Hollywood is known for its stars, and it seems that many of those stars are the children of other famous actors, directors, or producers. These individuals, affectionately known as ‘Nepotism Babies,’ have grown up in the spotlight and often inherit their parents’ connections and opportunities. From the Barrymores to the Coppolas, Hollywood has a rich history of family dynasties, and this new generation of ‘Nepotism Babies’ is poised to continue that legacy. Here we’ll take a closer look at 40+ Hollywood ‘Nepotism Babies’ side-by-side with their A-list parents, examining their journeys, successes, and the impact of their family connections on their careers. Is it talent? or only connections that brought them so far?
Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber is well-known for her modeling career, but she’s also known for being Justin Bieber’s wife. Hailey was born into fame; Stephen Baldwin is her father, and Alec Baldwin is Hailey’s uncle.
Bieber started her modeling career when she was 18 years old and continues to be a successful model today. Bieber recently wore a t-shirt with the words “nepo child” printed on it to express her opinions about the current debate.
Michael Consuelos
Michael Consuelos began acting as a child and is most well-known for his role in the younger version of his father on Riverdale. Although the casting decision makes perfect sense, the public still has much to say about it.
Michael is a nepo baby with actor Mark Consuelos playing his father and Kelly Ripa, talk show host, as his mother. The young actor had to audition for the role just like everyone else.
Charlie Hall
Charlie Hall is Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s son and an actor. Charlie was first seen in the 2019 episode of Veep, which was hosted by his mother.
Charlie has not commented on the nepo baby debate, even though he was mentioned in a New York Magazine article. But his mom did have something to say. Julia said, in her Mariah Carey-esque “I don’t know her” fashion, “Yeah. It didn’t read it.”
Sydney Chandler
Recently, Sydney Chandler rose to stardom with a role in Don’t Worry Darling. This film featured her father, Kyle Chandler, an actor. Sydney says her father is an actor, so it’s natural to want to follow in her parent’s footsteps. “So I avoided that, [until] I found an acting class in Austin when I was studying for writing.”
Although Sydney’s nepotism may seem insignificant, it is not the only thing the actress has been known for. Chandler is seven years older than her boyfriend, actor Louis Partridge. This is a problem for fans because Louis was only 17 when they first met.
Deacon Phillippe
Deacon Phillippe, singer/actor, is considered a nepo baby by his parents, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon. However, we aren’t so sure that he merits the label. Deacon Phillippe’s acting credits so far are limited to a role in Never Have I Ever.
He is also well-known for his music, which was uploaded to his TikTok account. Phillippe’s famous parents could be argued to have made TikTok so popular. What is Phillippe to do? Never use social media at all?
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz, an actress, is the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. Zoe is part of an A-list family and has achieved immense fame. She also has no shame in being a nepo baby.
Kravitz was once insecure about following in her parent’s footsteps. However, she is now happy with her position in the spotlight. “It’s normal for people to work in the family business. It’s where the last names come from.” She isn’t wrong!
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke’s decision to become an actor was not surprising, considering her parents, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, both actors. Maya is lucky. But she believes she has the right way to handle it.
“You will be offered opportunities, but they will not be unlimited. So you need to work hard and do a good job. You will lose your chances of getting a job if you do a poor job. This is my philosophy.” Is she implying that regular people have endless opportunities at their jobs?
Lewis Pullman
Lewis Pullman had a backup plan for if acting didn’t work out, Although this is a common strategy. His father was actor Bill Pullman so it was almost certain that he would make it to Hollywood.
Pullman was still ready for anything. He was already “on the tractor section [in college]. If acting doesn’t work out, I thought I could join the road crew and help the backhoe.” We have evidence that this wasn’t necessary.
Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith was not easy to get along with in Hollywood. He was mocked as a teenager for saying the most stupid things a teenager could say, but he kept it in the public eye.
Jaden began his acting career following the footsteps of his parents, Jada and Will Smith. However, he has now switched to music. We believe Jaden’s struggles to achieve fame were due to his early start… at five years old!
John David Washington
John David Washington did not initially intend to become an actor like Denzel Washington. John David had a successful football career but was forced to retire from the game due to injury.
Washington claims that he had always wanted to act. Still, he resisted the temptation to become an actor in order to pursue something more personal. Washington said, “Even though I was hiding what I really wanted to do, it gave me an identity.” He’s happy with his new job, hopefully.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson is best known for two things: starring in the cringeworthy 50 Shades of Grey and being the nepo child of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.
