Nepotism is nothing new as far as show business is concerned.
It wasn’t shocking to learn that actors with last names like Apatow, Depp, and Kravitz were the children of famous parents. However, the internet really focused on uncovering the backgrounds of actors like Taylor Dearden, Eve Hewson, and Margaret Qualley, revealing their famous connections as well.
Bryan Cranston shared with GQ in 2023 that his daughter, Taylor – his only child with wife Robin Dearden – is very independent and determined to succeed on her own merits, wanting to avoid any appearance of benefiting from her parents’ fame.
Eve, the actress from Bad Sisters and daughter of Paul Hewson – better known as Bono – shared with Porter magazine in 2024 that she deals with accusations of using her father’s fame to her advantage by simply making a joke and letting it go.
Margaret, one of Andie MacDowell and Paul Qualley’s three children, has been trying to take everything in stride.
I have to admit, when I heard the star of The Substance talk to Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, it really resonated with me. She straight-up said you could call her a ‘nepo baby,’ and honestly, it felt so real. She wasn’t sure if she’d truly earned her place, and she shared this vulnerable feeling that she just really wants to be good at what she does and worthy of being where she is. It was a really honest moment, and I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling of wanting to prove yourself.
The idea that many celebrities share family ties actually goes back over a century, starting with the original Barrymore siblings who became famous in 1913. However, it’s become a huge trend recently as people realize just how connected everyone seems to be.
TikTok has brought renewed attention to the topic of “nepo babies” – the children of famous people. As more and more young adults with famous parents enter the entertainment industry, the discussion about privilege and opportunity isn’t likely to fade away anytime soon.
As Tom Hanks noted after his son, Truman Hanks, portrayed a younger version of him in the 2022 film A Man Called Otto, the Hanks family is practically a family of actors, much like a long-established plumbing business.
The actor, a two-time Oscar winner, explained to Reuters that his work is a family affair. ‘It’s something we’ve always done,’ he said. ‘Our four children all grew up around it. If we had any other kind of business – like a plumbing supply store or a flower shop – the whole family would be helping out, even if it was just with tasks like taking inventory.’
Zoë Kravitz points out that it’s natural for people to follow in their family’s footsteps, explaining to GQ in 2022 that historically, surnames often indicated a family trade – like being known as the ‘Black family’ if you were blacksmiths.
And there’s really nowhere to hide for celebrity scions like Zoë or Brooklyn Beckham.
Speaking with InStyle in 2024, the 26-year-old explained that he can’t change his family background, despite recent reports about some tension. He expressed gratitude for his parents and said he’s focused on working hard and establishing his own identity. ‘That’s all I can really say,’ he added.
As Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp, pointed out in a 2022 interview with Elle, talent is what gets you hired—not your family connections.
I’ve noticed a frustrating trend online lately. When someone like Lily-Rose Depp openly acknowledges her success is tied to her skills, the internet rushes to diagnose a lack of self-awareness! It’s like people want these talented individuals to simply admit it all comes down to luck. It’s a really unfair expectation, honestly.
The 26-year-old actress, known for her role in Nosferatu, later told i-D magazine that she was being much more cautious about talking about the subject.
She explained that her parents tried their best to give her a typical childhood, but she recognizes it wasn’t like most kids’ experiences. She’s very aware that growing up was different for her.
Let’s take a look at what celebrities – parents and their children, and those labeled as “nepo babies” – have shared about the topic of Hollywood nepotism, both through their words and their fashion choices.
Daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson, described the recent discussion around “Nepo Babies” as initially frustrating and dull, during an appearance on Today on February 7, 2024.
Dakota Johnson playfully called the situation “lame” and explained she immediately agreed to participate in a Saturday Night Live sketch that joked about it. She had hosted the show the previous month and the sketch referenced the recent controversy.
Just a quick note that this discussion has been ongoing for some time. Emma quickly disagreed with the idea that her career success was mainly due to being Julia Roberts’ niece and Eric Roberts’ daughter.
