Surprising Celebrity Godparents

By Riesa Pascal

Hollywood’s A-listers have a tendency to strike up some surprising friendships with their equally famous peers so it should come as no surprise that those friendships often result in some pretty interesting choices for godparenting. Read on to see a few of the celebrity godparent and godchild combinations that we were shocked to learn about… how many did you know?

Dolly Parton

If you’ve ever seen an episode of Hannah Montana, you may have noticed a cameo from the one and only Dolly Parton portraying the role of Miley’s godmother, Aunt Dolly… but is it “acting” when you really are Miley Cyrus’ godmother? Believe it or not, the Jolene singer has had strong family ties to the Cyrus’ family even before the pop star was born.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Yet another surprising godparent connection is between Jamie Lee Curtis and Jake Gyllenhaal. Not only is Curtis a godmother to Gyllenhaal, the duo actually lived next door to one another during the Covid-19 lockdown and kept each other company with the Brokeback Mountain star turning to bread baking to provide some much-needed entertainment for the group. Curtis is close friends with Gyllenhaal’s parents, director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner.

Bono

Brad Pitt has been a longtime fan of U2 and became close friends with U2 frontman Bono throughout his relationship with Angelina Jolie. Unsurprisingly, Pitt ultimately chose Bono to become godfather to his twins Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt.

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman

Oscar-winning actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman became the official godparents of media baron Rupert Murdoch’s two youngest daughters following a baptism ceremony held in the River Jordan where Jesus Christ was believed to have been baptized. Not only were Kidman and Jackman present, also in attendance to mark the occasion were Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, Ivanka Trump, and even Queen Rania of Jordan herself.

Simon Pegg

Like most couples, Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin asked a trusted friend to be their daughter Apple’s godfather when she was born. Unlike most couples, that friend just so happened to be British actor and comedian Simon Pegg. Pegg and his wife returned the honor when their daughter, Matilda was born. Matilda’s famous godfather even performed a song dedicated to her when she was a baby.

Steven Spielberg

Perhaps Gwyneth Paltrow wanted a celebrity godparent for her daughter because she grew up with one of her own! Paltrow’s godfather is the one and only Steven Spielberg, but she doesn’t get to keep him all to herself. Spielberg also happens to be godfather to another famous actress—and friend to Gwyneth—Drew Barrymore. While Barrymore’s godfather may be impressive enough, it’s also worth noting that her godmother is iconic movie star Sophia Loren.

Michael Jackson

Not many people can say their godfather was the King of Pop, but being the daughter of Lionel Richie has its perks! The “All Night Long” crooner indeed did ask Michal Jackson to be one of Nicole Richie’s godfathers. So who was the other godfather? I’m glad you asked! It was none other than acclaimed music producer, Quincy Jones. When Jackson became a parent himself, he went on to name Macaulay Culkin godfather to his daughter, Paris.

Aretha Franklin

Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin are two of the greatest singers of all time, but that’s not the only thing they have in common! The “Respect” hitmaker had close connections to Houston’s family and was good friends with her mother Cissy Houston who sang backing vocals for Franklin. In addition to the late pop superstar having the right to boast Aretha Franklin as her godmother, her first cousin was also sixtime Grammy Award-winning singer, Dionne Warwick.