Stellan Skarsgård Says His Son, 13, Is Bullied for Being “Nepo Baby”

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Stellan Skarsgård wants his son to be a super trouper when dealing with bullies.

Stellan Skarsgård, known for his role in Mamma Mia!, talked about the teasing his youngest son, 13-year-old Kolbjörn, experiences because of his famous dad. Skarsgård shares Kolbjörn with his wife, Megan Everett, and also has two older actor sons, Alexander, 49, and Bill, 35, with his ex-wife, My Skarsgård.

Stellan Skarsgård recently told Vulture that his youngest son, 13-year-old Kolbjörn, is upset when classmates call him a ‘nepo baby’ – someone who benefits from having famous parents. Skarsgård explained that Kolbjörn doesn’t have many friends at school and becomes isolated because of the bullying, which is especially prevalent online. He described the kids as ‘cruel—or cruel and ignorant’ and noted they seem to enjoy it.

Stellan Skarsgård strongly objected to the idea that his son, Kolbjörn—currently appearing in the Swedish TV series Blood Cruise—has unfairly benefited from having famous parents, calling the claim “total nonsense.”

He pointed out that it’s difficult to get a good job if you don’t have the necessary skills or experience.

Stellan Skarsgård, 74, is a father to six children: Gustaf, 44, Sam, 42, Eija, 33, and Valter, 30, with his former partner My, and Ossian, 16, with Megan. He doesn’t feel the need to get involved in their careers, stating he’s never offered them professional advice or assistance.

In fact, Stellan believes he deserves the title more thanks to his children’s acting success. 

He jokingly referred to himself as a ‘nepo daddy,’ explaining that his children’s success and his own career likely benefit from positive treatment and opportunities due to their connection to him.

Besides his work and family business, the actor known for his role in Dune has mostly concentrated on what’s happening with his kids.

He explained that with each of his eight children, his biggest worry wasn’t about potential health conditions like Down syndrome or autism. He was afraid they’d be uninteresting, but thankfully, he said, none of them were.

Stellan shared that he has a strong relationship with his children, but he doesn’t expect them to idealize him simply because he’s their father.

He expressed frustration that his children didn’t seem to respect him simply because he’s their father, calling that idea ‘nonsense.’ He clarified that he doesn’t expect respect based on his parental role, but rather for his good judgment, hard work, or anything he creates for them.

Read on for what other stars have said about nepotism in the entertainment industry. 

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 called the whole situation “lame” and said she immediately agreed to participate in a Saturday Night Live sketch that joked about it. She had hosted the show the month before and the sketch referenced the controversy surrounding her at that time.

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

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

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

Kate, who was raised alongside Goldie Hawn by her partner Kurt Russell, explained to The Independent in December 2022 that she wasn’t bothered by how people labeled her family. “We’re a family of storytellers – it’s just who we are,” she said. “Whatever anyone else calls it won’t change that.”

The mother of Ryder and Bingham (from relationships with Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy) and Rani (with partner Danny Fujikawa) shared that she believes this kind of situation – people getting opportunities due to who their parents are – is actually more prevalent in other fields. She specifically mentioned modeling and business, noting she’s often been in business meetings questioning the qualifications of someone who clearly doesn’t seem knowledgeable.

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.

The actress from Bottoms explained that artists won’t compromise their creative vision to cater to anyone, especially not to protect a child. She emphasized that true art requires uncompromising dedication to the artist’s own vision, and that’s what she prioritizes.

She also pointed out that people generally avoid working with those who are difficult, unkind, or just unpleasant to be around. While acknowledging that connections and family ties definitely play a role in getting opportunities, she believes nepotism isn’t as widespread as some people think – otherwise, we’d see it happening 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 just 10 years old. She told Glamour UK in 2021 that she might not have known the word for it then, but she felt uneasy about not earning her own accomplishments. She admitted this feeling stemmed from her own insecurities and started at a very young age.

Ben Stiller, whose parents are well-known entertainers Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, thinks simply getting a chance isn’t enough to succeed.

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 that he believed everyone in the film industry, even those with family connections, faces difficulties. He pointed out that having connections isn’t a guarantee of success, and that show business is competitive, ultimately rewarding talent.

