He first starred in the TV series “The Deuce” and the film “Cherry” before giving his most notable performance to date in “The Many Saints of Newark.”

In this “Sopranos” prequel movie, Michael played a younger version of his father’s character.

“It’s uncanny,” actor Steve Schirripa previously told Insider about Michael’s appearance and performance. “He looked so much like his dad and he always has.”

Scott Eastwood is just one of Clint Eastwood’s children who has stepped into his acting shoes.

Clint Eastwood and Scott Eastwood.Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Clint, 92, has been in the entertainment industry for over six decades as an iconic actor, writer, director, and producer. He’s known for his Western characters and action-packed films.

His son Scott, 36, looks strikingly like Clint did when he was younger and shares the same smoldering look. He also stepped into show business. Scott had small roles when he started and also acted in Clint’s directorial projects like “Gran Torino” and “Invictus,” and co-starred with him in the film “Trouble with the Curve.”

“I’m trying to just soak up every piece of knowledge I can from him,” Scott told Joe Rogan in 2021 about his collaborations with his father.

Scott has gone on to star in dramas like “The Longest Ride” and “Snowden,” and action films like “Suicide Squad” and “The Fate of the Furious.”

After his father Prince Charles, Prince William is next in line to the throne.

Prince Charles and Prince William.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images.

Charles, the Prince of Wales, 73, has been serving the British monarchy for decades under his parents, Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip. Charles is the next in line to serve as the King of England, and his eldest son, William, the Duke of Cambridge, 39, is a working royal who is set to become king afterwards.

Although they have a height difference, with William standing five inches taller than his father, and different public personas, they look very similar, especially when Charles was younger.

While William will follow in his father’s footsteps, his younger brother Harry, 37, has famously stepped away from royal duties.

Christian “King” Combs shares the same rapping chops as his famous father, Sean Combs, aka Diddy.

Sean “Diddy” Combs and Christian Combs.Mindy Small/Getty Images

Diddy, 52, is a powerhouse rapper, record executive, and TV producer. His larger-than-life personality and signature style has made him a household name over the last three decades.

His look-alike son Christian, 24, better known by his stage name King Combs, has also stepped into the music industry as a rapper. He signed to his father’s record label, Bad Boys Entertainment, in 2016 and has since released several songs, EPs, and an album.

Before this, as a child, he was featured in Sean’s 2001 music video for “Bad Boys For Life.”

“I definitely feel like I need to live up to this legacy,” Christian told DailyMotion in 2018. “I feel like it’s a different type of responsibility that I’m held to and I’m ready to take that.”

Distinguished careers and similar physical appearances link Kurt and Wyatt Russell.

Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell.Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock; Eugene Powers/Shutterstock

From his roles in “Escape from New York,” “The Hateful Eight,” and “The Christmas Chronicles” franchise, Kurt, 71, has been an ever-present face in Hollywood.

After pursuing a career in hockey, Wyatt, 35, transitioned into acting, as well. Wyatt looks eerily like his father, especially when they both grow out their facial hair.

Like his father before him, Wyatt has appeared in various genres throughout his career, from comedies such as “This Is 40” and “22 Jump Street,” to an episode of the dystopian sci-fi series “Black Mirror” called “Playtest,” to the true crime series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” in which he plays a terrifying fundamentalist Mormon.

The father and son are also both in the Marvel Universe, with Kurt appearing in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and Wyatt in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Disney+ series.

Actor Jesse Johnson inherited his father Don Johnson’s movie star looks and talents.

Don Johnson and Jesse Johnson.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Don, 72, has had a diverse career from a TV and movie actor, to a director, to a singer-songwriter. He is potentially best known for his role as James “Sonny” Crockett, the heartthrob police officer in the ’80s TV series “Miami Vice.”

Don’s son Jesse, 39, is a dead ringer for ’80s Don, and is also an actor. He played a minor role in Don’s famous show “Nash Bridges” in 2001, and has continued guest-starring in projects like “Law & Order,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “NCIS,” and “Twin Peaks: The Return.”

Phil Collins’ sons Simon Collins and Nic Collins have both gotten into rock music.

(From left to right) Simon Collins, Phil Collins, and Nic Collins.Prog Magazine/Getty Images; Frank Hoensch/Getty Images; Sergione Infuso/Corbis/Getty Images

The former Genesis drummer and solo singer Phil, 71, has had a legendary career.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer announced in March 2022 that he would stop performing with the band due to nerve damage and spinal injuries from his work. Although his touring career is slowing down, his legacy will live on through his many talented children, two of whom are musicians.

