How is Ben Affleck related to Barack Obama?

Ben Affleck and Barack Obama: A Surprising Family Ties

It might come as a surprise, but Hollywood star Ben Affleck and former U.S. President Barack Obama are more than just fellow members of the Democratic party—they’re actually distant relatives.

According to genealogical research, Affleck and Obama are 11th cousins, linked through a shared ancestor from the 17th century. The connection traces back to Mareen Duvall, a French Huguenot who settled in Maryland in the 1600s. This revelation came to light during an episode of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, where historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. explored Affleck’s family tree. Ironically, the segment initially focused on another branch of his ancestry—one tied to slavery—which led to some controversy and Affleck reportedly asking for the slave-owning link to be downplayed. But the Obama connection was confirmed independently through historical records.

While being 11th cousins means the familial tie is extremely distant—sharing only a tiny fraction of DNA—it’s still a fascinating twist of American history and heritage. Both men, though from vastly different worlds, have used their platforms to advocate for social justice, education, and civic engagement, which perhaps makes the connection feel a little less coincidental.

Ben Affleck, known for films like Good Will Hunting and The Town, has long supported progressive causes, and Obama praised him publicly for both his artistry and activism. So while they may not be swapping family recipes or holiday cards, it’s intriguing to think that a colonial-era ancestor ties the Oscar winner and the 44th president in the vast tapestry of American lineage.