Proof Jerry O’Connell, Rebecca Romijn’s Twins, 16, Are So Grown Up

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Jerry O’Connell is standing by his daughters during major life moments.

Actor Christopher McDonald celebrated a significant moment with his twins, Charlie and Dolly, who are now sixteen years old. He and his wife, Rebecca Romijn, marked the occasion, though he seemed more emotional about it than his kids!

Jerry shared a sweet photo on Instagram from October 18th showing him with his daughters, all dressed up for homecoming. He kissed one on the cheek before they left for the dance, and jokingly captioned the picture as if they were eager to go, writing, “’You can leave now, Dad.’ Happy HOCO Gals!”

Many people commented on how mature the girls looked, and Amanda Kloots, who used to work with Jerry on The Talk, shared her positive reaction, simply writing, “Omg so cute.”

The former child actor enjoyed celebrating his daughter’s homecoming, but this wasn’t the first time he’d jokingly mentioned his kids not seeming that interested in him.

Jerry recently shared on The Talk that he and his wife have different dynamics with their children. He explained, with a laugh, that his kids seem to prefer spending time with his wife and don’t enjoy being around him as much. They simply connect better with her.

Despite finding their behavior amusing, the 51-year-old understands there’s a reason Charlie and Dolly sometimes act a bit impolite towards him.

He explained that a close friend told him people are often rude to those they trust the most, especially when they’re going through a difficult emotional period and feel comfortable enough to let their guard down around them.

Despite facing challenges, the former star of Stand By Me has also experienced many heartwarming moments, such as supporting his children in pursuing careers similar to their parents’.

He shared with Us Weekly in December that his daughter is trying out for the school musical. The play is Urinetown, and they spent the previous night practicing her lines at a diner called Mel’s, which he thought was pretty amusing.

Jerry mentioned that because he’s a passable actor, he feels he can offer some advice to his daughter. He explained he can work with her on line delivery, showing her different ways to say each line. He added that this is really the only skill he feels qualified to pass on to his children.

Read on for what other stars have said about nepotism in Hollywood. 

Daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson, said on the February 7, 2024 episode of Today that she initially found the discussion around ‘Nepo Babies’ to be frustrating and dull.

Dakota Johnson playfully called the situation “lame” and said she immediately agreed to participate in a Saturday Night Live sketch that joked about it. The sketch aired last month when she hosted the show.

Just a quick note that this discussion has been ongoing for some time. Emma quickly challenged the idea that her success was due to being Julia Roberts’ niece and Eric Roberts’ daughter.

The actress, who was twenty years old at the time, told PopEater in 2011 that many people assume she benefited from having connections in the industry. She found the idea of ‘nepotism’ frustrating, explaining that she’d auditioned for countless roles without success. She pointed out that while someone might be able to help you land one job, they can’t guarantee a whole career.

Goldie Hawn‘s daughter doesn’t bother to get the knives out when talk turns to nepotism.

Kate, who was raised alongside Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn’s partner of many years, explained to The Independent in December 2022 that she wasn’t bothered by how people described her family. “We’re a family of storytellers,” she said, “and that’s just who we are. Labels don’t change that.”

The mother of Ryder and Bingham (from her relationships with Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy) and Rani (with partner Danny Fujikawa) shared that she believes this issue is actually more prevalent in other fields. She suggested modeling as an example, but noted she sees it even more frequently in the business world. She’s been in business meetings where she’s been surprised to see someone clearly unqualified, wondering how they got there.

Ultimately, she added, “If you work hard and you kill it, it doesn’t matter.”

Acknowledging her advantages, the daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber told Elle magazine in January 2023 that she’s grateful for the support she receives. She feels fortunate to have access to excellent advice and guidance, and recognizes that’s a significant benefit.

When it came to filmmaking, the actress from Bottoms explained that artists won’t compromise their creative vision to cater to anyone, especially not for the sake of appealing to a wider audience. She emphasized that she’s focused on creating genuine art, and that’s what truly matters to her.

She also pointed out that people generally don’t want to collaborate with someone who is difficult or unkind. While acknowledging that connections and family ties play a role, she believes that if those connections were always the deciding factor, we’d see them used even more often.

Carving out her own cinematic universe, Elizabeth is proof that, sometimes, it just takes one.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s younger sister realized what nepotism meant even when she was a child. She told Glamour UK in 2021 that, although she might not have known the term at the time, she felt uneasy about not earning her own success. She was about 10 years old and already grappling with her own insecurities about it.

