Ireland Baldwin is departing some wisdom on her fellow nepo babies.
Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger’s daughter recently shared her advice for how other children of celebrities should navigate life.
In a TikTok video posted on February 11th, Ireland advised people to stop pretending to be something they’re not. She explained that denying who you are just makes things awkward, especially when you try to take credit for things that aren’t yours. Her simple message was: just stop denying it.
Her next rule gave some grace to nepo babies, acknowledging the weight of having famous parents.
She joked that if you’re the child of one famous person, you’re allowed to be upset once in a while. But if both your parents are famous, you can be as emotional as you need to be â there are no limits.
The 30-year-old, who shares a 2-year-old daughter named Holland with musician RAC, also gave helpful advice for kids wanting to buy their moms or dads an expensive gift.
She stressed that buying your parents a gift with their own money requires deception. You absolutely canât let them know the truth; instead, you need to invent a story about using funds from an old, forgotten paycheck from a Canadian movie you filmed a long time ago.
Ireland, who is related to Hailey Bieber and Alaia Baldwin, also offered tips on how to talk to regular people, even suggesting topics like childhood memories.
Ireland advises that when discussing your childhood, focus on being relatable to others. For example, sharing simple experiences like taking the bus to school can connect you with people. Avoid boasting about privileged experiences, like frequent VIP trips to Disneyland with large groups, as it can come across as insensitive or out of touch with the financial realities of others.
The model, whose father shares seven children with his wife Hilaria Baldwin, also shared insights on the challenges of dating while growing up in a well-known family.
She said everyone should date someone whose family is deeply upset when the relationship endsânot because they care about you personally, but because they were huge fans of your parents and secretly preferred you with their child.
Ireland explained her actions with a simple caption on the video: “Some of you aren’t following the rules!!!!”
Ireland isn’t alone in discussing the challenges of growing up famous. Here are other celebrities who have also shared their thoughts on nepotism in Hollywood.
Honestly, when the whole ‘Nepo Baby’ discussion first started, I really didn’t get the hype â it felt super irritating and dull to me. I was talking about it on Today recently, on February 7th, and that’s just how I feel about it, as someone who’s grown up with parents like Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.
Dakota Johnson, calling the situation ridiculous, said she immediately agreed to participate in a Saturday Night Live sketch that made fun of it. The sketch referenced the controversy sheâd been involved in during her previous appearance hosting the show.
I’ve been following Emma’s journey for a while now, and it’s really struck me how early on she started challenging the idea that her success was simply because of her family â being Julia Robertsâ niece and Eric Robertsâ daughter. She’s really determined to make her own way, and it’s been clear from the start that she wasn’t going to lean on those connections.
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 being responsible for her success ‘ridiculous,’ explaining that sheâd auditioned for countless roles without landing them. She pointed out that while someone might help you get one opportunity, they can’t guarantee a consistent career â you can’t get ten roles that way.
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 wasnât bothered by how people described her family. âWeâre a family of storytellers â itâs just who we are,â she said. âWhatever labels people use donât change that.â
The mother of Ryder and Bingham (from her relationships with Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy) and Rani (with current partner Danny Fujikawa) shared that she believes this kind of behavior is actually more prevalent in other fields. She suggested modeling as an example, but noted she sees it even more often in the business world. She’s been in meetings, she explained, where she’s been surprised by someone who clearly lacks experience or knowledge.
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 source of 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 staying true to that vision, and that’s what she cares about most.
She also pointed out that people generally donât want to collaborate with someone who is difficult, unkind, or unpleasant. While acknowledging that connections and family ties definitely play a role in some industries, she believes that if those connections were always the deciding factor, weâd see even more evidence of it.
Carving out her own cinematic universe, Elizabeth is proof that, sometimes, it just takes one.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsenâs younger sister realized what nepotism meant even when she was a child. She told Glamour UK in 2021 that, though she didnât know the term at the time, she felt uneasy about not earning her own success. She was only 10 years old and already grappling with these insecurities.
