Lainie Kazan and Elia Kazan are two of the most acclaimed and respected names in the entertainment industry. They have both made their mark in film, theatre, and television, and they have both received numerous awards and honors for their work. But are they related by blood or by marriage? The answer is no, they are not related at all. ## How the Misconception Started The misconception about their relationship status may have started from their similar last names and their shared Greek heritage. Lainie Kazan was born as Lainie Levine in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Carole (nee Kazan) and Ben Levine. [^1^][1] She is of Ashkenazi Jewish and Sephardic Jewish descent with Russian and Turkish roots. [^1^][1] Some of her grandparents lived in Jerusalem before moving to Manchester, England and settling in Brooklyn. [^1^][1] [^2^][2] She adopted her stage name as a tribute to her mother's maiden name. [^3^][3] Elia Kazan was born as Elias Kazantzoglou in Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey), the son of Athena (nee Shishmanoglou) and George Kazantzoglou. [^4^][4] He was of Anatolian Greek descent, and his family came to the United States in 1913. [^4^][4] He changed his name to Elia Kazan to avoid discrimination and to fit in better in Hollywood. [^4^][4] Although they both have Greek roots, they have different ethnic backgrounds and different family histories. They have no common ancestors or relatives that they know of. They are not related by blood or by marriage. ## The Truth About Their Relationship Despite the lack of relation, Lainie Kazan and Elia Kazan did have some professional and personal connections. They were both members of the Actors Studio, a prestigious organization that trained and nurtured many famous actors and directors. [^1^][1] [^4^][4] They also worked together on one occasion, when Lainie Kazan had a small role in Elia Kazan's film The Arrangement (1969). [^1^][1] [^5^][5] Lainie Kazan also had a close friendship with Zoe Kazan, Elia Kazan's granddaughter and a successful actress and writer. Lainie Kazan was Zoe Kazan's mentor and godmother, and they often attended events and supported each other's projects. Lainie Kazan said of Zoe Kazan, \"She's like a daughter to me. She's very, very special.\" So, there you have it. Lainie Kazan and Elia Kazan are not related, but they do have a professional and personal connection through their work and their friendship with Zoe Kazan. They have both contributed to the art and culture of the world, and they have both shown admiration and respect for each other. 

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