Meryl Streep and The Devil Wears Prada: Secrets Behind Miranda Priestly and Anna Wintour Connection

It is the kind of revelation that feels like it was scripted for a high-budget Hollywood dramedy, but the reality is even more surreal. Meryl Streep, the actress who defined a generation of cinematic excellence, and Anna Wintour, the formidable force who steered Vogue for 37 years, have discovered they share more than just a professional connection to the world of high fashion. In a twist that has left the public buzzing, it turns out these two icons are actually sixth cousins. For those of us keeping a close eye on the cultural heartbeat of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, this isn’t just a celebrity trivia point—it’s a deep dive into the colonial roots of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where their shared history begins.

The discovery came to light via a comprehensive study conducted by Ancestry, the genealogy giant that spent countless hours poring through billions of historical records and publicly available family trees. The search revealed a direct ancestral link connecting the actress and the editor through their fifth great-grandparents, Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey. These two figures, hailing from the rolling landscapes of Bucks County, served as the genetic origin point for a lineage that eventually produced two of the most powerful women in their respective industries. It is a fascinating reminder of how the quiet, historical corners of Pennsylvania continue to echo through modern global influence.

The irony here is almost too perfect to ignore. For years, Anna Wintour has been widely regarded as the primary inspiration for Miranda Priestly, the ruthless, demanding editor-in-chief of the fictional magazine Runway in the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Priestly became legendary, capturing a specific brand of icy authority and exacting standards that many associated with Wintour’s own tenure at Vogue. Now, as the world anticipates the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, Streep has reacted to the news of their kinship with a level of wit that fits her character perfectly. Telling EW, Streep remarked, “THAT explains EVERYTHING. As our ancestors would say, I am chuffed!”

The Genetic Architecture of Power and Precision

When you look at the specifics, the parallels between the two women extend beyond just a shared ancestor in Bucks County. Both Streep and Wintour are 76 years classic, born in the same year, 1949. Streep arrived on June 22, while Wintour followed almost five months later on November 3. This synchronicity in age and timing adds a layer of cosmic coincidence to their shared genetic makeup. It suggests a certain inherited predisposition for excellence—or perhaps just a shared family trait for uncompromising standards.

The professional bridge between them was originally built on the foundation of Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 bestselling novel, which was penned by a woman who had served as an assistant to Wintour. That novel provided the blueprint for the film, turning Wintour’s professional persona into a cinematic archetype. While Streep has previously noted that she didn’t solely rely on Wintour for the character, the cultural consensus has always linked the two. Finding out that they are sixth cousins transforms that professional imitation into something akin to a family trait. Whether it is the precision of a fashion edit or the nuance of a dramatic performance, the “Smith-Kinsey” lineage seems to have a penchant for the apex of their fields.

For residents in the Greater Philadelphia area, this story highlights the untapped historical wealth residing in our local archives. From the colonial settlements of Bucks County to the urban sprawl of the city, the region is a goldmine for those interested in tracing ancestral lineages. The fact that a global genealogy study could link two such disparate figures through a small Pennsylvania town underscores the importance of preserving local records. The Pennsylvania State Archives and various county repositories hold the keys to these kinds of surprises, turning a casual curiosity about the past into a revelation about identity.

Navigating Your Own Heritage in the Philadelphia Region

Many of us see a story like this and immediately feel the urge to dig into our own family trees. Though, genealogy is rarely as simple as clicking a button on a website. When you are dealing with records that stretch back to the era of Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey, you often hit “brick walls” that require professional intervention. Given my background as an Executive Geo-Journalist, I’ve seen how the complexity of Pennsylvania’s early land grants and kinship records can baffle even the most dedicated amateurs.

If you are living in the Philadelphia area and feel inspired to uncover your own “power cousin” or colonial connection, you shouldn’t go it alone. Depending on your goals, there are three specific types of local professionals Consider look for to ensure your research is accurate and verifiable.

Certified Genealogical Researchers

These are not just hobbyists; they are professionals trained in the methodology of kinship research. When hiring locally, look for researchers who have specific experience with the Pennsylvania State Archives and the historical societies of the outlying counties. You want someone who understands the nuances of 18th-century naming conventions and can navigate the fragmented records of early colonial settlements.

Historical Document Archivists

If you have inherited a box of old letters, deeds, or family bibles, an archivist is essential. Look for specialists who are trained in the preservation of fragile manuscripts. The right professional will not only assist you transcribe old handwriting but will also ensure that the physical documents are stored in climate-controlled environments to prevent degradation over time.

Legacy and Estate Strategists

Once a genetic or familial link is discovered—especially one that might impact inheritance or family legacy—legal guidance is paramount. Search for estate attorneys who specialize in multi-generational kinship laws. The criteria here should be a proven track record in handling complex family trees and the legal implications of rediscovered heirs or ancestral property claims within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Whether you are searching for a connection to a Hollywood star or simply trying to understand where your family fits into the tapestry of the Mid-Atlantic, the tools are available right here in our backyard. The story of Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour is a reminder that we are all connected in ways we might not expect, often by a thread that leads straight back to a quiet town in Bucks County.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated genealogy experts in the philadelphia area today.