Okay, so people always assume things, right? Back in 2011, I was talking to PopEater and they kept bringing up nepotism, like I just got handed roles because of my family. Honestly, it drove me crazy! It’s totally not true. I auditioned for so many things and kept getting rejected. Like, yeah, maybe someone could help you get one job, but nobody can just magically book you ten! It’s about talent, and I’ve worked for everything I’ve gotten, I swear!
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, explained to The Independent in December 2022 that she wasn’t bothered by how people labeled her family. “We’re a family of storytellers,” she said, “and that’s just who we are. Whatever others call it doesn’t change that.”
The mother of sons Ryder and Bingham (from relationships with Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy) and daughter Rani (with current partner Danny Fujikawa) shared that she believes this kind of situation is actually more common 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 the position.
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 and guidance she receives from her parents. She feels lucky to have such a valuable resource for advice and information.
When it came to filmmaking, the actress from Bottoms explained that artists won’t compromise their creative vision to cater to anyone, especially not to protect children. She emphasized that true art requires uncompromising artistic integrity, and that’s what she cares about most.
Let me tell you, in my experience, people simply want to work with those who are pleasant and collaborative. Kindness goes a long way! Now, we all know networking and who you know can open doors, but honestly, if it was always the deciding factor like some believe, we’d see it happening constantly. It’s not quite as widespread as people think.
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, while she might not have known the term then, she felt uneasy about not earning her accomplishments. She was around 10 years old and already dealing with those insecurities.
Ben Stiller, son of actors Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, thinks simply getting a foot in the door isn’t enough for lasting success.
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 claiming he didn’t know any of the people involved), he believed they had all likely faced difficulties. He pointed out that their situation was different from those without industry connections, and that, despite its challenges, show business ultimately rewards talent.
Acknowledging that Hollywood isn’t always fair, the Meet the Parents star 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 on a popular topic, but in February 2023, he became part of the conversation himself 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 will always support his twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, and his wife, Rebecca Romijn. He’s also preparing them for potential criticism they might encounter in the future.
He told Us Weekly he warned his child, ‘People are going to call you a ‘nepo baby’ – it’s inevitable.’
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 sit with his daughter at a diner while she prepared for a high school play audition. He could offer her specific advice on how to deliver her lines, and he felt that was the most valuable thing he could share with his children.
You know, I totally get why people might have felt a little skeptical about me landing the role in Flag Day. My dad, Sean Penn, directed me, and I can see how that could raise eyebrows. But honestly, as an actress, I’ve been working at this for years. I’ve gone to countless auditions and faced a lot of rejection, just like everyone else. It was a dream come true to finally get the part, despite any perceptions people might have had.
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 entertainment industry often comes down to connections. She pointed out that knowing the right people is crucial, regardless of family background – even if you’re the son of a famous actor like Sean Penn.
Dennis Hopper, who first appeared in a movie directed by Sean Penn in 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 okay with whatever people think of his work. ‘If you enjoy it, that’s awesome. If you don’t, that’s fine too,’ he explained, after recently working on Devil’s Peak with his mother, Robin Wright. He doesn’t worry about accusations of nepotism, adding that he’ll always put in the same professional effort as anyone else, and won’t let working with his parents affect the quality of his work.
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 – even on the first day. He admitted, ‘If I did a bad job, I’d be let go. And honestly, there have been times when I have been terrible.’
In a February 2022 interview with Elle, the High Fidelity actor explained that people often assumed any job they landed was due to having Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz as parents.
“It was definitely challenging,” Zoë said. “But I recognize I had a lot of advantages. Getting an agent quickly really opened doors for me, and I won’t pretend it didn’t. Still, I knew I had to remember that I’m a hard worker, and even as a kid, I was always performing for my grandparents. That passion and effort came from within – it wasn’t about my family connections at all.”
Following the controversy, the actress explained to GQ some time later that it’s common for people to work in their family’s profession. She pointed out that this is historically how surnames originated – people were identified by their family’s trade, like being known as the ‘Black family’ if they were blacksmiths.
In a November 2022 interview with Elle, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis’s daughter explained that people will likely have opinions about her and her background, but ultimately, she believes landing a role comes down to simply being the right fit for it.
That’s understandable, but the comment from the star of The Idol about this popular issue quickly sparked a lot of discussion online.
