Marilyn Monroe’s Centennial Film Spotlights a Surprising Genealogical Tie to Dakota Johnson

A short film titled “Flesh Impact”—written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal—is set to debut at this year’s Venice Film Festival as part of the celebrations for Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday. The project features Ellen Burstyn portraying an imagined “unseen” version of Monroe, while Dakota Johnson plays the icon in her public persona.

The Guardian

Simultaneously, a press release from MyHeritage announced that Dakota Johnson is a ninth cousin three times removed of Marilyn Monroe. The release traces both lineages to Richard and Charity Tydings, English settlers who arrived in Maryland in the 17th century. Monroe descends from their daughter Pretitia, whereas Johnson and her father Don Johnson descend from Pretitia’s younger sister Mary.

The Guardian

Marilyn Monroe’s centennial has prompted a wave of commemorations, including the Venice Festival short film that re-examines her cultural impact. The casting of Johnson—now linked by distant ancestry—adds a layer of intrigue, echoing earlier media interest in celebrity genealogies uncovered by commercial DNA services.

The Guardian

• Relationship: Ninth cousin three times removed (approximately 12 generations back).

The Guardian

• Common ancestors: Richard and Charity Tydings, 17th-century English settlers in Maryland.

The Guardian

• Descendant lines: Monroe -> daughter Pretitia; Johnson -> sister Mary (through Don Johnson).

The Guardian

MyHeritage’s announcement framed the connection as “incredible news” and highlighted the rarity of a direct descendant portraying a famous ancestor in a biographical work. The film’s creators have described “Flesh Impact” as an exploration of Monroe’s public image versus the private woman she might have been, noting that Johnson’s casting brings an unexpected personal dimension to the project.

The Guardian

The genealogical link underscores the growing public fascination with celebrity ancestry, especially when it intersects with artistic portrayals. By casting a distant relative, the film invites audiences to consider how familial heritage can inform—or complicate—interpretations of iconic figures. The story also illustrates how commercial genealogy platforms like MyHeritage are influencing cultural narratives beyond personal family trees.

The Guardian

The short film will be screened at the Venice Film Festival later this year, after which it is expected to circulate through festival circuits and potentially qualify for broader distribution. MyHeritage has indicated it will continue to investigate celebrity lineages, suggesting further ancestral revelations may emerge in upcoming projects.

The Guardian