As someone who’s spent years observing success in creative fields, I’ve always said having a famous last name – a ‘foot in the door’ – is helpful, but it won’t carry you all the way. That’s certainly been the case with Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller’s son; he really believes talent and hard work are what ultimately matter. It’s a lesson I often share with aspiring artists – connections can open doors, but you have to walk through them and prove yourself.

After some criticism about casting choices – specifically, Sean Penn’s son Hopper in a short film directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry and written by Stephen King’s son Owen – Ben Stiller tweeted in 2021 about the situation. He said, based on his own experience (and stating he didn’t know the individuals involved), he believed they’d all likely faced difficulties. He pointed out that having no connections in the entertainment industry presents a different set of hurdles, and that ultimately, success in show business comes down to talent and hard work.

Acknowledging that Hollywood isn’t always fair, the star of Meet the Parents explained that people without talent usually don’t succeed long-term, even if they get opportunities through connections or family ties.

Ben shared his opinion quickly, but in February 2023, he still became part of the online conversation when Steve Martin jokingly labeled him a “nepo baby” in a preview for their Super Bowl commercials with Pepsi.

The former host of The Talk plans to support his and wife Rebecca Romijn’s twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, and prepare them for potential future criticism.

He told Us Weekly he warned his child, “People are going to accuse you of having an unfair advantage because of your family connections. It’s inevitable – the ‘nepo baby’ label is coming.”

He added, “You have to work for this. There’s no shortcuts. It’s going to be even harder for you!”

But he is, of course, willing to help out his daughters.

He described being able to help his daughter prepare for a high school play, offering her guidance on how to deliver her lines while at a diner. He feels that’s the main way he can share his knowledge with his children.

Dylan Penn admitted she understood why someone might be upset about her landing the role, especially since her father, Sean Penn, directed her in the 2021 film Flag Day. However, she also emphasized that, as an actress, she’s faced years of auditions and rejections, just like everyone else.

Dylan addressed the recent controversy surrounding her brother’s role in a short film directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter, explaining that success in the industry often comes down to connections. She pointed out that networking is crucial, regardless of family background – even for someone with a famous parent like Sean Penn’s son.

Dennis Hopper, who first appeared in a film directed by Sean Penn called The Last Face, shared with TopMob News in February that the recent discussions about celebrities with famous parents hadn’t bothered him much.

He said he’s unfazed by people’s opinions of his work, whether they love it or hate it. He recently finished a project called Devil’s Peak with his mother, Robin Wright, and isn’t bothered by accusations of nepotism. He’s committed to doing a professional job, just like anyone else, and won’t let his family connections affect his work ethic. He’s determined to prove he earns his place based on merit, not just because he’s working with his parents.

Hopper pointed out that working with his father was just as difficult—a ‘great nightmare’—as it was for any other actor who wasn’t also his son.

He also pointed out that, like anyone else, he could be fired if he didn’t perform well on set. He admitted that he wasn’t always perfect, saying, ‘If I messed up on the first day, I’d be out, just like anyone else. And honestly, there were times I was terrible.’

In a February 2022 interview with Elle, the star of High Fidelity explained that people often assumed any job he got was due to his famous parents, Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz.

“It was challenging,” Zoë said. “But I recognize I was lucky. Finding an agent happened quickly, and that definitely opened doors for me. Still, I reminded myself that I work really hard, and even as a kid, I loved putting on shows for my grandparents. That passion came from within, not from my family connections.”

It was a whole thing with the media, but afterwards, the actress explained it to GQ. She basically said it’s totally common for people to work in the same field as their families – it’s how surnames even started! She gave the example of being a blacksmith if your family name was Black, because that’s what they did for generations.

Ugh, it’s so frustrating! Lily-Rose Depp totally gets it. She was talking to Elle last November and said people will always assume things about you, especially if your parents are Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. But she’s so right – at the end of the day, you only get the role if you are the right person for it, and nothing else matters! It’s like, ignore the noise and just focus on being good, you know?

That’s understandable, but the comment from the star of The Idol about this popular issue immediately sparked a huge wave of responses.

I’ve become really mindful of how I talk about things, especially my upbringing. My parents truly did everything they could to give me a regular childhood, and I appreciate that so much. But I’m also very aware that even with their best efforts, my experience wasn’t typical – it definitely didn’t look like most people’s childhoods.

Following the conversation started by Lily-Rose, Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin’s daughter acknowledged that celebrity children will ultimately succeed or fail based on their own efforts. However, she pointed out that they often get a significant advantage at the beginning of their careers.

