What Hailey Bieber & More Have Said About Being a Nepo Baby

As a child of a famous Hollywood family, I can relate to the struggles and privileges that come with being a nepo baby. Growing up with parents like Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, it was always a given that I’d have a foot in the door of showbiz, but that didn’t mean I had an easy ride.

In the realm of show business, nepotism seems to be the unspoken rule. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down for ages. As an ardent fan, I can’t help but notice this pattern where talent sometimes appears to take a back seat to connections.

However, whether it’s good or bad, the past is being revitalized through TikTok. Interestingly, content creators discovered that young individuals with surnames such as Apatow, Depp, and Kravitz were looking up information about the offspring of well-known personalities on Wikipedia…

Oh, watch out, brother. And sister. And daughter, etc. The “nepo baby” conversation was on.

Even though it could be argued that the basis for the “Hmph, I wonder how they got that role” skepticism can be traced back a century (with the original Barrymore siblings making their mark on the silver screen as early as 1913), the discussion was already well underway. However, the topic gained unprecedented attention when it became clear that many people were connected to each other, and this revelation rapidly spread across social media like a wildfire.

However, as Tom Hanks himself noted when his son, Truman Hanks, portrayed his youthful counterpart in “A Man Called Otto,” they can be seen as a multi-generational team of skilled plumbers.

The two-time Oscar winner shared with Reuters that their family is deeply involved in our family enterprise. It’s something we’ve always been a part of, stretching back for generations. Our children have grown up around it – we have four of them. If our business was a plumbing supply store or a flower shop down the street, each one of us would contribute at some point, even if it was only helping with year-end inventory.

Zoë Kravitz agrees that it is quite ordinary for individuals to be involved in their family’s line of work, as she expressed in an interview with GQ in 2022. She explains, “After all, last names originated from this very concept. If your family was known as the Black family, you were likely a blacksmith.

In a 2022 Elle interview, Lily-Rose Depp (daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp) emphasized that talent is crucial for landing roles, no matter the connections or family background.

It was apparent, given her action of cashing a check based on her own abilities, that she might be lacking in self-awareness. This sparked a chorus of voices requesting individuals like Lily-Rose to acknowledge their good fortune instead.

25-year-old Nosferatu actress shared with i-D several months later that she had become much more cautious when speaking about the subject.

As an ardent admirer, let me share her words: “I sense a profound effort from my parents to provide as ‘ordinary’ a childhood as they could possibly manage, given their circumstances.” Naturally, I acknowledge that this upbringing fell significantly short of what most people experience. I can’t help but notice the stark contrast between my childhood and others’.

Explore further to discover the thoughts and actions of various celebrities, regardless if they are parents, children, or both, regarding Hollywood’s nepotism and the numerous “nepo babies” present within its circle.

Originally, I found it extremely frustrating and dull, as expressed by the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson during her appearance on the February 7, 2024 episode of Today, in reference to the “Nepo Baby” controversy.

Referencing the matter as “uninspired,” the Fifty Shades of Grey actor humorously commented, “I couldn’t resist the chance to poke fun at it” – a reference to an SNL skit satirizing the controversy she participated in during her previous hosting stint on the show.

Let’s revisit the fact that this discussion has been ongoing for some time now. Emma made it clear early on that being Julia Roberts’ niece and Eric Roberts’ daughter wasn’t the primary factor in her career success.

Many individuals believe that, but the actress from Scream 4, at the age of 20, stated to PopEater in 2011 that this notion is baseless. She argued against the concept of nepotism, finding it absurd given her extensive audition experience and failure to secure roles despite numerous attempts. Additionally, she pointed out that while someone might help you land one role, they cannot consistently help you get multiple roles.

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

In an interview with The Independent in December 2022, Kate (who was brought up by Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn’s long-term partner) expressed that labels don’t matter much to her. She added, “In our family, we love storytelling. It runs deep within us. Others may give it different names, but it won’t alter the fact that we are a storytelling family.

As a devoted mother to Ryder and Bingham (who are sons of Chris Robinson and Matthew Bellamy respectively) and Rani (with my partner Danny Fujikawa), I often find myself reflecting that there are other sectors where such young involvement seems more prevalent, perhaps in modeling or even business. Surprisingly, I’ve encountered instances in professional gatherings where I’ve questioned, “Hold on, whose child is this? This individual appears to know little!

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

The daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, in an interview with Elle magazine for a January 2023 article, acknowledged her good fortune. She expressed that although it may seem simple, having access to a wealth of knowledge and wise guidance is something she deeply appreciates.