Lily-Rose explained that she’s become very mindful of how she talks about her upbringing. She believes her parents did everything they could to give her a regular childhood, but acknowledges it wasn’t typical. She’s very aware that her experiences growing up were different from most people’s.
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 also 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.
People often assume you either have a natural gift or you don’t. But it would be much easier to understand and connect with others if you were simply honest about your skills and where they come from.
Growing up with famous parents gives you opportunities others don’t have, creating an uneven starting point, explained Gwyneth Paltrow in a July 2022 interview on Hailey Bieber‘s YouTube show, Who’s in My Bathroom?. But she also believes that once you’ve benefited from that initial advantage, you need to work even harder to prove yourself and demonstrate your talent.
Bruce directed Gwyneth in her first acting role, the 1989 TV movie High, and then Steven Spielberg cast her in his 1991 fantasy film Hook, giving the 14-year-old goddaughter a memorable part.
Gwyneth Paltrow recently discussed the current scrutiny faced by children of celebrities. In an October 2023 interview with Bustle, she explained that even before the recent public discussions, there was a tendency to judge those with famous parents, and she described the term ‘nepo baby’ as an unpleasant label.
Stellan Skarsgård, the actor known for his role in Dune, recently discussed the topic of ‘nepo babies’ – children of famous parents who benefit from that connection. He shared that his youngest son, Kolbjörn, was being criticized at school because of his father’s fame.
He told Vulture that when classmates call him a ‘nepo baby,’ it really upsets him. He doesn’t have many friends at school and often feels alone. He described the kids who tease him as being both mean and unaware of how hurtful their words are, and said they seem to enjoy being unkind online.
Stellan went on to say, “It’s ridiculous, really. If you lack the talent, you won’t get hired for worthwhile work.”
As someone who’s observed a lot of families, let me tell you, growing up with a father who was a huge star definitely shaped my perspective. It was clear from a young age that my childhood wasn’t quite like everyone else’s – it was pretty unique, to say the least!
Jane recalled that moving to the East Coast when she was ten years old made her aware that being Henry Fonda’s daughter set her apart. She told Harvard Business Review in 2018 that this realization sometimes made her feel awkward. Some people were drawn to her because of her father’s fame, while others disliked her for the same reason – it was a mixed experience.
Becoming an actress, I definitely felt my dad being a famous movie star gave me a leg up – people were simply more interested in seeing what Henry Fonda’s daughter could do. But honestly, it also put a lot of pressure on me. I was determined to prove I earned my roles on my own merit, not just because of my family name. That’s why I pushed myself so hard – I didn’t want anyone thinking I wasn’t serious about my craft. While others might take one acting class a week, I signed up for four! I wanted to be absolutely certain I was dedicated and skilled, and that my talent spoke for itself.
Being the child of someone successful in a field you’re also passionate about is a wonderful opportunity, as Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her role in Jurassic World, shared in a 2020 interview with The Daily Beast. She said it was special that her father, Ron Howard, achieved his own success, but even more important was his unwavering support, encouragement, and genuine respect for her from the very beginning – a respect she first experienced when he cast her as ‘Redheaded Audience Girl’ in his film Parenthood.
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 added that these kinds of comments are usually insignificant.
Ethan Hawke jokingly admitted he’s a ‘nepo dad’ – someone who uses family connections to help their children in the entertainment industry. He told Variety in September that he happily took the opportunity to direct his daughter, Maya (whose mother is Uma Thurman), in her film Wildcat, and he’s not ashamed of it.
Maya, who portrays Flannery O’Connor in the film, admitted she sometimes felt unsure of her performance during filming. She also pointed out that online reactions often lack subtlety. She shared that her father has been a significant influence in her life and that they enjoy collaborating and spending time together.
Maya, who was 25 at the time, acknowledged she would likely only have a limited number of opportunities because of her family connections. She told People magazine in 2021 that she expected to be cut off if she failed. “I think I’ll get a couple chances on their name and then if I suck, I’ll get kicked out of the kingdom,” she said, adding, “And that’s what should happen. So I’m just going to try not to suck.”