Simon, 45, is a drummer and was the lead vocalist in the rock band Sound of Contact until 2018. He also has a solo career.

Nic, 21, is also a drummer. When Phil had to stop playing the drums as part of Genesis, Nic took over, joining the band on their 2021/2022 tour and playing the drums instead. He also has his own band, Better Strangers.

Eugene and Dan Levy share an uncanny resemblance and famously played father and son on-screen.

Eugene Levy and Dan Levy.Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Eugene, 75, has put his comedic stamp on the TV and film industries for decades. Some of his most notable work includes the “SCTV” series, “Best in Show,” and “American Pie.”

But Eugene’s biggest legacy is now perhaps the beloved sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which he famously starred in and co-produced with his son, Dan, 38. Their real-life relationship and camaraderie is amplified in the show, as Eugene plays Johnny Rose, the father of Dan’s character, David Rose.

“He’s been doing a great job on the show, really fantastic. And it’s fun watching him work. I’m really quite proud of this young lad here,” Eugene told Access Live in 2018.

From their hair, to their signature bushy eyebrows, to their smiles, there’s no denying that any other duo could’ve been more convincing as father and son.

Before “Schitt’s Creek,” Dan had minor guest starring roles and hosted an MTV Canada show, but this family project was his big break. Since the show ended, he’s starred in the gay holiday rom-com “Happiest Season” and had a voice role in the Netflix animated series “Q-Force.”

O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed a younger version of his father, NWA rapper Ice Cube.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Ice Cube.Tinseltown/Shutterstock

O’Shea Jackson Sr., known as Ice Cube, 53, is famous for his work in the group NWA, which he co-founded, as well as for his successful solo career. Cube is also an actor, playing leading roles in the “Barbershop,” “Ride Along,” “Are We There Yet?,” and”21 Jump Street” franchises.

His eldest son, O’Shea Jackson, 31, had his first big break as an actor in 2015 when he portrayed a younger version of his father in the biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” Jackson re-recorded the 1998 album “Straight Outta Compton” for the movie, showcasing similar talents to his father.

However, it was never guaranteed that Ice Cube’s look-alike and sound-alike son would be given the role — he had to audition for over two years.

“My whole goal is to build on this empire, this legacy that he’s already laid on the ground for me,” Jackson said about his father.

He has since played several supporting and leading roles in films and TV, including “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and “Long Shot.”

Stellan Skarsgård has several actor sons, including Alexander and Gustaf.

(From left to right) Alexander Skarsgård, Stellan Skarsgård, and Gustaf Skarsgård.Jeff Vespa/Getty Images

Stellan, 71, is a Swedish actor who broke into Hollywood in the ’90s, starring in blockbuster films like “Good Will Hunting” and “The Hunt for Red October,” and more recently the “Mamma Mia” and “Thor” franchises, “Cinderella,” and “Dune.”

Stellan also has eight children, with several of his sons following him into show business. The two who physically resemble Stellan the most are Alexander, 45, and Gustaf, 41.

Alexander has played pivotal roles in TV shows like “True Blood,” “Big Little Lies,” and “Succession.” He’s also been in films like “Melancholia,” “The Legend of Tarzan,” and “The Northman.”

Gustaf’s most prominent role was as Floki in “Vikings” from 2013 to 2020. He’s also starred in other series like “Westworld” and “Cursed.”

Stella’s other sons (not pictured) may not share as strong a resemblance to him but they’ve also made names for themselves as actors. The 31-year-old Bill played Pennywise in “It” and its sequel, for example.

Rising star Cooper Hoffman followed in his late father Philip Seymour Hoffman’s footsteps by collaborating with director Paul Thomas Anderson.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cooper Hoffman.Dan Kosmayer/Shutterstock; Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Philip Seymour Hoffman starred in many movies like “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Capote,” and the “Hunger Games” franchise. He was also well-known for being cast in several of director Anderson’s films, including “Boogie Nights” and “The Master” before Philip died in 2014 at age 46.

Philip’s son, Cooper, 19, had never acted before he was cast in Anderson’s 2021 film “Licorice Pizza,” continuing the Hoffman-Anderson collaboration legacy.

“I was always kind of scared to enter that arena because my dad did it so well,” Cooper told Today in February 2022, but added, “In a weird way, it felt almost like I was stepping into my dad’s shoes.”

Will and Jaden Smith have both become successful rappers and actors.

Will Smith and Jaden Smith.John Shearer/Getty Images

Will, 53, had a successful career as a rapper before transitioning into acting with his show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He also starred in the popular “Men in Black” and “Bad Boys” franchises along with several other action and drama films.

