22 Hollywood "Nepo Babies" Whose Talent Outshines Their Family Connections
Reddit user phantom_avenger recently asked members of the r/movecritic subreddit: "What actor or actress actually has talent although they come from nepotism?" Many people responded to the thread sharing the talented "nepo baby" stars who they believe have earned every last bit of their fame. Here's what they said:
1. Kate Hudson
"Kate Hudson. I feel like she meets this description well. Her mother is Goldie Hawn, and her stepdad is Kurt Russell. Talk about an all-time upbringing."
— Celestial-Badger
"Kate Hudson was the first person I thought of; I love her in almost everything she's done. We've been watching Running Point, and I noticed that she's really starting to look like her mama! Never saw the resemblance before."
— douflugug
"Kate Hudson is a great actress. Her performance in Almost Famous is incredible! People don't take her seriously because she did a bunch of rom-coms, but she's seriously talented!"
— MuseNeriah
Kate Hudson was raised by actor-producer mother, Goldie Hawn and actor stepfather, Kurt Russell. Kate's biological father, Bill Hudson, who also comes from show biz, was a singer for the Hudson Brothers. Goldie has starred in films like The First Wives Club and Overboard. Kurt has starred in films such as The Hateful Eight and The Thing.
2. Maya Hawke
Kristina Bumphrey / Variety via Getty Images
"I think she's going to have an excellent, long career."
— eblomquist
"I think a lot of the Maya Hawke hate is majorly overblown. She is undeniably talented. People compare her too much to her mother, who is already an established icon. Maya is still young but she's already had a notable career."
— lemonlimesherbet
Maya Hawke is the only daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. In 2021, Maya told The Guardian that her parents "tried to protect [her] from falling into acting." But when it became clear that Maya had her sights set on show business, they let her follow her dreams. "Once I was old enough, and it was clear they were my choices, they were very supportive," she said.
3. Kieran Culkin
Chelsea Guglielmino / FilmMagic / Getty Images
"In fact, he and Rory are both great actors, but in my opinion, Kieran is especially fantastic. In addition to having a famous older brother, Macaulay, their father, Kit Culkin, and paternal aunt, Bonnie Bedelia, were both successful actors."
— TakeOnMe-TakeOnMe
The Culkin family is everywhere in Hollywood. Kieran is the younger brother of actor Macaulay Culkin, who shot to fame after starring as Kevin McAllister in Home Alone. The youngest of the Culkin siblings, Rory Culkin, also entered the acting scene at a young age. Kieran's father, Kit Culkin, was an actor himself. Kit's sister, Bonnie Bedelia, had a career in Hollywood as well, with roles in Die Hard and Parenthood.
4. The Skarsgård family
"The common thought is that most men just want their fathers to be proud of them. For something. Hell, for anything. Meanwhile, the Skarsgård boys are all just slugging it out in front of their multi-award-winning father, who my grandmother argues is still better than all of them combined. Anyways, that is one ridiculously talented family they have there."
— Turbulent_Flan_5926
The silver screen just can't get enough of the Skarsgårds. Father Stellan Skarsgård is a respected actor with an expansive catalog, including roles in Dune, Good Will Hunting, and Mamma Mia. He has passed his talent down, with six of his seven sons following in his Hollywood footsteps. The eldest Skarsgård sibling, Alexander, has appeared in many films and TV shows, including Big Little Lies and Succession. The next eldest, Gustaf, knew he wanted to be an actor at age 6. He has appeared in projects such as The Way Back and Vikings. Finally, the fourth son, Bill, questioned if he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. He's most known for playing Pennywise in It and It Chapter Two.
5. Nicolas Cage
"Undoubtedly, Nicolas Cage is my number one pick. He changed his name so as not to be associated with the Coppolas and brought a sort of Vaudeville theater overacting style to the big screen that really hits hard when it works. He's definitely someone who is up for taking some personal hits in the pursuit of his art."
— Speysidegold
Nicolas Cage comes from a long line of Hollywood royalty. Yes, that's right: He's a Coppola. Orchestra conductor and Oscar-winning film composer Carmine Coppola married and had three children: August Floyd Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola, and Talia Shire. August had three children, one of whom is Nicolas Cage. Francis had three children, Gian-Carlo, Roman, and Sofia Coppola, and went on to become an incredibly esteemed director, producer, screenwriter, and composer. He is most known for The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. Talia also had children: actor Jason and musician Robert Schwartzmann. Talk about a famous family!
6. Jason Ritter
"He is as funny as his dad but has an amazing range. Damn, he was perfect in the very tricky role he had in Raising Dion."
— Ladybeetus
Jason Ritter's father, John Ritter, was a popular sitcom star and country singer. He's most known for playing Jack Tripper in Three's Company. Jason has spoken about his father's fame and admitted it played a role in his own acting career. He played Acorn in the 1991 animated movie The Real Story of O Christmas Tree alongside his father, who starred as Uncle Piney. "I will say, without any hesitation, that this was a full-on nepotism hire," Ritter said on SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show.
7. Michael Douglas
— Suspicious_Hand_2194
"This is the best answer. Michael is one of my all-time faves, and he nails every role he gets! An absolute acting legend!"