In a TikTok video from November 2022, Ireland explained that she owes her success to her parents, and believes a common mistake people make is failing to acknowledge that support.

I’ve noticed a lot of people fall into the trap of thinking you’re either naturally gifted or you’re not. It’s a really limiting belief! Honestly, life would be so much easier if we all just acknowledged our strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what you’re good at, and why you’re good at it, is key. It’s about being real with yourself, and that makes everything more relatable and achievable.

Growing up with famous parents gives you advantages others don’t have, creating an uneven starting point, Gwyneth Paltrow explained on Hailey Bieber’s YouTube show in July 2022. But she also believes that once you’ve benefited from that initial advantage, you need to work much harder to prove yourself and demonstrate genuine talent.

Bruce directed Gwyneth in her first acting role, the 1989 TV movie High, and Steven Spielberg then cast her in his 1991 film Hook, a fantasy adventure based on Peter Pan.

Gwyneth Paltrow recently discussed the current scrutiny faced by children of famous parents, often referred to as ‘nepo babies.’ In an October 2023 interview with Bustle, she said this judgment didn’t exist to the same degree before the topic became widely debated, and she described the term ‘nepo baby’ as unpleasant.

Having a famous father meant the actress and activist always knew her upbringing was different from most children’s.

Jane recalled to Harvard Business Review in 2018 that moving to the East Coast when she was ten years old made her aware she was different. She explained that people reacted to her based on her father, the famous actor Henry Fonda – some were drawn to her because of him, while others disliked her for the same reason. It was a mixed experience, with both positive and negative aspects.

The actress, a two-time Oscar winner, explained that having a famous father – a movie star himself – definitely helped her career initially, as people were naturally more interested in her. However, she was determined to prove she earned her roles through talent, not just her family name. To do this, she pushed herself incredibly hard, taking four acting classes a week instead of just one, to demonstrate her dedication and avoid being seen as someone who wasn’t serious about her craft.

Being the child of someone successful in a field you also love is a wonderful opportunity, as Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her role in Jurassic World, explained in 2020. She recalled her first acting role – an uncredited part as ‘Redheaded Audience Girl’ in her father Ron Howard’s film Parenthood. However, she emphasized that her father’s greatest gift wasn’t his own success, but his unwavering support, encouragement, and genuine respect for her from the very beginning.

Bryce explained that people often struggle with self-doubt, or others might dismiss their accomplishments by attributing them to luck or outside factors. However, he believes those criticisms are usually insignificant.

Look, let’s be honest – I’m a proud ‘nepo dad’! When the opportunity came up to direct my daughter, Maya, in her film Wildcat, I jumped at it. And you know what? I have absolutely no shame in admitting that. As a parent, seeing her shine is everything, and I was thrilled to support her in this way. It was a fantastic experience!

Maya, who portrays Flannery O’Connor in the film, admitted she sometimes doubted her performance during filming. She also pointed out that online reactions often lack subtlety. She shared that her father has been a huge influence and that they enjoy collaborating and spending time together.

Maya, who was 25 at the time, acknowledged she wouldn’t have opportunities forever because of her parents’ reputation. She explained to People magazine in 2021 that she expected a couple of chances to succeed, but if she failed, she’d lose those opportunities—and that was fair. She added that she was determined to do her best and avoid failing.

Just before winning her first Academy Award for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Jamie Lee Curtis, daughter of the famous actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, playfully poked fun at current trends.

Jamie Lee Curtis, accepting a SAG Award in February 2023, acknowledged her family’s acting background and her marriage to Christopher Guest. She playfully addressed the label of ‘nepo baby,’ saying she understood why people might think that’s how she achieved success. However, she emphasized that at 64 years old, receiving the award was simply wonderful.

In a 2018 interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Colin explained that when he was first starting his career, he was somewhat optimistic and assumed people would see him as an individual, separate from his father, Tom Hanks. He quickly learned that wasn’t the case.

The 46-year-old actor, who appeared as ‘Male Page’ in his father’s first film, That Thing You Do! in 1996, recently shared on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast that he appreciates his father’s advice to pursue acting only if he was truly passionate about it.

Tom told him, “If you’re not passionate about this, find something different to do, because you’ll be unhappy if you stick with it.”

When asked about the recent attention on celebrity children following in their parents’ footsteps, Tom Hanks – father to Colin and Elizabeth (with late ex-wife Samantha Lewes) and Chet and Truman with wife Rita Wilson – explained that working in entertainment is simply “the family business.”

Tom explained to Reuters in January 2023 that his family has always been immersed in creative pursuits. He shared that he and his wife raised four children, all of whom are creatively inclined and work in some form of storytelling.

