Are Aaron Sorkin And Andrew Ross Sorkin Related

So, you’re sitting there, maybe watching The West Wing or reading a wild financial story in The New York Times, and a question pops into your head: Are Aaron Sorkin and Andrew Ross Sorkin related? It’s a fair question. Both are wildly successful, both have that cool-guy-with-a-last-name vibe, and, well, both are named Sorkin. You’re not alone in wondering this; it’s basically a parlor game at dinner parties for people who like smart TV and smart money talk.

Let’s get the big reveal out of the way: No, they are not related. I know, I know—it feels like a missed opportunity for a Hollywood dynasty, doesn’t it? Imagine the family reunions: Aaron would be yelling about moral compromises in a walk-and-talk, while Andrew would be calculating the net worth of the grilled cheese sandwiches. Chaos and capitalism.

Seriously, though, the confusion is totally understandable. Aaron Sorkin is the guy who brought us A Few Good Men, The Social Network, and that rapid-fire dialogue that makes you feel like your brain just ran a marathon. Andrew Ross Sorkin is the financial journalist who wrote Too Big to Fail, founded DealBook, and basically lives inside the brain of Wall Street. They’re like the Batman and Bruce Wayne of their respective fields—except, you know, different last names and no secret identity.

Let’s Break Down the Sorkin-verse

Aaron Sorkin is a playwright, screenwriter, and director. He’s the master of dramatic walk-and-talks, scenes where people argue about ethics while pacing through hallways. He’s won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony—basically, he’s got more awards than you have unread emails. And that’s saying something.

Then there’s Andrew Ross Sorkin. He’s a journalist, author, and co-anchor of Squawk Box on CNBC. He broke the story of the 2008 financial crisis before most people knew what a “credit default swap” was. He’s the guy who makes complex economic terms sound almost fun, like a magician who turns balance sheets into entertainment.

Fun fact: Andrew Ross Sorkin’s middle name is Ross, which is more formal than Aaron’s middle name (which he doesn’t even use, because he’s too busy being iconic). So, no, they’re not cousins, brothers, or estranged uncles. They’re just two very talented guys who shared a last name and made us all feel slightly inadequate.

Where Does the Confusion Come From?

It’s the name game, my friend. “Sorkin” is not exactly a common surname—it’s not Smith or Jones. When two people with it become famous in overlapping intellectual circles, your brain does a little shortcut: “Hey, they both write about complicated things; they must be related!” It’s the same logic that links “Bacon” (Kevin) and “Bacon” (Francis). Spoiler: not related, but both crispy.

Plus, they’ve been photographed together at events, which is like catnip for conspiracy theorists. But that’s just because New York is a small town for geniuses. They’ve probably smiled politely at each other, nodded, and then each went off to write a masterpiece about a different disaster—one about a bank, the other about a president.

Showtime Orders Drama Pilot From New York Times' Andrew Ross Sorkin

I’ve even heard people joke that Andrew Ross Sorkin is the “finance version” of Aaron Sorkin. But if that were true, you’d have Andrew Sorkin writing movies where bankers argue about derivatives while strolling through an empty conference room. Sign me up for that spin-off, actually.

Wait, Could They Be Distant Relatives?

Okay, fine. Let’s get genealogical for a second. Both are Jewish, which means there’s a mathematical chance they share a great-great-grandpa from the old country. But “mathematical chance” is basically “no, and don’t embarrass yourself by asking at their next book signing.” Aaron Sorkin was born in New York to a Jewish family; Andrew Ross Sorkin was also born in New York to a Jewish family. Coincidence? Yes. Conspiracy? No.

In fact, Andrew Ross Sorkin’s grandfather was a New York City judge, and Aaron Sorkin’s father was a copyright lawyer. So, they both come from smart, achievement-oriented families—which explains why they’re both so good at their jobs. But it’s like saying “all lawyers are related because they wear suits.” Nope.

Here’s the real kicker: Andrew Ross Sorkin has confirmed this in interviews. He’s basically had to say, “No, we’re not related” so many times that he probably has a form letter ready. Aaron Sorkin, meanwhile, probably shot back with a witty one-liner about how he’s the more famous Sorkin. (He didn’t, but I like to imagine he did.)

Why This Question Matters (Sort of)

I think the reason we ask is that we want to see connections between brilliant people. It’s comforting to think that the guy who wrote The West Wing is somehow kin to the guy who explained the housing bubble. It makes the world feel smaller and more magical, like a secret clubhouse for overachievers. We crave that narrative.

Andrew Ross Sorkin and former Speaker of the U.S. House of... News

But here’s the truth: Not all Sorkins are created equal—and that’s fine. Aaron Sorkin creates worlds where people talk fast and solve moral crises. Andrew Ross Sorkin reports on a world where people talk fast and solve financial crises. They’re both cultural titans, but they’re just two guys with the same last name who happen to be extremely good at their jobs.

So, the next time your friend insists they’re brothers, just smile and say, “No, but they’re both Sorkin’ awesome.” Then watch them groan. You’re welcome.

An Uplifting Endnote (Because We All Need One)

Here’s the beautiful takeaway: You don’t need to be related to make a huge impact. Aaron and Andrew are proof that two people can share a surname, a city, and a brainy approach to storytelling—yet still be their own unique stars. One gives us fiction that feels real; the other gives us reality that feels like a thriller.

So, while they may not be family by blood, they are part of the same human family: the one where people use big words, ask big questions, and make the rest of us feel smarter just by watching or reading their work. And that’s a pretty cool bond, even if there’s no DNA test to prove it.

In the end, the answer to “Are they related?” is a happy no. It means we get two Sorkins to enjoy, not just one. So go ahead—binge The Newsroom tonight, then read Too Big to Fail tomorrow. Celebrate the fact that the world is big enough for two brilliant minds named Sorkin. And neither of them will ask you to change their name.