— Familiar-Sign-8497
Michael Douglas doesn't like the term 'nepo baby,' but he does come from famous parentage. Both of his parents were actors, and his father Kirk Douglas, starred in an extensive catalog of westerns, war films, and dramas. While speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival in December 2024, Michael clapped back at the idea of being a nepo baby. "I don't know a father in whatever business, be it a plumber or a contractor or a carpenter, who doesn't try to help his son join him. I'm a nepo baby too, you know? So that's the way it goes," he said.
8. Jamie Lee Curtis
"The best one is still Jamie Lee Curtis. She's 200% nepo baby in every sense of the word...but yes, this woman can act and stand on her own legs."
— Slow_Criticism8464
"I'm on season three of The Bear, and god damn, that woman can act her ass off still."
— Chaddillac
Jamie Lee Curtis is the youngest daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, two iconic Hollywood actors. Tony Curtis appeared in over 100 films, including Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Sweet Smell of Success, and Spartacus. Janet Leigh had a prosperous career spanning over five decades and starred in films such as Psycho, Touch of Evil, and The Fog.
9. Jeff Bridges
Taylor Hill / WireImage / Getty Images
— spoor_loos
"I read an interview with him years ago. He was even quite modest and realistic about himself: 'I think I would have made my way (in the movie business). But I am realistic about it. The main reason why I had those good roles early in my life was because I was my father's son.'"
— Slow_Criticism8464
Jeff Bridges' father, Lloyd Bridges, was a film, stage, and television actor best known for Airplane! and its sequel, Hot Shots! and its sequel, and Sea Hunt. Jeff and his brother Beau appeared in Sea Hunt alongside their father.
Bob Riha Jr / Getty Images
10. Margaret Qualley
Gilbert Flores / Penske Media via Getty Images
"That girl really has IT."
— WinterAnt
"Yes! I saw her in Maid and then The Substance. The fact that she excelled in such starkly different roles speaks to her talent."
— manuredujour
"I'm calling it here. She will be an Oscar winner one day!"
— phantom_avenger
Margaret Qualley's parents have had their fair share of time in the spotlight as well. Her mother, Andie MacDowell, has had an extensive film career. She's starred in films such as Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral and was featured alongside Margaret in the Netflix drama Maid. Her father, Paul Qualley, had a successful career as a model. Margaret married esteemed singer-songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff in 2023.
NBC / Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
11. Jack Quaid
JC Olivera / Variety via Getty Images
"He's really good as Hughey in The Boys, and sometimes I forget that he's Dennis Quaid's son."
— BipedClub684000
Jack Quaid is the son of movie stars Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. In 2023, Jack told People, "I grew up with friends who also had parents in the industry, so it didn't really feel different. But then you grow up, and you realize that's a pretty unique thing, that not one but two of your parents are actors." From a young age, Jack had an interest in show biz. "He had a video camera in his hand when he was, like, 4 years old,' his father, Dennis, told The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2021. Dennis has appeared in countless films, including The Parent Trap and The Substance. His mother, Meg, is rom-com royalty and has starred in films such as When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail.
Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images
12. Ben Stiller
John Nacion / Variety via Getty Images
"Maybe not the biggest range, but he has his own style of comedy and made his mark in the industry."
— Altruistic-Box-3778
"The dude has a shitload of range behind the scenes — writing, directing, acting, producing. The Secret Life of Walter Mitt y is one of my favorite movies. I know it kind of flew under the radar, but if you missed it, watch it."
— No-Hospital559
"All-timer for comedy actor and director. He's genuinely a genius in my books."
— CoochieSnotSlurper
Both of Ben Stiller's parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were famous actors and comedians. The pair had their own comedy duo, Stiller & Meara, and had successful film and TV careers. Jerry is perhaps most known for playing George Costanza's father, Frank, on Seinfeld. Anne portrayed Mary Brady, Miranda's mother-in-law on Sex and the City.
Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
13. Zoey Deutch
Stephen Olker / SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images
"I really like Zoey Deutch. I don't really know how you break into the industry without connected or industry parents, but if it wasn't the case, I think she's pretty good and holds her own in all her projects."
— elle_cee_ohh
Zoey's parents, actor Lea Thompson and director Howard Deutch, actually met on the set of a movie — Some Kind of Wonderful. Her older sister, Madelyn Deutch, is also in the biz and works as an actor, musician, and writer. Lea collaborated with both of her daughters in the 2017 film The Year of Spectacular Men.
Bruce Glikas / Bruce Glikas / WireImage / Getty Images
14. Angelina Jolie
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
" Girl, Interrupted, Gia, A Mighty Heart, Changeling, Maleficent, Maria, Salt, etc. are all performances I thought were fantastic."
— Green-Mind8323
"I think she surpassed her dad."
— WackyWriter1976
Angelina Jolie is the daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Jon is a prolific name in Hollywood and is known for films such as Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance, and Anaconda. Marcheline is known for the TV series Ironside and the film The Man Who Loved Women. In her later years, she shifted her focus to producing and charitable causes.