However, regarding filmmaking, the actress from “Bottom” stated, “An artist won’t compromise their creative vision for anyone’s child. Art doesn’t work that way, and what I’m passionate about is authentic artistic expression.

Additionally, she emphasized, “People dislike collaborating with those who are irritating, difficult to work with, or unkind. While nepotism does exist, if it were as rampant as often portrayed, we would observe much greater instances of it.

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

Mary-Kate Olsen’s younger sister, who almost went by Elizabeth Chase, explained to Glamour UK in 2021 that she seemed to grasp the concept of nepotism instinctively at the age of 10. She might not have known the term back then, but she felt a sense of unease about not earning something on her own merit, an emotion that troubled her from a very young age. It was related to her personal insecurities, and she was only 10 years old at the time.

The child of renowned entertainment personalities Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller opines that having a toehold won’t take you too far.

In response to accusations of nepotism regarding Sean Penn’s son Hopper being cast in a film directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry and written by Stephen King’s son Owen, Stiller tweeted in 2021, “Based on personal experience, I don’t know any of them, but I would wager that they’ve all faced challenges. The entertainment industry is notoriously tough, and it’s essentially a system that rewards merit.

As an ardent fan, I wholeheartedly concur with the sentiments expressed by the star of “Meet the Parents”. To put it in my own words, I firmly believe that individuals without genuine talent often struggle to sustain their success if they’ve been given a chance due to connections or family ties.

In February 2023, even though Ben had already voiced his opinion earlier, the discussion surrounding him as a ‘nepo baby’ picked up steam when Steve Martin referred to him as such during a promotional clip for their upcoming Pepsi Super Bowl advertisements.

Dylan expressed her feelings of frustration to W after being cast in the role, as someone else had originally been considered for it. However, as a professional actress who has been auditioning and facing rejection for a long time, she also noted this sentiment. (Paraphrased from “I can see being really pissed that I got this role, as someone else,” Dylan told W after dad Sean Penn directed her in the 2021 drama Flag Day. At the same time, she added, as a working actress “I’ve been auditioning forever. I’ve been rejected forever.”)

About the controversy surrounding her brother acting in a short film directed by a Spielberg daughter, Dylan stated emphatically, “That’s showbiz. It’s all about who you know. Period. Regardless of whether you are Sean Penn’s son or not.

In a chat with TopMob News back in February, Hopper, known for his first cinematic appearance in Sean’s movie “The Last Face“, shared that the discussion surrounding ‘nepotism babies’ didn’t truly resonate with him.

He casually said, “Whether you enjoy it or not is fine by me,” he shared, having recently collaborated with his mother Robin Wright on the film ‘Devil’s Peak’. “If people assume nepotism is at play, that’s their concern, but I promise to give my best performance, just as I would for any other role. Working alongside my father or mother won’t affect the level of professionalism I bring to set.

Collaborating with his father proved just as challenging an ordeal for Hopper as it did for any actor not connected to the director, he pointed out.

On any given project, he emphasized, “If I made a mistake on the first day of filming, I would be dismissed, just as anyone else would. If I were poor at my job, I would continue to be so. Regrettably, that has been the case for me.

In an interview with Elle in February 2022, the High Fidelity star explained that people tend to presume he landed his job due to his famous parents, Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz.

Zoë went on, acknowledging the challenge she faced. Yet, she recognized her good fortune – securing an agent swiftly. She won’t sugarcoat it; the connection certainly opened doors for her. However, she never forgot that she’ve always worked diligently. As a child, she would put on shows in her grandparents’ home out of sheer love for the craft. Her success wasn’t due to family connections; it was because of her passion.

Following an explosion, the actress admitted to GQ several months afterwards that it was typical for individuals to be involved in their own family’s line of work, stating, “It’s entirely normal for people to be part of the family business.” She further explained, “Family professions are essentially where surnames originated. If your family was known as the Black family, you were a blacksmith.

In a November 2022 interview with Elle, the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis expressed that others may have preconceived notions about her or her journey, but she asserted that there’s nothing more powerful in securing a role than being perfectly suited for it.

Very well, however, the remark from the celebrity known for playing The Idol sparked an immediate flood of responses, with over a thousand people adding their two cents.

Later on, Lily-Rose shared with i-D, “Nowadays, I’m really mindful about these discussions.” She expressed gratitude for her parents’ efforts in providing as ‘ordinary’ a childhood as they could under the circumstances. However, she acknowledged that despite their best intentions, her childhood was not like everyone else’s.

In response to Lily-Rose’s discussion, Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin’s child suggested that children of famous people will eventually succeed or fail based on their own efforts. However, it’s typically their initial success that gets a significant jumpstart.

