These parents made history way before their kids got famous!
Our parents have the best stories, right? Those wild adventures, quirky jobs, and all those tales of “the good old days.” Well, celebrity parents are no different. Before they were raising Hollywood stars, they had their own shot at making history, following their passions, and leaving their mark. Today, we’re giving a nod to those parents who not only brought up a celeb but also made history themselves, proving that talent really does run in the family.
Kanye West is usually pretty private about his dad, but he’s mentioned that Ray West is his best friend. Ray West was part of an organisation dedicated to helping others. He also made history as the first photojournalist in his community to work for the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, capturing inspiring images of figures like President Ronald Reagan and author Maya Angelou.
Hugh Laurie is best known for playing Dr. Gregory House on the TV drama "House." It’s fitting, since his father, Ran Laurie, was a physician. But Ran’s biggest fame came from rowing. He captured numerous titles in the 1930s and was on Great Britain's eight-person team at the 1936 Olympics, finishing fourth. Finally, in the 1948 London Olympics, Ran and his partner Jack Wilson won gold in the coxless pairs event. Decades later, Hugh Laurie followed in his father's footsteps, rowing for the University of Cambridge.
Katharine Hepburn, a classic Hollywood icon with multiple Oscar nominations and four Academy Awards, found inspiration in her mom. Katharine Martha Houghton Hepburn was a remarkable role model in the early 20th century, actively advocating for equality and making a positive impact on society.
The talented musician and producer, Lenny Kravitz, was raised by Roxie Rocker, an inspiring actress who made her mark in Hollywood. She broke barriers by portraying diverse characters on television, showing that talent knows no limits. Roxie also stood up for children's rights and inspired many with her dedication to making a positive impact.
Jack Black's mother, Judith Love Cohen, was a remarkable aerospace engineer who balanced her career with the birth of her son, Jack Black. Known for her expertise in electrical engineering, she contributed to significant projects like the Hubble Space Telescope and various aerospace initiatives at TRW. On the day Jack was born, August 28, 1969, Judith left work to go to the hospital but first solved a critical issue with the Abort-Guidance System, crucial for the safe return of the Apollo 13 astronauts. Her story highlights her incredible dedication and talent in science and engineering.
Did you know Jennifer's dad, John Aniston, was a big-time actor too? He played Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives for a whopping 37 years! His portrayal earned him the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. Sadly, John passed away in late 2022, prompting Jennifer to share a heartfelt tribute, calling him "one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew."
Isn't it fascinating how the parents of some of the world's biggest celebrities have had such interesting lives themselves? Their influence definitely played a big part in shaping their successful kids!
