Hollywood and Fashion Icons Share Surprising Family Ties
In a remarkable revelation that bridges the worlds of cinema and high fashion, legendary actress Meryl Streep and Vogue's influential editor Anna Wintour have discovered they are blood relatives. A comprehensive genealogy investigation conducted by Ancestry has confirmed the two iconic 76-year-olds are actually sixth cousins, sharing fifth great-grandparents Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Historical Connections and Modern Revelations
While Wintour was born and raised in London, her maternal grandmother hailed from Pennsylvania, creating this unexpected familial link to Streep, who was born and raised in neighboring New Jersey. The groundbreaking discovery adds a fascinating new dimension to their long-standing professional relationship, which famously inspired Streep's iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.
Representatives for both Streep and Wintour have yet to comment publicly on this extraordinary genealogical finding, leaving fans and industry observers eagerly awaiting their personal reactions to the news.
Sequel Developments and Character Connections
The timing of this revelation coincides perfectly with Streep's upcoming return to her most fashion-forward role. She is set to reprise her portrayal of the formidable Runway magazine editor in The Devil Wears Prada 2, scheduled for theatrical release on May 1. The highly anticipated sequel will feature returning stars including Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt, alongside new additions Simone Ashley and Sydney Sweeney playing fresh characters.
This familial discovery adds intriguing context to Streep's original performance, which was widely understood to be inspired by Wintour's commanding presence in the fashion industry. The 2006 film adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's debut novel drew heavily from Weisberger's experiences as Wintour's assistant, creating a lasting cultural connection between the two women.
Public Interactions and Professional Respect
Streep and Wintour have shared several memorable public moments since the original film's release. In 2017, they conducted a joint interview at Wintour's Vogue office where their playful dynamic was on full display. When Wintour asked about the most challenging woman Streep had ever portrayed, the actress began to respond before Wintour humorously interrupted, demonstrating their comfortable rapport.
More recently, during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025, the pair were photographed embracing and conversing before the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2026 show. Streep attended in full character as Miranda Priestly while filming the sequel in Italy, wearing the character's signature trench coat and cropped white hairstyle, while Wintour appeared in a vibrant floral dress with her trademark bob and sunglasses.
Enduring Legacy and Mutual Appreciation
Despite initial speculation about how Wintour might have received the film's portrayal, she has expressed genuine appreciation for Streep's performance. During a September episode of The Run-Through with Vogue podcast, when asked if she felt hurt by the movie, Wintour responded that she found it "highly enjoyable and very funny," praising Streep's "fantastic" portrayal and noting the film's "lot of humor" and "wit."
This newly discovered family connection adds another layer to their already complex relationship, blending professional inspiration with unexpected biological ties. As both women continue to shape their respective industries, this revelation underscores the surprising ways personal histories can intersect with public personas and cultural legacies.