I wouldn’t be in the place I am today, or be capable of doing what I can, if not for my parents. It’s crucial to acknowledge this.” – Ireland stated in a TikTok video posted in November 2022.

“Instead of implying that someone is either talented or capable, but not both, it would be clearer and more empathetic to acknowledge their abilities honestly, explaining how they came to possess those skills.

“Being the child of someone famous gives you privileges that others don’t have, which isn’t fair. But if you find yourself in such a position, you often need to work even harder and be twice as talented,” said Gwyneth Paltrow (daughter of Blythe Danner and Bruce Paltrow) in her interview on Hailey Bieber‘s YouTube series “Who’s in My Bathroom?” in July 2022.

In the 1989 TV film “High,” Bruce guided Gwyneth through her first acting role. Later, Steven Spielberg added a magical touch to it by selecting his 14-year-old goddaughter for the part in the 1991 movie “Hook.

In October 2023, Gwyneth shared with Bustle that before there was a heated discussion about it, there’s now a culture and judgment related to the term ‘nepo baby’, which refers to children of famous individuals. She described the term as somewhat unattractive or unpleasant.

As the daughter of a celebrated star, renowned both on screen and off, I was keenly conscious that my upbringing deviated significantly from what most people consider as ‘normal’.

Jane shared with Harvard Business Review in 2018 that when she turned ten, the family relocated to the East Coast. This move led her to understand, through the way she was treated, that there was something unique about her. This realization made her feel a bit self-conscious. On one hand, some people wanted to befriend her because her father was Henry Fonda; on the other hand, others didn’t like her due to the same reason. There were both positive and negative experiences.

When she transitioned into acting, the two-time Academy Award winner acknowledged that having a famous father in the film industry certainly brought her more attention than the average actress might receive. However, she made it clear that she didn’t want people to think she was only successful because of her lineage, so she dedicated herself to working even harder. Rather than attending one acting class per week, she increased her study schedule to four classes a week, ensuring no one could label her as a casual enthusiast.

It’s truly a wonderful advantage to be a child of someone who works within an industry that you find fascinating and eventually choose as your career path. In an interview with The Daily Beast in 2020, the Jurassic World star, whose early role was “Redheaded Audience Girl” in dad Ron Howard’s Parenthood, expressed this sentiment. For him, it’s not just about the success of that person. Instead, what he treasures most is the fact that his father was always supportive, empowering him, and showing genuine respect from the very beginning.

Indeed, Bryce went on to explain, “doubts may sneak in or someone might comment, for example, ‘She achieved that solely due to factors A, B, and C.’ However, it’s important to remember that such comments are often insignificant.

Translated, what he said was, “I’m proudly a father who got the opportunity to work with my child, Maya, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.” Ethan made these remarks in an interview with Variety in September, discussing his directorial role for their film, Wildcat.

In the movie where Maya portrays Flannery O’Connor, she admitted, “During filming, I experienced instances of doubt. However, the internet lacks subtlety. My father has been an influential mentor for me, and we share a desire to collaborate more closely. We enjoy spending time together.

25-year-old Maya had earlier expressed that she was limited by being her parents’ child, and in 2021 she shared with People magazine, “I expect a few opportunities under their name, but if I perform poorly, I might be ousted from the kingdom. It’s only fair, so I’ll just do my best not to disappoint.

Just before she received her first Oscar for her supporting role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, the offspring of the late screen icons Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, amusedly poked fun at the trending topics.

Speaking at the SAG Awards in February 2023, Jamie Lee, married to actor Christopher Guest, acknowledged the assumption that her success might be due to family connections. At the age of 64, she expressed her joy and amazement at this recognition, acknowledging that people might think “nepo baby” (short for nepotism baby), suggesting a privileged position due to family ties, but emphasized that this isn’t the case.

Back when I first embarked on this journey, I had a certain innocent optimism about it all, assuming it wasn’t as daunting as it turned out to be, believing people would give me the leeway to establish my own identity. However, I soon realized that the luxury of being Tom Hanks’ son doesn’t extend to having others accept you as your own person – a lesson I learned all too well.

The 46-year-old, who made his film debut as “Male Page” in his father’s directorial debut That Thing You Do! in 1996, expressed on the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend in October 2022 that he owes his entry into acting to his dad’s guidance, suggesting he should only pursue it if he was truly passionate about it.

Tom suggested, “If you aren’t truly committed to this, consider another option, as sticking with it could lead to misery.

Tom, who is a father to Colin, Elizabeth (from his late ex-wife Samantha Lewes), and sons Chet and Truman (with his current spouse Rita Wilson) when discussing the renewed interest in actors’ children, referred to showbusiness as just “our family occupation.

