Kevin Bacon, the iconic Footloose star, recently made a startling discovery about his personal life: he and his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick, are distant relatives. This revelation came after the couple participated in a DNA test as part of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, uncovering an unsettling yet fascinating truth about their shared ancestry.
DNA Testing: A Double-Edged Sword
DNA tests have become a popular tool for tracing one’s lineage, often uncovering fascinating insights about family history. However, as Bacon and Sedgwick learned firsthand, these tests can sometimes yield results that are both surprising and discomforting.
While many people might prefer to avoid such discoveries, Bacon embraced the unexpected findings with humor and philosophical reflection.
A Hollywood Love Story with a Twist
Bacon and Sedgwick have been married since September 4, 1988, forming one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. Together, they have raised two children, Sosie and Travis, and built a life filled with love, mutual respect, and a shared passion for acting.
Their participation in Finding Your Roots offered a deeper dive into their family trees, revealing connections that neither could have anticipated. The show, hosted by Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., delves into the ancestry of its guests, often uncovering unexpected links to historical figures and other celebrities.
Shocking Family Ties
During the episode, Sedgwick admitted her apprehension about what the DNA test might reveal. Her fears proved to be well-founded when Gates Jr. revealed that the couple is related as ninth cousins once removed.
As Gates presented the revelation, Sedgwick’s reaction was one of disbelief and mock horror. “See, I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!” she exclaimed. However, she quickly reassured her husband, joking, “As long as we’re not first cousins, it’s fine.”
Exploring Ancestral Roots
The DNA test results provided intriguing details about Bacon’s lineage. His paternal ancestry traces back 12 generations to a Quaker named Henry Comly, whose roots extend to 17th-century Bristol, UK. In addition, Bacon learned that he is a direct descendant of King Edward I, famously known as the “Hammer of the Scots” for his battles against William Wallace.
Further revelations linked Bacon to other notable figures, including Brad Pitt, with whom he shares a 13th-cousin relationship twice removed, and former President Barack Obama, to whom he is 12th cousins three times removed through a shared ancestor named Anthony Woolhouse.
Sedgwick’s ancestry, meanwhile, is tied to one of New England’s most prominent families, known for their role in liberating Massachusetts from British rule and shaping the foundation of the American Republic.
Fans React with Humor and Admiration
The news of Bacon and Sedgwick’s familial connection quickly spread, prompting a mix of astonishment and amusement from fans.
One fan humorously remarked, “The less fun version of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon!” Another praised the couple’s enduring bond, writing, “One of the best Hollywood couples around, and someone’s gotta try and bring them down. Not today, internet!”
Others highlighted their admiration for the couple’s relationship, with one fan commenting, “Beautiful couple growing old together! True love.”
Kevin Bacon’s Perspective
Despite the surprising nature of the discovery, Bacon chose to focus on the positive. Reflecting on the interconnectedness of humanity, he said, “It’s a beautiful concept that we are connected. That we all, essentially, kind of climbed out of the same swamp. It’s fun to be at the forefront of that idea.”
His thoughtful take on the discovery highlights his belief in the shared human experience, transcending the initial discomfort of learning about his familial link to Sedgwick.
A Testament to Their Bond
Bacon and Sedgwick’s relationship remains a shining example of true love in Hollywood, strengthened by their ability to navigate life’s surprises with humor and grace. Their story is a reminder that family connections, no matter how unexpected, can be embraced as part of life’s rich tapestry.