Dakota was only 10 years old when her first acting career began. She played the role of her mom’s daughter in Crazy, Alabama. Johnson stars in many movies, including her first superhero film, which will be released at the beginning of 2024.
Billie Lourd
Technically, Billie Lourd can be described as a second-generation nepo child. Debbie Reynolds, the actress’ grandmother, was a very successful actress with a career lasting more than 70 years.
Billie’s mother was Debbie Fisher’s daughter. Carrie Fisher had many acting credits before her death. The most well-known is the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars movies. Although Billie’s fame and rise, fueled by her mother’s connections, seemed less appreciated by everyone, some people appeared to care about her.
Jack Quaid
Jack Quaid refused to accept any help from Meg Ryan or Dennis Quaid when pursuing his movie career. Jack declined the father’s offer of sharing an agent.
Quaid considered changing his last name, but he ultimately decided against it. Many of his fans were shocked to discover that Quaid is a nepo baby. Jack has now “made an effort to concentrate on the more important things and is really trying to embrace them” after a period of imposter syndrome.
Maude Apatow
Actress Maude Apatow is disappointed that her career is being shaped by Judd Apatow, her father, and Leslie Mann, her mother. “I don’t let it get to me because I know that I am in such a fortunate position.”
She added, “Many people in a similar situation have proven themselves over time, so I’ve got to keep going and do good work.” Maude, it’s all good.
Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley has a long list of acting credits dating back to 2013. However, she rose to Hollywood’s A-list in 2021 with the series maid. Margaret could be credited with the role due to her mother, Andie MacDowell.
Qualley was a great worker, and she received many nominations for awards. She is considered by many to be proof that nepo babies are not all created equal. Wow! It’s almost like they are individuals!
Zoey Deutch
Like her mother, Lea Thompson, Zoey is a charming actress. Zoey Deutch started her career at 15 when she was a guest star on The Suite Live on Deck. Four years later, her breakout role was as the star at Vampire Academy.
Deutch works side-by-side with her mother to produce a podcast called The Total Switch Show, which is about a mother-daughter swapping bodies. It sounds very appropriate.
Lily-Rose Depp
Like her mother, Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Depp is a model and actor. Her father, Johnny Depp, is a very popular actor. Although Lily-Rose is aware that many people believe her parents are responsible for her success, she disagrees.
“The internet cares more about your family than the people casting you in things. You might get your foot in front of the door, but that’s still not enough. It takes a lot of work to pass the audition and continue the great work after it.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, an actress/singer, is known as a “platinum-grade” nepo baby. This means that her fame has exceeded that of her celebrity father, actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus. Miley Cyrus has not commented on her nepo baby status, but her fans have always supported her.
One person stated, “I’m sorry, Miley Cyrus doesn’t have the talent to be a nepo baby. Her father is a nepo dad.” Another fan said, “Billy Ray and all the rest of their family would be working right now at McDonald’s if it weren’t for Miley!”
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson, her mother, Goldie Hawn, and her father, Bill Hudson, are all beloved and successful actors. Bill Hudson used to be an actor and musician. However, he is no longer performing and has never been in a relationship with his daughter. This makes him irrelevant in the nepo baby debate.
Hudson doesn’t seem to care about Hollywood nepotism. “I don’t care about where you are from or how you relate to the business. If you work hard and kill it, it doesn’t matter.”
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross is an unusual nepo baby because many people don’t know her mother, the legendary singer Diana Ross. Industry insiders know this, but it hasn’t always worked in Tracee’s favor.
An agent told her that she had come with all of these things. “You are beautiful, you have style, and your mom is Diana Ross. But then, you walk into a room, and nothing happens. It just doesn’t pop.” We are sorry, but we understand that nepo babies also have to work hard for it.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen is aware that her singing career was partly made possible by the financial support and connections she received from Keith Allen, her actor father, and Alison Owen, her producer mother. This doesn’t necessarily mean Lily isn’t talented.
Allen is self-aware but doesn’t believe Hollywood nepotism should be the main focus of public discourse. “Although nepo babies may be made scapegoats here, I think there should be a larger societal conversation about wealth inequality and lack of funding.”
Brooklyn Beckham
Brooklyn Beckham, a former model and media personality, is among the most hated nepo babies. Brooklyn Beckham has led a charming life with David Beckham, a former soccer star, and Victoria Beckham, a former Spice Girl and fashion designer.
Like many other young people, Beckham has tried various careers and hobbies. He recently decided to become a chef. The public reacted with a harsh slap, mocking Beckham’s attempts to cook and calling him stupid. Really? Is it not possible for children of famous people to pursue new interests?
Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress/businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow is the daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director/producer Bruce Paltrow. Gwyneth is very open about nepo babies and her public persona.
Paltrow stated, “as the child of someone, you get access to other people’s resources, so the playing field in that regard is not even. But, once you get in the door, which unfairly you did, you have almost to work twice as hard and be twice so good.”
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel became famous for her starring role as Jess in New Girl. Her place in Hollywood was secured, thanks to the work of her cinematographer/director father, Caleb Deschanel – and her actress mother, Mary Jo Deschanel.
Zooey believes that her famed parents prepared her to be a nepo baby. “Because my parents were in the business, it was natural for me to enter it with a very practical sensibility. That was a blessing.”
Lourdes Leon
Madonna is Lourdes Leon’s mother, a singer/model. Lourdes does not consider herself to be like other nepo babies, even though her mother is one of the most well-known people to ever live.
“I want to feel that I have earned things and not been given them. Yes, I do recognize that there is an absolute privilege. Nepotism babies can be awful, but my parents taught me I am smarter than that.”
Kaia Gerber
Kaia Gerber, a model, and actress, was given an advantage by Cindy Crawford, her supermodel mother. Kaia was also famous for her relationship with Pete Davidson. His ability to get romantically involved in relationships with women who are not his peers is always a headline.
Gerber must be born to a different family and not be able to date any Hollywood stars in order to be judged solely on her work. The celeb shared her gratitude for her privilege and also mentioned that no artist would sacrifice their vision to help a child just because he is a nepo child.
Lila Moss
Lila Moss is following in the footsteps of her supermodel mother, Kate Moss, with her own modeling career. Lottie, Kate’s sister, has spoken out about nepo babies, while Lila and Kate kept it quiet.
“Obviously, it is unfair that people from wealthy families get a leg up. But guess what? Most of the time, life isn’t fair. If you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything! Instead of dwelling on the success of others, try to create your own success!”
Landon Barker
We don’t know what the public expects from Landon Barker, an influencer. Travis Barker is Landon’s father, also known to be married to Kourtney Kardashian, a reality star. Shanna Moakler, a former Miss USA, is Landon’s mom.
The careers of Berker’s adults have led to the 19-year-old being featured on reality shows like Meet The Barkers and The Kardashians. Landon is resentful by the public for being a nepo baby, but what was Landon to do when literal cameras were inside his home filming his entire family? Hide?
Meadow Walker
Due to her father’s untimely death, actor Paul Walker, Meadow Walker, model, has received a much-needed break from the nepo baby debate. It is unclear how much Meadow’s modeling career was earned from her active pursuit of it and how much came about naturally after Paul’s passing.
Walker’s godfather Vin Diesel was asked recently if Meadow would be in the future Fast and Furious film. He replied, “I wouldn’t count anything out.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting career was obvious, as her parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, were famous actors. Jamie Lee recently spoke out on the nepo baby debate, and people are listening.
“The current discussion about nepo babies is designed to denigrate and harm […]. It’s interesting how we make the snide comments that someone who is well-known in their field of art would have no talent and then assume they are just like us.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Gyllenhaal, an actress, is the daughter of Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Foner. Maggie has not commented on nepotism in her career. Still, she said she learned from her parents’ experience in the industry.
“You can be at the world’s top, but then you’ll be nowhere the following year. Then, you become interested again, and suddenly you aren’t. They were hurting, and it was something I witnessed. I am a little more educated after seeing that.
Alfie Allen
Alfie Allen, the actor best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones, is a remarkable achievement that has been overshadowed recently by the fact that his entire family is equally well-known.
Alfie is the son of actor Keith Allen and Alison Owen. This sounds familiar? It’s because Alfie has a sister, Lily Allen. Lily has had much to defend her brother and herself. In contrast, Alfie still has to contribute to the nepo baby conversation.
Elle King
Elle King is a singer. Her most well-known song, “Ex’s & Oh’s,” topped the charts in 2015. Although Elle hasn’t had much mainstream success since then, it is not because she lacks talent or connections.
Rob Schneider is King’s father, which proves that nepo babies don’t always guarantee a place on the A-list. Elle changed her last name to be able to claim her Hollywood success. This was a decision that hurt her professionally but also helped her self-esteem.
Bella Hadid
Yolanda Hadid is Bella’s mother and became a star on the reality show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Bella’s success was also helped by her relationship with The Weeknd, who she dated on and off.