Ben Stiller, son of actors Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, thinks simply getting a first opportunity isn’t enough for lasting success.
After some criticism about casting decisionsâspecifically, Sean Penn’s son Hopper in a short film directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry and written by Stephen King’s son OwenâBen Stiller tweeted in 2021 that he believed everyone in the industry faces difficulties. He pointed out that those with family connections likely encounter different challenges than those without, but emphasized that show business is competitive and ultimately rewards talent.
Acknowledging that Hollywood isn’t always fair, the actor from Meet the Parents explained that people without talent usually don’t succeed long-term, even if they get an initial opportunity through connections or family ties.
Ben offered his opinion quickly, but in February 2023, he still became part of a popular online discussion when Steve Martin jokingly labeled him a “nepo baby” in a preview for their Super Bowl commercials for Pepsi.
The former host of The Talk will always support his twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, and his wife, Rebecca Romijn. Heâs also preparing them for any negative comments they might encounter in the future.
He told Us Weekly he warned his child, ‘People are going to accuse you of having an unfair advantage because of your family connections. Be prepared for that.’ He said it was inevitable theyâd be labeled a ‘nepo baby’ â someone who benefits from nepotism.
He added, âYou have to work for this. Thereâs no shortcuts. Itâs going to be even harder for you!â
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 advice on how to deliver her lines, and he felt that was the most valuable thing he could share 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 pointed out that, like any actress, she’s faced years of auditions and rejections, saying, ‘I’ve been auditioning forever. I’ve been rejected forever.’
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 networking is crucial, regardless of family background â even if someone is the child of a famous actor like Sean Penn.
Dennis Hopper, who first appeared in a film directed by Sean Penn called The Last Face, mentioned to TopMob News back in February that the recent discussions about ‘nepo babies’ hadn’t bothered him much.
He said heâs comfortable with whatever people think of his work. ‘If you enjoy it, thatâs awesome. If you donât, thatâs fine too,’ he explained, after recently collaborating with his mother, Robin Wright, on a project called Devil’s Peak. He doesnât worry about accusations of nepotism, emphasizing that heâll approach any job with the same level of professionalism as anyone else and wonât let family connections affect the quality of his work.
Hopper pointed out that working with his father was just as difficult â a ‘great nightmare’ â as it was for any other actor who wasnât related to the director.
I’ve always admired how down-to-earth he is about his work. He once explained that he’d be held to the same standards as anyone else â mess up on the first day, and you’re out, just like it should be. He even admitted he’s had moments where he was terrible, and that’s okay! It’s just refreshing to hear such honesty from someone so successful.
In a February 2022 interview with Elle, the High Fidelity actor explained that people often assumed any job he landed was due to his famous parents, Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz.
âIt was challenging,â ZoĂ« said. âBut I recognize I was very 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 was always performing for my grandparents. That passion wasnât about my family connections â it was simply because I loved to perform.â
Following the controversy, the actress explained to GQ some time later that itâs common for people to work in their familyâs profession. She pointed out that historically, surnames often came from a familyâs trade â for example, if your family were blacksmiths, youâd be known as the Black family.
In a November 2022 interview with Elle, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradisâs daughter explained that people will likely have opinions about her and her background. However, she believes the only way to succeed is to be genuinely well-suited for the role.
Okay, but the comment from the star of The Idol about this popular topic immediately sparked a lot of discussion online.
Lily-Rose explained that she’s become very thoughtful about how she talks about her upbringing. She believes her parents did everything they could to give her a normal 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 Baldwinâs 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.
Looking back at my journey, I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation my parents gave me. Honestly, I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is refusing to acknowledge the impact their upbringing has had on their lives. It’s about recognizing where you come from â that’s huge!
People often think you either have natural talent or you don’t. But things would be much easier to understand â and more relatable â if everyone was simply honest about their strengths and weaknesses, and why they possess them.
