You probably know Scarlett Johansson as the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, the face of Black Widow, or maybe from her Oscar-nominated turn in Marriage Story. But there’s a piece of trivia that usually makes people double-take: she has a twin.
Hunter Johansson is his name. He was born just three minutes after Scarlett on November 22, 1984, in New York City. While his sister was busy becoming a global icon, Hunter took a path that looks nothing like the red carpets of Cannes or the soundstages of Marvel. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing. In a world where every celebrity sibling seems to be launching a podcast or a skincare line, Hunter is mostly off the grid, doing work that actually involves dirt, solar panels, and emergency responders.
The Scar Jo Twin Connection: Growing Up in New York
Scarlett and Hunter were the youngest of four (well, technically five if you count their half-brother Christian). Their childhood wasn't exactly a typical suburban upbringing. Born to Karsten Johansson, a Danish architect, and Melanie Sloan, a producer, they grew up in Manhattan’s West Village.
You’ve likely seen the old photos. There’s a grainy 90s vibe to them—two blond kids who look strikingly similar, though they are fraternal twins, not identical. Scarlett has joked in interviews about their "telepathy," or lack thereof. Recently, appearing on Live with Kelly and Mark, she admitted that while they're "super close," she doesn't exactly feel his physical pain or know what he’s thinking 24/7. "He’s also just, like, a dude," she said. "A stinky dude." That’s peak sibling energy right there.
Even though Scarlett was the one with the "hysterical fits" (her words) to get into acting, Hunter didn’t completely avoid the camera. If you dig deep into the 1996 indie film Manny & Lo, you’ll find a young Hunter playing Scarlett’s little brother. It was his first and, for a long time, only major film credit. He basically peaked in Hollywood at age 12 and decided he was good.
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What Does Hunter Johansson Actually Do?
If he’s not acting, what is he doing? This is where it gets interesting. Hunter is a heavy hitter in the non-profit and political worlds. Basically, he’s the "altruistic one" of the family, according to Scarlett.
Politics and Community Organizing
Before he found his current niche, Hunter was deep in the trenches of American politics. He worked on President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. That wasn't just a "celebrity brother" title, either; he was a community organizer. He was on the ground, doing the unglamorous work of mobilizing voters.
Solar Responders and Disaster Relief
The real meat of his career is Solar Responders. This is the non-profit he founded and leads as CEO. The mission is pretty specific: they install solar power and battery storage in fire stations, specifically in places like Puerto Rico where the power grid is, frankly, a mess after major hurricanes.
Imagine a fire station losing power during a storm. If the grid goes down and the generators fail, they can't communicate. They can't coordinate rescues. Hunter’s organization has already outfitted nearly 20 stations in Puerto Rico, providing thousands of hours of backup power. He’s got an MPA in Non-Profit Management from NYU, so he actually knows the mechanics of how to run this stuff. He isn't just a figurehead.
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Why the Scarlett Johansson Twin Doesn't Want Fame
It’s rare to see Hunter on a red carpet. When he does show up, it’s usually for a high-stakes moment for Scarlett. He was there when she received the American Cinematheque Award in 2021. He’s been her date to the White House Correspondents' Dinner. But he never lingers.
There is a distinct lack of "clout-chasing" here. He doesn't have a verified Instagram account with millions of followers. He doesn't post "day in the life" TikToks. Honestly, he seems to prefer the anonymity of being a New Yorker who happens to have a very famous sister.
It’s also worth noting that the "Scar Jo twin" search usually spikes because people are genuinely surprised they didn't know he existed. That’s a testament to how well he’s managed his own privacy. He’s been a constant support for her through her high-profile divorces and legal battles with Disney, but he does it from the sidelines.
Misconceptions About the Johansson Family
People often assume that because Scarlett is worth hundreds of millions, the whole family is just living a life of leisure. While they certainly have access and privilege, Hunter’s track record suggests he’s more interested in the "applied economics" degree he got from the University of Vermont than in living off royalties.
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Another thing? People often mistake Hunter for Scarlett’s other siblings. For the record:
- Vanessa Johansson: Their older sister, also an actress.
- Adrian Johansson: Their older brother.
- Christian Johansson: Their paternal half-brother.
- Fenan: Their sister, whom Melanie Sloan adopted from Ethiopia.
The Reality of the Twin Bond in 2026
As of early 2026, Hunter remains the single, low-key brother who Scarlett treats as her moral North Star. She’s gone on record saying he reminds her to be a better person. It’s a dynamic that works because they aren't competing. He isn't trying to out-act her, and she isn't trying to out-organize him.
If you’re looking for drama or a "tell-all" book from the Johansson twin, you’re going to be waiting a long time. It’s just not his vibe. He’s too busy worrying about the next hurricane season in the Caribbean and whether or not a fire station in a remote village has a working battery array.
How to Support Hunter’s Work
If you actually care about the stuff Hunter cares about—and not just who he’s dating—you can check out Solar Responders. They take donations and are pretty transparent about where the money goes. It’s a rare case where a celebrity connection actually helps a legitimate, boots-on-the-ground cause.
Instead of just scrolling through old paparazzi photos, looking at the work he’s doing in Puerto Rico gives you a much better sense of who he is. He’s more than just a piece of trivia. He’s a guy using a very famous last name to make sure people can call for help when the lights go out.