The Meet the Parents actor acknowledged that Hollywood isn’t always fair, and explained that while someone might get an opportunity through connections, they won’t succeed long-term without genuine talent. Basically, talent ultimately prevails.

Ben offered his opinion quickly, but he still faced criticism in February 2023 when Steve Martin labeled him a “nepo baby” in a preview for their Super Bowl commercials with Pepsi.

The former host of The Talk is committed to supporting his twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly, and is preparing them for potential criticism they might encounter in the future, alongside his wife, Rebecca Romijn.

My dad warned me a while back, telling me to brace myself because people were going to start calling me a ‘nepo baby.’ He said it was inevitable – that label was on its way, and I needed to be prepared for it.

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 advice on how to deliver her lines while at a diner. He feels that’s the main way he can share his knowledge and experience with his children.

Dylan Penn admitted she understood why someone might be upset if she’d been cast in the role, considering her father, Sean Penn, directed her in the 2021 film Flag Day. However, she also pointed out that as an actress, she’s faced a lot of rejection and has been auditioning for a long time.

Dylan addressed the recent controversy surrounding her brother’s role in a 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 – even if you’re related to someone famous like Sean Penn.

Dennis Hopper, who first appeared in a film directed by Sean Penn called The Last Face, said in a February interview with TopMob News that the recent discussions about ‘nepo babies’ hadn’t bothered him much.

He said he’s fine with whatever people think of his work. ‘If you enjoy it, that’s awesome. If not, that’s okay 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’s committed to doing a professional job, just like anyone else, and won’t let working with his parents affect his dedication.

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, I’d be fired, or if I was bad, I was bad – and I definitely have been bad at times.’

In a February 2022 interview with Elle, the High Fidelity actor 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 had a lot of advantages. Finding an agent happened quickly, and that definitely opened doors for me. Still, I kept reminding myself that I’m a hard worker, and even as a kid, I was always performing for my grandparents. That wasn’t about my family connections – it was because I genuinely loved doing it.”

Following the controversy, the actress explained to GQ some months later that it’s common for people to work in their family’s profession. She pointed out that this is actually the origin of surnames – 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. However, she believes the only way to succeed is to be perfectly suited for the role.

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

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 she acknowledges it wasn’t truly typical. She’s very aware that her experience growing up was different from most people’s.

I’ve been following the conversation sparked by Lily-Rose, and I was really interested to hear what Ireland Baldwin had to say. She totally gets it – ultimately, celebrity kids succeed or fail based on their own efforts. But let’s be real, they almost always get a huge head start, don’t they? It’s that initial boost that often gets them noticed.

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 things would be much easier to understand – and more genuine – if everyone was simply honest about their strengths and weaknesses, and why they possess them.

Gwyneth Paltrow explained on Hailey Bieber’s YouTube show in July 2022 that being born into a privileged family gives you advantages others don’t have, creating an uneven starting point. However, she believes that once you’ve benefited from those connections, you need to work extra hard to prove yourself and overcome the perception of unfair advantage.

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. Spielberg had a personal connection to Gwyneth, as she was his 14-year-old goddaughter.

Gwyneth Paltrow recently discussed the criticism faced by children of famous parents, often called “nepo babies.” In an October 2023 interview with Bustle, she said this judgment was happening even before the topic became a widespread debate, and she described the term “nepo baby” as unpleasant.

Oh my gosh, Stellan Skarsgård – you know, the Dune actor? – recently talked about this whole ‘nepo baby’ thing, and it broke my heart! Apparently, his youngest son, Kolbjörn, was getting flak at school just because his dad is Stellan Skarsgård! Can you believe it? It’s awful that his kids, even Alexander and Bill, have to deal with this, but hearing about it happening to Kolbjörn just…ugh. It’s like, can’t people just appreciate talent, regardless of who their parents are? I’m so protective of the Skarsgårds, they’re all amazing!

He told Vulture that when classmates call him a “nepo baby,” it really upsets him. He doesn’t have many friends at school and feels isolated, and unfortunately, some kids are deliberately mean – and they seem to enjoy sharing their cruelty online.

Stellan added, “It’s ridiculous, really. If you lack the skills, no one will hire you for a worthwhile job.”

