The world tends to think of historical figures as just that—individuals who existed in the past. In reality, many of these figures have lived on today, continuing their legacies via their descendants. From infamous political figures to beloved personalities from the field of art, these individuals can be spotted in every field. While some have followed in their ancestor’s footsteps, others have taken on different roles and occupations, carving a niche for themselves.
Albert Einstein’s great-grandson
Albert Einstein (1879–1955) had only one grandchild who survived adulthood—Bernhard Caesar Einstein, who also became a physicist. Although Bernhard passed away in 2008, his son, Thomas Martin Einstein, an anesthesiologist and physician at the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, continues their scientific legacy today.
Einstein’s other living descendants are Teddy Einstein, Myra Einstein, Charles Einstein, and Paul Einstein, who are all thriving in their fields of choice.
Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter
Best known for her role as Talisa Maegyr in the popular TV show Game of Thrones, Oona Chaplin is a direct descendant, i.e., the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. She was born to his daughter, Geraldine Chaplin, a three-time Emmy Award nominee herself.
That’s not Oona’s only connection to the industry, though! She is also the great-granddaughter of Eugene O’Neill, the Nobel Laureate American playwright.
Elvis Presley’s granddaughter
Riley Keough is an acclaimed actress, producer, and writer who has starred in notable projects like Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), The Devil All The Time (2015), Daisy Jones & The Six (2020), and Under the Bridge (2024). As Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, it is no surprise that she has oodles of talent coursing through her veins!
Riley is Lisa Marie Presley’s eldest daughter, making her one of Elvis’s four grandchildren. The others are Benjamin Keough, Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood, and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood.
Pablo Picasso’s granddaughter
Picasso’s (1881–1973) artistic legacy lives on with his granddaughter Diana Widmaier Picasso, a renowned French art historian and curator who specializes in modern art. Although she studied private law at university, she soon embraced her roots as she opted for a Master’s degree in art history from the Paris-Sorbonne University.
Picasso’s other grandchildren are Marina Picasso, Olivier Widmaier Picasso, Jasmin Picasso, Pablito Picasso, and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.
Charles Dickens’ great-great-great-grandson
Henry Lloyd, who plays Daenerys’s detestable older brother, Viserys Targaryen, also has a history rooted in fame. He is the great-great-great-grandson of the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens (1812-1870). Interestingly, Henry’s first role was in a 1999 BBC adaptation of the Dickensian novel David Copperfield.
According to one of Dickens’ other surviving relatives, Mark Charles Dickens, not many people know that Charles wanted to be an actor in his younger days. To this extent, he also auditioned for a role in Drury Lane and did a lot of acting. It’s only fitting that his legacy continues with Henry today!
Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter
One of the most outspoken and influential authors, Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961), is survived by his granddaughter Mariel Hemingway. Although Mariel did not follow in her grandfather’s footsteps to create iconic characters, she does a stunning job of bringing them to life as an actress. Over the years, Mariel has appeared in a number of productions, such as Lipstick, Manhattan, Personal Best, Star 80, Civil Wars, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, and Falling from Grace. Ernest’s other descendants include Joan Hemingway and Margot Hemingway who are also actresses.
Jane Austen’s great-nieces
The criticality of Jane Austen’s (1775–1817) work cannot be understated. In her short lifespan of 41 years, Jane authored a number of novels that primarily revolved around her interpretation and comments on the British landed gentry at the time. The baton of her legacy has been carried on by her great-niece, Caroline Knight. Interestingly enough, Knight was also among the last of Austen’s descendants to live in the same home as hers, the Chawton House. Following in her great aunt’s footsteps, Knight has worked with determination to become an independent and successful businesswoman and social entrepreneur. Today, she also sits at the helm of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, a registered charity that offers online literacy programs to people across the world.
Anna Chancellor, best known for her role as Caroline Bingley in the BBC’s miniseries adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is another one of the author’s surviving relatives.
Her other notable roles include Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Dreamers, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, and Hysteria.
H.H. Asquith’s great-granddaughter
Helena Bonham Carter is a beloved English actress known for taking on off-beat and wacky roles. She has starred in an extensive number of films and television shows such as A Room With A View, Lady Jane, The Wings of the Dove, The King’s Speech, Hamlet, Howard’s End, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the Harry Potter series, Cinderella, and Enola Holmes. Helena is the great-granddaughter of Herbert Henry Asquith, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908-1916. She also has familial relations with Jane Austen and Anna Chancellor.