Hadid was 16 when she began modeling for Flynn Skye. Today, she is a model for Paris Fashion Week and appears in magazines such as Vogue or Elle. She has also worked with Ralph Lauren and Givenchy.
Timothee Chalamet
It is not clear if Timothee Chalamet is considered a nepo baby. His mother, Nicole Flender, is a former Broadway dancer but has never achieved the same fame as Timothee’s acting. While Chalamet was a kid, Nicole Flender was a real estate broker.
He was only given the nepo baby label by his agent, who revealed that Timothee hadn’t needed to audition for any roles in seven years. Maybe it’s because he is so talented, and his work speaks for itself.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively is the daughter of an actor and a coach. Her father, Ernie Lively, is a famous actor. Blake is well-known for her talent as well as her marriage to Ryan Reynolds, a fellow actor. Blake doesn’t love fame despite being an A-lister.
“My anonymity is something I treasure. Wanting to be an actor and wanting to be famous are different.” Lively’s inability to feel desperate to be famous has made the public more accepting of her nepotism.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is the daughter of actor John Voight. Angelina’s love triangle with Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston made her a Hollywood icon.
Jolie’s family lineage seems to continue, as Jolie’s children are showing interest in Hollywood careers and even joining their mother on the red carpet. It might be nice for the children to have some control over the story, seeing as the Jolie-Pitt clan has been in the news all along.
Truman Hanks
His actor father, Tom Hanks, cleared Truman Hanks’ way into acting. Tom Hanks has defended his children since Truman, and his siblings started to feel the public’s fury.
“This is a family-owned business. This is what we have been doing for years. And that’s what our children grew up with. […] If we owned a plumbing business or ran a florist shop down the street, everyone would have to put in some time.”
Sofia Coppola
Sofia Coppola is a filmmaker like her parents, Eleanor Neil, and Francis Ford Coppola. Sofia claims that people assumed her father was actually her father when she started making movies.
She’s made a name for herself and doesn’t get a lot criticized for being a nepotist. “When you start your career, people often talk about nepotism. You just have to do your job and prove yourself. Then you won’t hear it as often.”
Emily Deschanel
Not to be overlooked in the famous family, Emily Deschanel took up acting. She is well-known for her role as a star in Bones. Emily was far from new to Hollywood – her mother is an actress, her father is a cinematographer/director, and her sister is Zooey Deschanel.
Emily enjoys acting but admits that she once wanted to be an architect. However, this doesn’t apply to nepo babies. Aren’t our families and surroundings a significant influence on our career decisions?
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal is undoubtedly the most successful Gyllenhaal. That being said, his actress sister, director father, and screenwriter/director mother make for some fierce competition.
Jake is a star, but Maggie plays second fiddle. “Since our children, I have been her assistant, or in whatever capacity, she requires me to be, so I will keep that role. I am her little brother, and anyone who is the younger sibling, like me, will understand what I mean.”
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid, a supermodel, is the daughter of Yolanda Hadid, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star. Gigi took a rare stance in the nepo baby debate and sympathized fully with critics.
“I know I am privileged, so I was very guilty of starting from this position […]. I have always had a strong work ethic because my parents were poor, and I tried to honor them.”
Lily Collins
Lily Collins rose to prominence as the star of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, which has been criticized for its poor writing but remains a popular guilty pleasure. Her father, Phil Collins, is a renowned musician best known for his contributions to the Tarzan soundtrack.
Despite her father’s success, Lily has pursued her passion for acting and made it clear that she does not want to be solely defined by her familial connections. She has asserted that she is proud of her father but wants to carve her own path and be recognized for her talents rather than solely as his daughter.
Willow Smith
Willow Smith has been a fixture in Hollywood since the release of her breakout hit single “Whip My Hair” in 2010. As the daughter of actors Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, her ascent in the entertainment industry was perhaps inevitable. However, regarding the criticism of nepotism in Hollywood, Willow has made it clear that she is not interested in getting involved.
In her own words, “I don’t focus on how other people feel about me. If you love me, amazing. If you hate me, fantastic. That’s none of my business.” With a level-headed and independent approach to her career, Willow has established herself as a rising talent in her own right, separate from her famous parents.
Pauline Chalamet
Pauline Chalamet is a nepo baby, just like her brother Timothee Chalamet. Nicole Flender, her mother, was a Broadway dancer. Rodman Flender, a big name in the movies industry, is Pauline’s uncle. This helped push the label further.
Timothee’s popularity has outstripped that of any other family member. On the other hand, Pauline isn’t the star you would expect from such strong connections.