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Numerous individuals might wish to claim a connection to the Obama family, but only a select few can boast such a prestigious lineage. Surprisingly, one of those individuals happens to be none other than Brad Pitt.
At first glance, the idea of Pitt having any familial ties to the Obamas might seem improbable — the merging of such prominent figures appears almost too remarkable. Yet, the reality is that the Obamas have an extensive network of connections to various famous personalities, even those whose political ideologies may diverge from their own, as reported by The Guardian. Notably, former President Barack Obama’s family tree encompasses relations to figures like Dick Cheney, as well as both George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush. Obama himself once humorously acknowledged his relation to Cheney during a speech in 2007, quipping, “We’ve been trying to hide that for a long time. You know, everybody’s got a black sheep in the family. They do.”
While the Obamas’ family tree boasts numerous prominent political figures, the inclusion of a movie star like Pitt may raise eyebrows. After all, Pitt’s upbringing in Missouri seems worlds apart from the childhoods of Barack and Michelle Obama in Hawaii and Illinois, respectively. However, as history often reveals, the intricacies of family lineage can unearth surprising connections that transcend geographical boundaries and societal expectations.
Delving into Obama’s ancestry unveils a surprising revelation: Brad Pitt is Barack Obama’s ninth cousin, as reported by The Guardian. Their familial link traces back to Edwin Hickman, a Virginian who passed away in 1769. Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham Sutoro, is connected to Hickman’s son James, thus establishing Obama’s tie to the Hickman family. Pitt, on the other hand, shares a connection to Edwin Hickman Jr., the brother of James.
Despite Hickman’s modest life as a sheriff in the Spotsylvania region of Virginia, his descendants would go on to achieve remarkable success. While Hickman may have never envisioned the future accomplishments of his family line, his legacy lives on through these unexpected familial connections.
Regarding awareness of their familial bond, Barack Obama confirmed his knowledge of the relationship during an appearance on “The View” in 2008, as reported by People. Obama jovially remarked, “I guess we’re ninth cousins, something, removed — or something. I think he got the better-looking side of the gene pool.” Eventually, Pitt and Obama did cross paths, marking a significant moment in their familial connection.
Their first meeting occurred in 2009, leaving Pitt visibly awestruck, according to Politico. Journalist Jodi Kantor described Pitt as “in awe” during the encounter, noting his subdued demeanor in the presence of the president. Subsequent meetings, including a visit to the Oval Office alongside then-wife Angelina Jolie in 2012, further solidified Pitt’s support for Obama.
Despite releasing a film, “Killing Them Softly,” which coincided with Obama’s second presidential run and highlighted political divisions, Pitt was clear about his allegiance to the president. In an interview with Interview magazine (via Politico), Pitt emphasized his support for Obama’s reelection bid, affirming, “I’m a big supporter of Obama. And I think he’s our best answer for the next four years.” Pitt’s unwavering endorsement underscores the significance of familial support, even across the vast divides of politics and celebrity.