
Meryl Streep
American Actress

Kelly Clarkson
American Singer
Did you know?
Kelly Clarkson charmed the world when she ran into Meryl Streep at the Golden Globes in 2018. The successful pop star nearly fell down the stairs in excitement when she spotted Meryl, one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of filmmaking. Well, we hope Kelly isn’t near any stairs when she hears that she and Meryl are actually related!
Check out the full family path on the right to see how they are related!
Back at the Golden Globes in 2018, Kelly approached Meryl and gushed to her that she has been a huge fan since she was around 8 years old. In later interviews, she recalled the encounter with the same level of enthusiasm. She was even presented with a throw pillow printed with photos of the moment — and she hugged it and said it would receive a place of honor on her bed.
Born in Texas to Jeanne Ann and Stephen Michael Clarkson, Kelly has Greek, Welsh, English, and Irish heritage. Kelly rocketed to international fame as a singer-songwriter when she became the first winner of American Idol.
Meryl Streep was born Mary Louise Streep in New Jersey to Mary Wilkinson Streep, an artist, and Harry William Streep, Jr., a pharmaceutical executive. Her father had German and Swiss roots, while her mother was of English, German, and Irish descent. Meryl has said that her mother was her mentor and it was thanks to her encouragement that Meryl became so successful as an actress.
Kelly’s mother, Jeanne Ann, and Meryl’s mother, Mary, are both descended from Richard King and Elizabeth Cocke King, a couple that lived in England in the early 16th century. Jeanne is a descendant of their daughter Anne Lister, while Mary is a descendant of another daughter, Rachel Dickenson. That makes Kelly and Meryl 14th cousins twice removed!
Click to see full family path
Meryl Streep
American ActressKelly Clarkson
American Singer
Meryl Streep
American Actress
