It happens every single time a new star with a familiar last name hits the scene. You’re watching This Is Us, sobbing into a pile of tissues because Deja just said something heartbreaking, and then you see the credits roll. Lyric Ross. Your brain immediately makes the jump. Ross? Like the "Queen of Motown" Ross? Honestly, it's a fair question. Hollywood is basically a giant web of "who's related to who," and when you have the talent Lyric has, people assume it must be in the bloodline.
But here is the thing. Lyric Ross is not related to Diana Ross. No secret lineage. No holiday dinners at the Ross estate. They just happen to share one of the most common last names in the country. While it would make for a great "passing the torch" narrative, Lyric’s rise in the industry has nothing to do with the Supreme legend. She’s a powerhouse in her own right, carving out a path that started far from the glitz of Motown.
The Family Tree: Who are Lyric Ross's Parents?
If you want to know where that raw talent actually comes from, you have to look toward Homewood, Illinois. That's where Lyric grew up. Her parents are Brandi Smith and Stephen Ross. They aren’t international superstars or music moguls. They are just a supportive family from the Chicago suburbs who realized very early on that their daughter had something special.
Lyric started acting at age five. Five! Most of us were still struggling with Velcro shoes, and she was already booking commercials. Her grandmother, Margaret Smith, also played a huge role in her upbringing. It was a tight-knit, grounded environment.
A Chicago Success Story
Unlike the children of Diana Ross—who grew up in the whirlwind of Los Angeles and global fame—Lyric’s childhood was much more "normal." She attended James Hart School in Homewood. Even when she was starring as Deja on one of the biggest shows on television, she was still an eighth-grader trying to keep up with her homework between takes.
- Birthplace: Evergreen Park, Illinois
- Hometown: Homewood, Illinois
- Parents: Brandi Smith and Stephen Ross
- Early Gigs: Chicago Fire and Sirens
She didn’t have a "legendary" last name to open doors. She had an agent in Chicago and a lot of grit. Her mother, Brandi, has often talked about how they managed the "roller coaster" of the audition process. It wasn't about celebrity; it was about the work.
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The "Ross" Confusion Explained
So, why does everyone keep asking if Lyric Ross is related to Diana Ross? It's mostly because Diana Ross has a very famous family. We’re used to seeing her kids everywhere.
Tracee Ellis Ross is a household name from Black-ish. Evan Ross is an actor and musician married to Ashlee Simpson. Then you have Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Chudney Ross, and Ross Naess. When there are already five successful children in the mix, the public sort of expects any talented Black actress named Ross to be the "secret sixth child" or a niece.
It doesn't help that Lyric has a certain elegance and poise that feels "Ross-esque." But the connection is purely coincidental. Tracee Ellis Ross even has a brother named Ross Naess, which adds another layer to the name-game confusion. But if you look at the geography, the timeline, and the actual family records, the link vanishes.
How Lyric Ross Became a Star (Without a Famous Name)
Lyric’s breakthrough didn't happen because of a phone call from a famous aunt. It happened because of a monologue. When the creators of This Is Us were looking for someone to play Deja, they weren't looking for a "nepo baby." They needed someone who could handle the intense, emotional weight of a child navigating the foster care system.
Her performance was so strong that what was supposed to be a small recurring role turned into a series regular spot. Dan Fogelman, the show’s creator, famously tweeted that "a star is born" after watching her work.
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Beyond the Pearsons
Since This Is Us ended its emotional run, Lyric hasn't slowed down. She’s moved into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, joining the cast of Ironheart. She’s also done voice work, notably in the Henry Selick and Jordan Peele film Wendell & Wild.
She’s building a resume that stands on its own.
- This Is Us: Her definitive breakout role as Deja Pearson.
- Wendell & Wild: Voicing the lead character, Kat Elliot.
- Ironheart: Stepping into the MCU as Natalie Washington.
- The Class: A 2022 film where she showcased her range outside of TV drama.
Navigating the Industry as a "Ross"
In some ways, sharing a name with a legend is a bit of a double-edged sword. It gets people talking, sure. But it also means you’re constantly compared to someone else’s legacy.
Lyric seems to handle it with a lot of grace. She doesn't lean into the rumors, nor does she seem frustrated by them. She’s focused on the craft. Honestly, if you watch her for five minutes on screen, you stop thinking about her last name anyway. You’re too busy wondering how a teenager can convey that much depth with just a look.
The Real Legacy
While she isn't part of the Diana Ross dynasty, she is creating her own. She’s become a massive advocate for foster care and adoption, using her platform to help real-life kids who share the same background as her character, Deja. She’s a celebrity ambassador for the nonprofit Orphan Myth. That’s a legacy of impact, regardless of who your parents are.
What You Should Take Away
If you came here looking for a secret family reunion, sorry to disappoint. But the truth is actually cooler. Lyric Ross is a self-made talent from the Midwest. She didn't need a famous lineage to become one of the most respected young actresses in Hollywood.
Next time someone asks you if Lyric is Diana’s daughter, you can give them the real scoop. She’s just a girl from Illinois who worked her way from local commercials to Marvel blockbusters.
Take Action:
If you want to support the causes Lyric cares about, check out organizations like Orphan Myth. They work to change the narrative around foster care and help kids find permanent, loving homes. It’s the best way to honor the work she did on This Is Us and the real-world impact she’s trying to make.