Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Mar 21, 2025
Table of Contents
There’s something about the idea of legacy in Hollywood that captivates us all. The notion that the red carpet, the stage, and the flashing cameras are not just places for short-lived fame but for lasting dynasties—families who are just born with that ‘it’ factor, leaving such an imprint on the very soul of the Hollywood we love today.
From the iconic Barrymores to the rising Fannings, these dynasties have left an indelible mark, and their footprint is just getting started.
When we talk about Hollywood dynasties, the Barrymore name is inherently the first that comes up. It all began with John Barrymore in ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ (1920), a colossal figure whose performances in the silent film era were nothing short of legendary.
His expressive features and magnetic presence enthralled audiences in ways few actors could. Quickly, he became known as “The Great Profile.”
His sister, Ethel, didn’t just mirror his journey; she carved out her own path, earning Oscar nominations and becoming a queen of the stage. She was actually named “The First Lady of the American Theater.”
Then there was Lionel, their brother, who brought an acquiring depth to both dramatic and comedic roles, winning over the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Their legacy is nearly a century old, yet it still pulses through the veins of modern cinema. But the magic didn’t stop there. What most of you were probably expecting from this article: Drew Barrymore.
John’s grandniece, Drew Barrymore, took the family legacy into the new generation, proving that talent doesn’t just stay alive; it thrives.
From her breakout role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,’ where she became America’s sweetheart at the age of 7, to her more recent turn as a beloved talk show host, Drew has shown both the light and dark sides of fame.
She’s endured public hardships and rebounded with a resilience that speaks to the power of self-discovery, family, and the strength that runs through the legacy of her family.
And it’s not just the fact that the Barrymore family has been shaping Hollywood for over a century—what’s truly extraordinary is how they represent the evolution of Hollywood itself, from the silent film era to the rise of modern media.
Their influence hasn’t just lasted; it’s reinvented, adapted, and evolved, much like the industry they influenced. And Drew, with her approachable charm and emotional nuance, remains to show us the enduring strength of their family’s reach.
Dakota and Elle Fanning have seamlessly taken the baton from icons like the Barrymores and made it their own.
Dakota, who has been recognizable since she was a child, broke through the screen with an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘I Am Sam,’ and she’s only gone up from there.
Now, most credited for her role in ‘The Watchers‘ (2024), she’s become a household name. Her ability to take on such complex roles at such a young age made her a stand-out in Hollywood.
But it’s the dynamic between the two sisters that’s what’s powerful.
Elle, the younger of the two, has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry, bringing an ethereal yet deeply grounded presence to each character.
Whether it’s the enchanting ‘Maleficent‘ saga, where Elle shares an unbreakable bond with Angelina Jolie, or her critically acclaimed performance in the Oscar-nominated ‘A Complete Unknown‘ alongside Timothée Chalamet, Elle continues to honor the Fanning name while leaving her own unmistakable mark.
Quick BTS/reaction watch from ‘Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil’
The way these two sisters have embraced their craft with grace and perseverance is a testament to the power that their family’s legacy holds. They’ve earned their place in Hollywood, not because of their name, but because of their raw talent and devotion.
Dakota and Elle have that rare ability where watching them on-screen feels like a continuation of a long, proud legacy, yet it’s clear they are so much more than just their family name—they’re rewriting the rules on their own terms.
They’ve appeared together in several notable films including:
‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ (2009) – While Dakota had a larger role as the vampire Jane in the ‘Twilight’ series, Elle appeared in a cameo as a younger version of Jane in the flashback sequence.
‘I Am Sam’ (2001) – While not directly playing sisters in the film, they starred together, with Dakota as the younger version of Sam’s daughter and Elle as a younger version of the same character in flashbacks.
Hopefully, we see these two iconic sisters back on the screens together.
If there’s another family that has quietly but powerfully left an enduring mark on Hollywood, it’s the Coppolas.
Of course, we can’t talk about them without mentioning Francis Ford Coppola, whose ‘Godfather‘ trilogy will forever remain a keystone of American Cinema. But it’s not just Francis who has shaped the filmmaking realm—it’s his daughter, Sofia, who has carried the family’s legacy into modern Cinema with steady resilience.
Sofia’s directorial debut, ‘The Virgin Suicides,’ was a game-changer. It wasn’t just a movie—it was a daring statement. She followed it up with the poignant ‘Lost in Translation,’ further solidifying her place as one of the most defining voices in contemporary Cinema and naming herself as one of Hollywood’s most respected directors.
Then there’s Nicolas Cage, who, despite his attempt to distance himself from the Coppola name, has become one of Hollywood’s most fascinating yet unpredictable actors.
His work in films like ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ earned him an Academy Award, and his multifaceted career has only added to his mystique. Notable filmmakers have even referred to emerging talents as the ‘next Nicolas Cage,’ recognizing the lasting impact of his boundary-pushing performances.