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 her SAG Award in February 2023, acknowledged her privileged background. ‘My parents were actors, and I’m married to one too,’ she said. ‘I know people are thinking, ‘She’s a nepo baby, that’s how she got here,’ and I understand that. But honestly, at 64 years old, this is just incredible.’
In a 2018 interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Colin explained that when he was first starting his career, he was optimistic and assumed people would see him as an individual, separate from his father, Tom Hanks. He quickly learned that wasn’t the case.
I’ve been a fan of this actor for ages! It’s amazing to think his very first role was as a ‘Male Page’ in his dad’s film, That Thing You Do! back in ’96. I recently heard him talk on Conan O’Brien’s show about how grateful he is to his dad for telling him to only pursue acting if it was truly his passion. It’s cool to see how much he values that advice.
Tom told him, “If you’re not truly passionate about this, find something different, because you’ll be unhappy.”
When asked about the recent attention on children of famous actors, 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 just “the family business.”
Tom explained to Reuters in January 2023 that his family has always been immersed in creative pursuits. He noted that he and his wife raised four children, all of whom are involved 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 Oscar winner told ET at the premiere, it came down to Truman being able to deliver a truthful performance on set. It was completely his decision whether or not to take the role.
A scion of one of the most storied Hollywood dynasties, Drew couldn’t escape her famous last name.
Although being the granddaughter of famous actor John Barrymore brought a certain level of expectation, Drew Barrymore explained on her talk show in January 2023 that she believed she still had to prove herself. She used the analogy of a lawyer whose father runs the firm – even with that advantage, the lawyer still had to pass the bar exam and earn their position. Drew emphasized that as long as people are supportive and not critical, she’s comfortable with acknowledging her family background.
Heidi Klum’s oldest child is doing well, and they’ve achieved this success with the help of both Heidi and her father, Seal. However, it’s ultimately up to the child to maintain their positive path.
Leni, 19, explained to People magazine in October 2022 that while she acknowledges her famous parents gave her a head start, she’s worked hard to build her own path. She recognizes she had advantages others only dream of, but is now independent – traveling, attending school, and pursuing her passions, which she shares with her mother.
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 creating quality work, because many others have succeeded before me,” the Euphoria star explained in a September 2022 interview with Net-a-Porter. “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 and be proud of everything I’ve accomplished on my own.
In December 2022, actress Lena Allen tweeted that people should be more concerned about individuals benefiting from family connections in fields like law, banking, and politics – areas where it truly impacts people’s opportunities. She was defending her own success, adding with a touch of irony, ‘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, which ultimately harms everyone. While acknowledging that people are quick to criticize those with famous or well-connected parents (‘nepo babies’), she believes the issue is actually much bigger – a wider problem of 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 accomplishments too.
In December 2022, she posted on Instagram encouraging others with famous parents – what she called ‘Nepo babies’ – to simply recognize the advantages their family name has given them and accept it. She added that while hard work and skill eventually matter, pretending that having well-known parents is a significant hardship comes across as arrogant and insensitive.
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 recent message was a direct response to widespread conversation, and she wanted to be very clear about her position. Speaking on The Circuit With Emily Chang in June, the founder of Rhode Skin acknowledged and accepted the label of ‘nepo baby,’ stating, ‘I embrace that I am.’
Oh my gosh, you guys, I was so excited to see Tallulah, Bruce and Demi’s youngest, totally acknowledge her amazing sisters, Rumer and Scout! She did it with her fashion choices back in February 2023, and it was like, a sweet nod to what it’s like growing up with famous parents. It was just the cutest way to show sisterly love and recognize their shared experience, honestly!
According to a recent 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 her former husband, Dennis Quaid.
Meg pointed out that labeling someone a ‘nepo baby’ 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.
In a 2022 interview with Thrillist, the star of The Boys anticipated people would assume they knew how he landed the role. He acknowledged that speculation would likely continue, but said that as long as he was confident in his own journey, that was all that mattered.
Now 31, Jack decided long ago there was no point trying to hide his parentage.
He explained on the Allegedly with Matthew Cole Weiss podcast 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 the job even if his parents weren’t actors.
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2025-12-27 16:20