Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s top-paid actresses, often reflects on her modest upbringing in New York City, where she shared a close bond with her brothers and sisters despite the family’s financial struggles.
Scarlett has spoken openly about her parents’ challenging relationship, which was strained by financial difficulties.
“I believe there was a lot of strain in my parents’ marriage by the time my twin brother and I came along,” she shared.
Her parents, Karsten Johansson and Melanie Sloan, eventually divorced in 1997 when Scarlett was a teenager.
Despite these challenges, Scarlett fondly remembers her childhood. She often revisits her upbringing with her daughter, Rose, sharing memories of the flat where she and her siblings grew up.
“You get to do things and see places you did as a child, which is one of the great privileges of raising your kids where you grew up,” she told Parade in 2021.
Here’s a closer look at Scarlett’s siblings—Christian, Adrian, Vanessa, Hunter, and Fenan—and their connection with the star.
Christian Johansson
Christian is Scarlett’s eldest sibling and her father Karsten’s son from a previous marriage. Although Christian keeps a low profile and stays away from public appearances, he has worked behind the scenes in the film industry.
His career included roles as a camera lighting specialist on Swedish short films like Skallgång and as a writer and cinematographer for the comedy short Blåljus. However, his last known film credit dates back to 2004.
Adrian Johansson
Adrian is the eldest child of Karsten and Melanie and grew up with Scarlett in various small apartments in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
Their mother, Melanie, introduced Adrian and his younger siblings to the arts, often taking them to Broadway plays and classic films.
“Even when the shows weren’t age-appropriate, she would take us to see Broadway plays,” Scarlett said. She recalled watching movies like Schindler’s List in theaters as a child, experiences that left a lasting impression.
Adrian followed a path in acting, appearing in video games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption and starring in the 2001 movie Rain.
Vanessa Johansson
Vanessa, Scarlett’s older sister, also pursued an acting career. She made her screen debut alongside Scarlett in the 1996 drama Manny & Lo. While Scarlett landed the lead role, Vanessa had a smaller part.
Vanessa later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Carnegie Mellon University. She worked on films like Sharks in Venice (2008) and Skavengers (2012) but found her niche in voice acting.
Vanessa has narrated over 60 audiobooks, earning recognition, including the AudioFile Earphones Award.
In 2016, Vanessa and Scarlett collaborated on a narration project for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for Audible.
Vanessa described the partnership as “a no-brainer,” adding that the sisters have been inventing characters together since childhood.
Hunter Johansson
Scarlett shares a special bond with her fraternal twin brother, Hunter. They grew up leading “very normal city lives” in New York, taking the subway to school and spending time with their grandmother.
As Scarlett’s fame grew, their connection remained strong. “She’s my partner in crime,” Hunter said in an interview. Scarlett described him as her “mirror” and a person who keeps her grounded.
Unlike Scarlett, Hunter chose a career in public service. After studying at New York University and the University of Vermont, he worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and served as a neighborhood organizer in Manhattan.
Fenan Sloan
The youngest of Scarlett’s siblings, Fenan, was adopted by their mother, Melanie, as a baby.
In 2012, Fenan attended Scarlett’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, posing with the star and their family.
Raised in New York City, Fenan enjoys experiences similar to her older siblings, such as trips to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, and Broadway shows.
Melanie often shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram, including photos of Fenan enjoying the city’s seasonal decorations and attending performances like Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
A Family Bond
Scarlett’s connection with her siblings remains an important part of her life. From creative collaborations to shared memories of their upbringing, their bond continues to thrive despite their diverse paths.
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