Gwyneth Paltrow explained on Hailey Bieberâs YouTube show in July 2022 that growing up with famous parentsâBlythe Danner and Bruce Paltrowâgave her advantages others didnât have, creating an uneven starting point. However, she believes that once youâve benefited from that initial advantage, you then have to work even harder to prove yourself and be exceptionally good at what you do.
Bruce directed Gwyneth in her first acting role, the 1989 TV movie High, and Steven Spielberg then cast her in his 1991 fantasy film Hook, giving the 14-year-old goddaughter a significant opportunity.
Gwyneth Paltrow recently discussed the current scrutiny faced by children of celebrities. In an October 2023 interview with Bustle, she explained that this happened even before the recent intense public conversation, and she described the label ‘nepo baby’ as an unpleasant term.
Stellan SkarsgĂ„rd, the actor known for his role in Dune, recently discussed the topic of ‘nepo babies’ â children of famous parents who benefit from that connection. He shared that his youngest son, Kolbjörn, was being criticized at school specifically 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 as being meanâor just unawareâand said they seem to enjoy being cruel online.
Stellan went on to say, “It’s ridiculous, really. If you lack the talent, nobody will hire you for worthwhile work.”
Having a famous father meant the actress and activist always knew her upbringing was different from most children’s.
Jane recalled that moving to the East Coast when she was ten made her aware that she was seen differently. As she explained to Harvard Business Review in 2018, people reacted to her because of her father, Henry Fonda â some were drawn to her because of who he was, while others didn’t like her for the same reason. It was a mixed experience, and it made her somewhat self-aware.
The actress, a two-time Oscar winner, explained that having a famous father in the film industry definitely helped her career initially, as it brought her more attention. However, she was determined to prove she earned her roles through talent and hard work, not just her family name. She pushed herself relentlessly, taking on much more training than required â four classes a week instead of just one â to demonstrate her dedication and avoid being seen as someone who wasnât serious about acting.
Being the child of someone working in a field you admireâand eventually joiningâis a wonderful opportunity,” Bryce Dallas Howard told The Daily Beast in 2020. She, who started her acting career with a small role in her father Ron Howardâs film Parenthood, emphasized that her fatherâs success was a bonus, but his unwavering support, encouragement, and respect from the beginning were the greatest gifts she could have asked for.
I’ve noticed something really common: people often let insecurities get to them, or they quickly dismiss someone else’s success by attributing it to luck or outside factors. But honestly, that kind of thinking is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Ethan Hawke jokingly admitted he’s a “nepo dad” â 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, in her film Wildcat, and he’s not ashamed of it.
Maya, who portrays Flannery O’Connor in the film, admitted to feeling unsure of her performance during filming. She explained that online reactions often lack subtlety, and emphasized the important role her father has played in her life and work. They enjoy collaborating and spending time together.
Maya, who was 25 at the time, explained that she knew she’d only have opportunities as long as people knew her parents. She told People magazine in 2021 that she expected a couple of chances based on her familyâs reputation, but if she failed, sheâd lose those opportunities. She added that she believed that was fair, and she was determined to succeed.
Just before winning her first Academy Award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Jamie Lee Curtis playfully poked fun at current trends.
Oh my gosh, you guys, when Jamie Lee Curtis won her SAG Award, it was EVERYTHING! She was so real. She started by saying how both her parents were actors, and she married an actor â Christopher Guest, can you believe it?! But then she addressed all the ‘nepo baby’ talk, and it was perfect! She was like, ‘Yeah, I get it, people are going to assume that’s why I’m here,’ but then she added, ‘I’m 64! This is just⊠incredible!’ It was just so honest and amazing, I was practically screaming at the TV!
In a 2018 interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Colin explained that when he was starting his career, he initially underestimated the challenges of being the son of Tom Hanks. He thought people would see him as an individual, and give him the benefit of the doubt, but he quickly learned that wasnât the case.
