Actor Lisa Ann Walter stunned after discovering family link to her 'Parent Trap' co-star on Ancestry

The movie “The Parent Trap” (1998) has been a heartwarming watch that people love even after all these years. A favorite character was “Chessie,” played by Lisa Ann Walter, who looked after both kids and also had a tight-knit relationship with them, per Ancestry. On the other hand, her co-star was the wife to come, “Meredith Blake,” played by Elaine Hendrix. Despite being enemies in the film, the duo actually share a special friendship in real life, PEOPLE revealed. However, to their surprise, they shared an even more special bond, which was uncovered during an episode on Ancestry.

It all began with Ancestry's “UnFamiliar” series, where celebrities and their relatives embark on a journey to discover untold stories and family history. Walter and her three sons featured in the very first episode. The family first explored Walter’s paternal great-grandmother’s home. It was discovered that the woman was 14 when she moved and met her aunt in New York. She was able to discover videos and other trinkets of her ancestors, leading her to an emotional trip down memory lane. After learning about her paternal side, her sons asked about her maternal family. 

That’s when Walter revealed that her maternal great-grandparents, Franceso Mansueto and Clotilda Vinetti, also moved from Italy to the U.S. Though she couldn’t remember much, she distinctly recalled living on 250 Elizabeth Street. As they ventured down the street, Walter was grateful to learn of her rich heritage. However, it was then revealed to her that Ancestry knew something she didn’t. That’s when Hendrix decided to surprise her onscreen. After the duo caught up, Hendrix made a remark that left Walter baffled.

“Your great-grandparents lived about a block that way,” she said, as she pointed to her right. After Walter nodded, her best friend added, “My great-grandparents lived about a block that way,” she said, pointing to her left. “Shut up!” Walter remarked, with a gasp. Hendrix then explained that her great-grandparents got married and lived on 190 Elizabeth Street, a block away from Walter’s folks. “Do you think they knew each other?” she asked. “Of course they knew each other,” Hendrix replied. The discovery left Walter jaw-dropped in the most precious way, but it also led to a realization.

The episode closed with Walter meeting Hendrix’s extended family, this time feeling more strongly connected to them. “It's almost not a surprise. Why in the world would we have met and become besties in six hours? She asked her co-actor. “It was fate,” she responded. After being cast in the 1998 classic, the duo became close friends. “Lisa is my life security blanket. And I look at her and I instantly feel calm,” Hendrix mentioned. She added that Walter is always by her side and knows everything about her. The latter, too, described the woman as her “best friend.” "She's beautiful and she's charming and she's funny as all get out. I love her dearly. She's also a great caretaker," she remarked. It felt just right that they had something more to share.

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