Cage recently starred in the horror film, ‘Longlegs‘ (2024) and ‘The Surfer’ (2024).
Francis Ford Coopola is speculated to take on his next project of ‘Glimpses of the Moon’: a film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1922 novel.
Sofia Coppola is in the very early stages of writing her next film, following ‘Priscilla,’ which we’ll hopefully have more details on soon.
Nicolas Cage is keeping fans on the edge of their seats as we eagerly await his next film to hit the big screen.
At the helm of this Swedish acting dynasty is Stellan Skarsgård, whose roles have ranged from deeply emotional dramas like ‘Good Will Hunting’ to blockbuster franchises like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’
Alexander Skarsgård, the oldest of the acting brothers, has built a career that thrives on adaptability and intensity.
From his Emmy-winning performance as the menacingly captivating Perry Wright in ‘Big Little Lies’ to his imposing character in ‘The Northman,’ Alexander has earned himself the title as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Bill Skarsgård, whose ability to shape-shift into jarring characters has made him one of the most interesting actors of his generation.
He’s best known for his eerie portrayal of Pennywise in ‘It’ (2017), his recent role in ‘Nosferatu’ (2024), spilling secrets on ‘The Crow‘ film, and his performance as Eddie Barrish in the newly released ‘Locked’ (2025).
And let’s not forget Gustaf Skarsgård, who may not always be in the spotlight but has built an impressive career in TV in critically acclaimed series like ‘Vikings‘ and ‘Westworld.’
Bill Skarsgård just stared in the David Yarovesky film, ‘Locked’ this March (2025).
Films like ‘The Parent Trap’ and ‘The Rookie’, which have inspired so much of what Hollywood is today, were brought to life in part thanks to Dennis Quaid.
Dennis became one of the most influential leading men of the ’80s and ’90s, seamlessly transitioning from heartwarming roles in ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ to his most recent Oscar-winning performance in ‘Substance‘ (2024).
Randy Quaid, Dennis’s older brother, took a more offbeat path in his career.
Best known for his role as Cousin Eddie in the ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ series, Randy never failed to leave an unforgettable presence as both a comedian and actor.
His role of Meadows in ‘The Last Detail‘ earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Jack Quaid, Dennis’s son, has now stepped into the spotlight and is making waves in the new generation of Cinema.
With notable roles in ‘The Boys‘ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ Jack has brought his own brand of depth and wit to the screen, paving out his name as a rising star.
The Quaids have been scene-stealers, comedians, and action stars. Thanks to Jack Quaid, this family seems to remain a Hollywood staple for generations to come.
Jack Quaid is currently in production, with filming currently set to continue through the year, of the season finale of ‘The Boys’. He also recently starred in ‘Novocaine‘ (2025) and ‘Companion’ (2025), both thrilling films.
Take the Olsen sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
These twins became cultural icons in the ‘90s with ‘Full House,’ but it was Elizabeth Olsen, their younger sister, who joined the MCU, taking on the role of Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch).
While Mary-Kate and Ashley opted to step out of the spotlight, Elizabeth continued to rise as one of the franchise’s most complex and beloved characters.
Her role in the MCU has not only cemented her place as a force in Hollywood but also created a bridge for the Olsen family legacy to thrive in the entertainment world, with Elizabeth standing at the forefront of the next generation of Olsens.
The ‘WandaVision’ star is set to star in the FX drama pilot ‘Seven Sisters.’
Mary-Kate and Ashley have been keeping a low profile in the acting realm, as they have opened up their own clothing store, The Row, in Paris.
But the Hemsworth legacy extends beyond just Chris.
His brothers, Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth, have also made their marks in the industry, with Liam starring in films like ‘The Hunger Games‘ and Luke starring in ‘Land of Bad’ alongside Russel Crowe.
While Chris’s role as the God of Thunder is perhaps the most iconic in the MCU, the Hemsworth family has become indistinguishable with industry fame, and each brother has helped bring the family’s name to new heights.
Chris Hemsworth is currently preparing for his role in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026) along with ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’.
Liam and Luke Hemsworth have not been set for any upcoming films as up to our latest knowledge.
What’s Next for These Iconic Household Names?
Drew Barrymore’s talk show returns for its sixth season with guests like Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco, Elizabeth Olsen, and Robert De Niro.
Bill Skarsgård starred in ‘Locked’ (March 2025).
Nicolas Cage leads ‘Gunslingers’ (April 2025).
Jack Quaid wraps ‘The Boys’ final season.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen focus on their clothing brand, ‘The Row’, in Paris.
Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch future is TBD (Whether or not she’ll actually be in the new ‘Avengers’ phase).
Chris Hemsworth preps for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026).
By Emma Gladstone
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
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