If you are a fan of boxing or science, you might have wondered if Mike Tyson and Neil deGrasse Tyson are related. They share the same last name, but do they share the same bloodline? Are they brothers, cousins, or distant relatives? Or are they just two famous people with a common surname?
In this article, we will explore the truth behind the last name of these two legends and find out if they have any family ties.
Who is Mike Tyson?
Mike Tyson is a legendary boxer who dominated the heavyweight division in the 1980s and 1990s. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20 and won 50 of his 58 professional fights, 44 by knockout. He was known for his ferocious style, powerful punches, and intimidating presence.
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. His birth name was Michael Gerard Tyson, but he later changed it to Malik Abdul Aziz after converting to Islam. He had a troubled childhood and was arrested several times for petty crimes. He was sent to a reform school where he met his boxing mentor, Cus D’Amato, who trained him and became his legal guardian.
Mike Tyson rose to fame and fortune as a boxer, but he also faced many controversies and challenges in his personal and professional life. He was convicted of rape in 1992 and served three years in prison. He also bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in a notorious fight in 1997. He struggled with drug addiction, bankruptcy, depression, and health issues.
Mike Tyson retired from boxing in 2005, but he made a comeback in 2020 at the age of 54. He fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match that ended in a draw. He also became a successful entrepreneur, actor, podcaster, and cannabis advocate.
Who is Neil deGrasse Tyson?
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist who is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He is also a popular science communicator who has written several books, hosted several TV shows and podcasts, and appeared on many media outlets.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born on October 5, 1958, in Manhattan, New York. His birth name was Neil deGrasse Tyson, but he sometimes goes by Neil D. Tyson or NDT. He is of African-American and Puerto Rican descent. His father was Cyril deGrasse Tyson, a sociologist and civil rights activist. His mother was Sunchita Maria Tyson, a gerontologist.
Neil deGrasse Tyson developed an interest in astronomy at an early age and attended specialized schools for gifted students. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in physics and earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia University. He has conducted research on topics such as galactic structure, star formation, supernovae, and dark matter.
Neil deGrasse Tyson has received many honors and awards for his scientific achievements and public outreach. He has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine and one of the sexiest men alive by People magazine. He has also received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences.
Are They Related?
The short answer is no. Mike Tyson and Neil deGrasse Tyson are not related by blood or marriage. They share their last name by coincidence, not by kinship.
According to Ancestry.com, the surname Tyson is of English origin and derives from a medieval nickname for someone who was “fiery” or “spirited”. It is also a variant of Dyson, which comes from the personal name Dionysius or Dennis.
The surname Tyson is not very common in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were about 66,000 people with the last name Tyson in 2010, which ranked it as the 567th most common surname in the country.
Mike Tyson and Neil deGrasse Tyson are both Americans with African ancestry, but they have different ethnic backgrounds. Mike Tyson’s ancestors were mostly enslaved Africans who were brought to America during the transatlantic slave trade. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s ancestors were mostly free blacks who lived in the Caribbean and Latin America before migrating to America.
Mike Tyson and Neil deGrasse Tyson have never met each other in person, but they have expressed mutual admiration for each other’s work. Mike Tyson has said that he enjoys watching Neil deGrasse Tyson’s shows on science and cosmology. Neil deGrasse Tyson has said that he is a fan of combat sports and would love to talk to Mike Tyson someday.
Conclusion
Mike Tyson and Neil deGrasse Tyson are two famous people with the same last name, but they are not related. They have different family histories, different careers, and different personalities. However, they have both achieved greatness in their respective fields and have inspired millions of people around the world. They are both Tysons, but they are also unique individuals.