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

Jane recalled realizing she was different around age 10, after her family moved to the East Coast. As she explained to Harvard Business Review in 2018, people reacted to her based on her father’s fame – Henry Fonda. Some were drawn to her because of who he was, while others disliked her because of it, creating a mix of positive and negative experiences.

As someone who’s been in the spotlight, let me tell you, having a famous father definitely opened doors for me when I started acting. People were naturally more curious, which is a boost for anyone trying to get noticed. 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. So, I really threw myself into my training – I’d take four acting classes for every one most people did! I wanted to make absolutely sure no one could accuse me of not being serious about my craft.

Being the child of someone working in a field you’re passionate about is a wonderful opportunity, especially when you eventually follow a similar path,” Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her role in Jurassic World, shared with The Daily Beast in 2020. She added that it’s a gift to see your parent succeed, but the greatest gift was her father, Ron Howard’s, unwavering support, encouragement, and genuine respect from the very beginning. Her first acting role, incidentally, was 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 believes those criticisms aren’t significant.

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 doubted her performance during filming. She explained that online reactions often lack depth, and emphasized the important role her father has played in her life and work. They enjoy spending time together and hope to collaborate on future projects.

Maya, who was 25 at the time, explained that she knew her parents’ reputation would only get her so far. In a 2021 interview with People magazine, she said she expected a couple of opportunities because of her family name, but if she didn’t perform well, she’d lose those advantages. “And that’s how it should be,” she added, saying 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.

Jamie Lee Curtis, accepting her SAG Award in February 2023, acknowledged her privileged background. ‘My parents were actors, and I married 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 beginning his career, he underestimated how much his father, Tom Hanks, would influence people’s perceptions of him. He’d hoped people would see him as an individual, separate from his famous father, but 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 truly passionate about this, find something different, because you’ll be unhappy if you continue.”

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 current wife Rita Wilson – explained that entertainment is simply “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 who are all storytellers in some form, reflecting a lifelong family tradition.

He also said it made sense that director Marc Forster would cast Truman as a younger version of Tom in A Man Called Otto. At the film’s premiere, the Oscar winner explained that ultimately, it’s up to the actor to deliver a believable performance. “They have to be present and perform well, and be truthful,” he told ET. “Only he could decide if he wanted to take on the role, and it was entirely his choice.”

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 runs the firm doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard and pass the bar exam themselves. She wants to acknowledge her family connection positively, without it being a source of negativity or jealousy.

Heidi Klum’s oldest child is doing well, likely because of 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 acknowledges her parents’ fame gave her a head start, she’s worked hard to build her own path. She recognizes she had advantages others don’t, but is now independent – traveling, going to school, and pursuing her own goals. She shares a passion for the same things as her mother, but is forging her own way.

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.

Many actors in similar positions have succeeded over time, so I need to stay focused and create quality work,” the Euphoria star shared with Net-a-Porter in a September 2022 interview. “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 what I’ve accomplished independently.

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, where they can have a real impact on others’ opportunities. She emphasized her own hard work while adding, ‘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, and that this harms everyone. While acknowledging criticism of ‘nepo babies,’ she believes the issue is bigger, pointing to broader problems with wealth inequality and a lack of support programs and funding.

As a longtime admirer of the McCain family, I really appreciated what Meghan said recently. She believes – and I wholeheartedly agree – that it’s okay to be proud of what your parents achieved. But she also stresses the importance of taking responsibility for your own life and accomplishments – owning who you are, regardless of your background. It’s a really grounded and honest perspective.

In December 2022, she posted on Instagram urging fellow ‘nepo babies’ to simply recognize the advantages their family connections have given them and then focus on their own skills and hard work. She added that pretending this isn’t a benefit is ridiculous and makes them sound unpleasant.

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 public conversation, stating she wanted to clearly show how she felt. Speaking on The Circuit With Emily Chang in June, the founder of Rhode Skin acknowledged and accepted the label of ‘nepo baby.’

In February 2023, Bruce and Demi Willis’s 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 natural talent than herself. She shares Jack 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 said he expected those comments to continue, and he was okay with that, as long as he himself knew he earned the position.

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 want to shy away from acting. He’s a big admirer of both his parents’ work. He also pointed out that because of his age – he couldn’t start auditioning until he turned 18 – he would be thrilled to have this job even if his parents weren’t actors.

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2025-10-24 02:20