His youngest son, Jaden, 23, followed in his footsteps with both music and movies. He’s a successful singer and rapper, recording several albums since 2016. But he’s had a longer acting career, notably starring in films such as “Karate Kid” and “Life in a Year,” and in the animated series “Neo Yokio” and “Entergalactic.”

The Smiths have also starred together as father and son in the films “The Pursuit of Happyness,” and “After Earth.”

Mark Consuelos’ son Michael played the younger version of his iconic “Riverdale” character.

Mark Consuelos and Michael Consuelos.Ron Adar/Shutterstock; Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images

Mark, 51, is perhaps best known now for being married to talk show host Kelly Ripa, but he’s also well-known for his roles in the soap opera “All My Children” and the teen drama “Riverdale.”

His eldest son, Michael, 25, has had a few minor acting roles in the past but directly followed in his footsteps and acted alongside him when he guest starred in “Riverdale.” Michael played a younger version of Mark’s character, Hiram Lodge, while Mark instead played his character’s father, Javier Luna, in two flashback episodes in 2018 and 2021.

Mark and Michael already have the same clean-cut look, and their styling in “Riverdale” made them look even more identical.

“It was a really trippy, time warp-y experience. But we had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and I learned so much,” Michael told Access Live in 2021.

George Harrison’s look-alike son, Dhani Harrison, was around for the heyday of The Beatles’ career.

George Harrison and Dhani Harrison.Michael Putland/Getty Images; David M. Bennet/Getty Images

George is undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians in the world because of his contributions as part of The Beatles. After the band broke up, George released several solo albums. His final, posthumous album “Brainwashed” was released a year after he died from cancer in 2001 at age 58.

George’s only child, Dhani, 43 — who looks exactly like his father did in the ’70s — channeled his iconic father by helping complete “Brainwashed,” as per George’s wishes.

Dhani has continued his music career as a producer and singer-songwriter, and released his own solo album in 2017. In addition to assisting on his father’s final project, he remastered his father’s album “All Things Must Pass” album for its 50th anniversary, which Dhani won a Grammy for.

James and Scott Caan have acted together on the big screen.

James Caan and Scott Caan.Mark Sullivan/Getty Images

James, 82, has had a long career in Hollywood, giving many stellar performances across action films, dramas, and comedies. He’s best known, though, for his role as mafia member Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” film franchise.

His eldest son, Scott, 45, shares the same movie star looks as him and could easily play Sonny today. The actor has played supporting roles in famous projects like “Varsity Blues,” the “Ocean’s” trilogy, “Entourage,” and starred in the rebooted “Hawaii Five-0.”

The father and son have also worked on some projects together, like the indie films “A Boy Called Hate” and “Mercy,” and an episode of “Hawaii Five-0.”

“I did it just to be with my kid,” the legendary actor told The Post about doing the one-off episode in 2012.

Jake Hoffman is leading the same path as his iconic father, Dustin Hoffman.

Dustin Hoffman and Jake Hoffman.FilmMagic/Getty Images

Known for his standout performances in “The Graduate,” “Tootsie,” “Rain Man,” and more, Dustin, 84, is one of the most versatile actors of all time.

While Dustin is usually the lead character in his projects, his eldest son, Jake, 41, can be seen in minor roles across his father’s movies. They’ve both worked together in “Rain Man,” “Hook,” “I Heart Huckabees,” “Barney’s Version,” and the TV series “Luck.”

Jake is best known, though, for acting in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Irishman,” and “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.”

The Hoffmans are set to play father and son in the upcoming film “Sam and Kate,” which also co-stars Sissy Spacek.

Both of Andrea Bocelli’s sons are musically inclined and have collaborated with him.

(From left to right) Andrea Bocelli, Amos Bocelli, and Matteo Bocelli.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock; Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Releasing soul-wrenching songs and acclaimed albums since the ’90s, Bocelli, 63, has become one of the most famous opera singers ever. His hits like “Time to Say Goodbye” and “The Prayer” have shaped the music industry, as well as his children’s lives.

His sons Amos, 27, and Matteo, 24, look very similar to each other and to a younger version of Andrea.

Amos inherited his father’s musical genes, professionally studying piano and accompanying him at performances like at the Sanremo Music Festival. He also played piano on some songs on Andrea’s 2018 album “Sì.”

Matteo has had even more professional collaborations with his father. He is both a piano player and a trained opera singer. Matteo notably sings alongside Andrea in their heartfelt single “Fall On Me,” in which the duo sing in Italian and English. They’ve performed this song live at several concerts and special events. Matteo too is featured on “Sì.”

Read the original article on Insider