The director, Marc Forster, made a good choice in casting Truman as a younger version of Tom in A Man Called Otto, he admitted. But ultimately, the actor had to deliver a believable performance. As the Oscar winner explained at the film’s premiere, it was up to Truman to decide if he could truly embody the role and bring authenticity to it. He emphasized that the actor’s performance on the day was what mattered most.

A scion of one of the most storied Hollywood dynasties, Drew couldn’t escape her famous last name.

Being the granddaughter of screen icon John Barrymore definitely opened some doors, but Drew Barrymore explained on her talk show in January 2023 that it didn’t define her success. She compared it to someone from a family of lawyers – just because their parent leads the firm doesn’t mean they didn’t earn their own position. She believes as long as people are supportive and not critical, it’s okay to acknowledge family connections.

Heidi Klum’s oldest child is doing well, largely thanks to her famous parents, Heidi and Seal. However, it’s ultimately up to the child to maintain that positive situation.

Leni, 19, explained to People magazine in October 2022 that while she acknowledges her famous parents gave her a head start, she’s working hard to build her own path. She recognizes she had advantages others only dream of, but is now independent – traveling and attending school on her own. She shares a passion with her mother, but is forging her own way forward.

Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann’s oldest daughter was upset by being labeled a ‘nepo baby,’ but she’s working on not letting it bother her.

I need to keep working hard and create quality work, because many others have succeeded before me,” the Euphoria star shared with Net-a-Porter in September 2022. “It’s still early in my career, and I haven’t built up a large body of work yet, but I hope to eventually look back with pride on what I’ve accomplished independently.

In December 2022, actress Jamie Lee Curtis responded to the discussion about ‘nepo babies’ – children of famous people getting advantages in the entertainment industry. She tweeted that people should be more concerned about those with privileged backgrounds working in fields like law, banking, and politics, as that’s where real opportunities are being taken away from others. She then added, with a touch of sarcasm, ‘But that’s none of my business.’

After facing criticism about being a “nepo baby” – someone benefiting from famous parents (actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen) – on TikTok, Lily Allen agreed it was a fair point to discuss.

She posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the industry clearly lacks diversity when it comes to class and race. This harms everyone involved. However, she believes blaming ‘nepo babies’ is too simple; the real issue is broader wealth inequality and a lack of support programs and funding.

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain and Cindy McCain, believes it’s perfectly okay to be proud of successful parents – as long as you take responsibility for your own achievements.

In December 2022, she posted on Instagram urging fellow ‘nepo babies’ to simply recognize the advantages their famous parents have given them and then focus on their own merits. She argued that while hard work and skill eventually matter, pretending that being a celebrity’s child isn’t a benefit comes across as insensitive and out of touch.

Does Hailey Baldwin, daughter of Stephen Baldwin and niece of Alec, Billy, and Daniel Baldwin, need to explain her privileged background any further after wearing a ‘Nepo Baby’ t-shirt in January 2023?

Though she did.

Hailey explained that her message was a direct response to widespread conversation, intentionally stating things very plainly. Speaking on The Circuit With Emily Chang in June, the founder of Rhode Skin acknowledged her privileged background, saying, ‘I fully accept that I am a ‘nepo baby.’

In February 2023, Bruce and Demi Willis’s youngest daughter publicly acknowledged her older sisters, Rumer and Scout Willis, and their shared experience of growing up as the children of famous actors.

According to an interview with Glamour, actress Meg Ryan praised her son, Jack Quaid, calling him a more gifted actor than herself. She described him as a natural talent, especially considering she shares him with ex-husband Dennis Quaid.

Meg pointed out that labeling someone a ‘nepo baby’ unfairly ignores their hard work, talent, and awareness of any advantages they might have.

Jack is certainly aware of the assumptions that are made about the children of actors.

I remember reading an interview with the actor from The Boys back in 2022, and something he said really stuck with me. He knew people would always assume he got the role because of who he knew, and he was totally okay with that! He said as long as he knew how he earned the opportunity, that’s all that mattered to him, and honestly, I really admire that perspective.

Now 31, Jack decided long ago there was no point trying to hide his parentage.

He explained on the podcast Allegedly with Matthew Cole Weiss in 2016 that he didn’t dislike acting. In fact, he’s a big admirer of both of his parents’ work. He also pointed out that because he wasn’t allowed to audition until he turned 18, he’d be thrilled to have this job even if his parents weren’t actors.

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2025-10-21 00:35