In an interview with Reuters in January 2023, Tom shared, “This is something we’ve been engaged in for a long time, it’s been part of our lives since the beginning. It’s what our children have always known, and they all turned out to be quite creative, each one immersed in various forms of storytelling.

Additionally, it wasn’t surprising for director Marc Forster to choose Truman as the younger version of Tom in “A Man Called Otto”. However, as the Oscar winner explained during the film’s premiere, “Ultimately, it depends on whether the individual can appear on set when required and portray truthfully. That choice is solely theirs. It was entirely up to him.

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

Although being the granddaughter of screen legend John Barrymore might have held some influence, the star of Never Been Kissed, in a conversation on her talk show in January 2023, compared it to having a family of lawyers. She explained, “If someone said, ‘Oh, well, her dad runs the firm,’ it’s like, ‘Well, she still took the bar and made it here on her own.’ So as long as we appreciate rather than criticize it, that’s the spirit I aim for.

Heidi Klum’s eldest child is doing well, largely due to the influence of her supermodel mother and father Seal. However, ultimately, she must make the decision to continue living there.

19-year-old Leni stated to People magazine in October 2022 that it’s simply true: her parents are well-known figures. While she acknowledges receiving a headstart due to their fame, she also recognizes many would yearn for such an opportunity… However, Leni emphasizes her own efforts and dedication. Currently, she’s independently traveling, pursuing education, and shares the same passion as her mother in a specific area.

Judd Apatow’s and Leslie Mann’s eldest daughter, in fact, felt disheartened due to being labeled a “nepotism baby,” yet she made an effort to keep it from affecting her too much.

In essence, the Euphoria star expressed that many others who find themselves in similar circumstances have demonstrated their abilities over time, which encourages him to persevere and produce quality work. He acknowledged that he is still at the beginning of his career, with limited accomplishments thus far, but hopes that one day he will be able to look back on his work with a sense of pride, having achieved success independently.

In a tweet posted in December 2022, Allen defended her position by stating: “It’s the nepotism offspring you ought to be concerned about who are employed in law firms, banks, and politics. If we’re discussing tangible impacts and depriving people of chances, these are the ones that matter.” However, she quickly added: “But that’s not my concern.

In reply to the expected criticism pointing out that TikTok was favoring entertainers with influential parents, such as herself (daughter of actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen), Lily gracefully conceded that this was indeed a worthwhile discussion.

She expressed that it’s evident in the industry, particularly regarding class and race, there’s a significant absence of representation. This lack negatively impacts everyone involved…However, I believe the term “nepo babies” is being unfairly targeted here. Instead, we should be having a broader conversation about wealth disparity, and the lack of initiatives and financial support in society.

In the opinion of the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain and Cindy McCain, it’s perfectly okay to have successful parents. However, one should embrace and acknowledge this fact.

In her Instagram Stories post from December 2022, she said, “To those often referred to as ‘Nepo babies,’ I suggest you recognize the advantage your family name provides and the opportunities it has opened up for you. However, don’t forget that talent and determination eventually matter. But let’s stop pretending that being associated with our well-known parents is a justifiable burden—it comes off as arrogant.

Is there more to be said by Stephen Baldwin’s daughter, who is also the niece of Alec, Billy, and Daniel Baldwin, as expressed in her “Nepotism Baby” t-shirt from January 2023?

Though she did.

In June, Hailey explained that her intention behind the “extra clear” message on The Circuit With Emily Chang was to respond directly to what others were saying. She acknowledged being a ‘nepo baby’ and admitted to embracing this fact.

In February 2023, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s youngest daughter paid a stylish tribute to her elder sisters Rumer Willis and Scout Willis, acknowledging their status as the offspring of Hollywood celebrities.

In an interview with Glamour, the queen of romantic comedies spoke highly of her son Jack Quaid, sharing that he’s incredibly gifted. She admits that when it comes to acting, he outshines her talent.

Meg commented, “His background doesn’t do justice to his hard work, talents, or his awareness of his privileged position.

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

In an interview with Thrillist back in 2022, the star of ‘The Boys’ stated, “I anticipated that people would often comment, ‘Oh, I know how he landed that job.’ Yet, they continue to do so. It doesn’t bother me. As long as I am aware of my path to success, that knowledge is sufficient for me.

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

In an interview on Allegedly with Matthew Cole Weiss in 2016, he clarified, “I don’t want to avoid it. Instead, I am genuinely a big admirer of their work.” Reminding us that he couldn’t audition until he turned 18, Jack further explained, “Had my parents not been actors, I would still be thrilled to have landed this role.

2024-12-27 15:19

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