The 46-year-old actor, who first appeared on screen as “Male Page” in his father’s 1996 film That Thing You Do!, 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.
Oh my gosh, Tom totally told him, and it was so insightful! He was like, ‘Look, if you’re not genuinely passionate about this, seriously, find something else to do. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for total unhappiness!’ It was such a wake-up call, honestly. Tom always knows what to say!
Oh my gosh, did you hear what Tom said? It’s EVERYTHING! He was asked about all these ‘nepo babies,’ you know, kids of famous actors, and he just brushed it off like it’s totally normal! He basically said Hollywood is just ‘the family business,’ which, honestly, it IS! He was talking about his kids â Colin and his daughter Elizabeth, whose mom was the amazing Samantha Lewes, and then Chet and Truman with Rita Wilson. It’s just…a family affair! I knew it! He’s so right, it’s in their blood!
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 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 convincingly play the role and bring authenticity to it.
A scion of one of the most storied Hollywood dynasties, Drew couldn’t escape her famous last name.
Drew Barrymore, granddaughter of famed actor John Barrymore, acknowledged that her family name opened some doors, but explained on her talk show in January 2023 that it didn’t define her success. She used an analogy: just like someone from a family of lawyers still has to pass the bar exam to practice law, she earned her accomplishments through her own efforts. She emphasized that as long as people are supportive and not critical, she’s comfortable with the discussion of her background.
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 success.
Leni, 19, explained to People magazine in October 2022 that while she recognizes her famous parents gave her a head start, sheâs worked hard to build her own path. She acknowledges she had advantages others would envy, but sheâs now independent â traveling, attending school, and pursuing her own goals. She shares a passion for the same things as her mother, which is a special bond for them.
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, like many others have before me,” the Euphoria star shared with Net-a-Porter in September 2022. “Itâs still early in my career, and I havenât built up a large body of work yet, but I hope to eventually look back and be proud of what Iâve accomplished on my own.
In December 2022, actress Lena Allen tweeted that people should be more concerned about individuals with family connections getting jobs in fields like law, banking, and politics, as these positions have a real impact on people’s lives and opportunities. She was defending her own career success, adding with a touch of sarcasm, ‘But thatâs none of my business.’
After facing criticism online about being a “nepo baby” â someone benefiting from famous parents (actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen) â Lily Allen agreed it was a fair point to discuss, especially given TikTokâs focus on showcasing those with family connections in the entertainment industry.
She posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the industry clearly lacks diversity when it comes to class and race, which harms everyone. While acknowledging criticism of ‘nepo babies,’ she believes the issue is larger, pointing to broader problems with wealth inequality and a lack of opportunities 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 â as long as you take responsibility for your own accomplishments too.
In December 2022, she posted on Instagram urging fellow ‘nepo babies’ â people with famous parents â to simply recognize the advantages their family name has given them and then move forward. She believes that while hard work and skill eventually matter, pretending that being known as someoneâs child is a legitimate hardship comes across as 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, intentionally stating things very plainly. She acknowledged being a ‘nepo baby’ â someone with famous parents â and said she fully accepts that label. She shared this on the podcast The Circuit With Emily Chang.
In February 2023, Bruce and Demi Willisâs youngest daughter publicly acknowledged her older sisters, Rumer and Scout, 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 he shares a parent with ex-husband Dennis Quaid.
Meg pointed out that calling someone a ‘nepo baby’ ignores their hard work, talent, and awareness of their advantages.
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 said he expected that to continue, and he was okay with it, as long as he himself knew the reasons behind his success.
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 wasnât trying to avoid the acting world. Heâs a big admirer of both his parentsâ work. He also pointed out that because of his age â he couldnât start auditioning until he turned 18 â heâd be thrilled with the job even if his parents werenât actors.
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2026-02-12 17:20