Cary Elwes is best known as Westley in “The Princess Bride.” His family history, however, has its own remarkable twists. His parents had a romance that involved a wealthy family, a restraining order and an elopement to Cuba. The actor is also distantly related to the real-life man linked to Ebenezer Scrooge. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton reflects on being “newly in love” as she prepares for Broadway.
Cary Elwes’ Parents Had a Real-Life Fairy-Tale Romance
According to Hello!, artist Dominick Elwes met interior designer Tessa Kennedy when he was 26. Kennedy was 19 at the time. She was also the heiress to a shipping company.
The couple quickly fell in love, but Kennedy’s parents strongly objected to the relationship. They eventually obtained a restraining order that prevented the couple from marrying.
That did not stop them. Instead, Dominick and Kennedy eloped to Cuba. They later secured a marriage certificate from a court in New York, where the restraining order did not apply.
The romance took another dramatic turn when they returned to the United Kingdom. Dominick was jailed for contempt of court. He spent two weeks in prison before a judge ordered his release.
The marriage eventually ended, but not before the couple had three sons, including Cary Elwes.
Hello! referenced an earlier interview with the Wall Street Journal, in which the “Princess Bride” star described his parents’ relationship as a “fairy-tale romance.” He also recalled that his father was a portrait painter while his mother later established a career in interior design.
Cary Elwes’ Family Has a Surprising Scrooge Link
The family connection does not end with the romance.
According to Hello!, Cary Elwes is distantly related to politician John Elwes. The 18th-century MP has long been associated with Charles Dickens’ creation of the character Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol.”
In December 2021, Cary Elwes discussed that connection with guest host Brad Paisley during an appearance on “The Ellen Show.”
The BBC‘s history of the character provides more context. John Elwes was born into a wealthy family and became famous for his extreme frugality. His reputation was so strong that a biography about him helped establish “Elwes the miser” as a familiar figure.
Dickens is believed to have known about Elwes through that biography. The BBC also notes that the real Elwes was more complicated than his miserly reputation suggested. He could be affable and generous, and lent money to people in need.
That makes the connection especially intriguing. The man linked to Scrooge was not necessarily the cold-hearted figure that Dickens created.
A Family Filled With Artists
The “Princess Bride” star grew up around creative people. As reported by Hello!, Cary Elwes was the youngest son of Dominick and Kennedy. His father became a celebrated portrait artist. His subjects included Lord Lucan and John Aspinall.
Kennedy also built a successful career. Her interior design work included the Grosvenor House Hotel. Her company later worked with clients such as George Harrison and Stanley Kubrick.
Cary Elwes’ older brothers also pursued creative careers. Cassian Elwes became a film producer. His credits include “Dallas Buyers Club” and “The Butler.”
He also helped his younger brother after the 2025 California wildfires. Cary Elwes lost most of his belongings in those fires. Cassian provided a place for his brother to stay. The producer later described their increased time together as a “phenomenal bonding experience.”
His other brother, Damian, became an artist. His work includes paintings inspired by Pablo Picasso’s former home in Cannes. Elsewhere, Oprah’s rare appearance with Stedman Graham has also drawn attention.
Watch Cary Elwes discuss his surprising connection to the real man behind Ebenezer Scrooge here.