Fotos International / Getty Images
15. Lily-Rose Depp
Kevin Mazur /"She was amazing in Nosferatu."
— Hefty-Deer-7118
Lily-Rose is the daughter of actor Johnny Depp and French superstar Vanessa Paradis and is following in their famous footsteps despite their attempts to shield her from the spotlight at a young age. "I feel like my parents did the best job that they possibly could at giving me the most 'normal childhood' that they could,' Lily-Rose told i-D in 2023. "And obviously, that still was not a normal childhood. I'm super aware of the fact that my childhood did not look like everybody's." Johnny is known for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Edward Scissorhands, and countless other films.
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic, Inc / Getty Images
16. Colin Hanks
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for Children's Hospital Los Angeles
"There are a lot of great names on this list, but they get respect and acknowledged (some with awards and stuff). I actually think Colin is almost as talented as his father; he just never quite 'got there' for some reason."
— Vylnce
Colin Hanks is the eldest son of Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks and his first wife, Samantha Lewes. After his parents' divorce, Colin divided his time between Sacramento and LA, where his father tried to break into the business. Unlike his half-brothers, who were born after Tom became famous, Colin and his mother struggled while he was growing up. Despite watching his father fight to make it in Hollywood, Colin dropped out of college to pursue acting. Tom is known for Forrest Gump, Big, Cast Away, and countless other films. Samantha was also an actor known for Bosom Buddies and Mr. Success.
John Nacion / Variety via Getty Images
17. Jared Harris
Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images
"My pick would be Jared Harris (son of Richard Harris). Over the years, he's made more and more of an impression on me as a fantastic actor. He's quite the chameleon and has amazing range."
— SupahBee
Jared Harris is the son of Irish actor Richard Harris and Welsh actor Elizabeth Rees. Despite his famous parents, Jared didn't show much interest in acting until he was cast in a production while attending Duke University, where he studied drama and literature. Richard is known for films such as Camelot and Gladiator. Elizabeth is known for various TV series, such as BBC2 Playhouse and Graham's Gang.
Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
18. Bryce Dallas Howard
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
"Watch that clip of her crying on command. It's pretty amazing."
— turtletom89
"Hell of a director as well."
— MHPengwingz
Bryce is the daughter of child actor turned Oscar-winning director Ron Howard and actor-writer Cheryl Howard. Her other famous relatives include actor Clint Howard (uncle) and actors Rance Howard and Jean Speegle Howard (grandparents). Ron's career took off after starring as Opie in The Andy Griffith Show. He's also known for producing the film A Beautiful Mind and the TV show Arrested Development and directing the film Apollo 13.
Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images
19. Kiefer Sutherland
Darren Arthur / Getty Images for GEA
"No, he's not as accomplished as his late papa, but his stints on TV shows 24 and Designated Survivor earned my respect."
— ProfessorJAM
Kiefer is the son of Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. Kiefer has said he grew up unaware of his father's success until he moved to Hollywood at 17 to pursue his own career. That's when he realized how "special and great" his father was as an actor. He recalls binge-watching his father's work, being blown away, and calling him to apologize for not realizing it sooner. Donald Sutherland appeared in over 200 films, including Pride & Prejudice, the Hunger Games franchise, and M*A*S*H.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
20. Lily Collins
Jeff Spicer /"I didn't even know she was Phil Collins's daughter, but she is super TALENTED."
— MysteryGirl135
Lily has made a name for herself in film and TV, but did you know her father is an iconic musician? That's right, her father is Phil Collins. Phil rose to fame as the drummer for Genesis and has also had a successful solo career. Phil's music has been featured in films like Tarzan and Brother Bear.
David Wolff - Patrick / Getty Images
21. Domhnall Gleeson
Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images
"Arguably a better actor than his dad."
— RavenBrannigan
Domhnall is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson. When asked if it's fair to say that established actors' children have an easier path into the industry or whether this undermined their own work, Domhnall said, 'I think both things can be true. Like, it would be ridiculous to not be aware of and acknowledge that the fact my father is an actor has had an effect on both how I see myself in the industry and the possibilities presented about whether it's a possible path, for example.' Brendan is known for The Banshees of Inisherin, Calvary, and The Guard.
Variety / Variety via Getty Images
22. Daniel Day-Lewis
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for National Board of Review
"He's arguably the greatest actor of all time and also a nepo baby."
— LearnTheirLetters
Daniel is the second child of writer and former Poet Laureate of the UK, Cecil Day-Lewis, and actor Jill Balcon. His maternal grandfather, Michael Balcon, was an important figure in British cinema and the Ealing Studios.
Fred Ramage / Getty Images
What actors or other celebrities come from famous families but hold their own talent-wise? Tell us in the comments!
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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They are just a part of the song now, and it will sound weird without them." —u/Onigumo-Shishio 14."The simple act of being bored while waiting in a doctor's office, traveling, or attending family parties, etc." "There was no nightmare rectangle keeping us preoccupied." —u/ShedMontgomery 15."When swing music and dancing went from nonexistent to full-blown movement from 1996–1998. That trend was gone in a flash." —u/Coffee-N-Kettlebells "Zoot-suit riot baby! It was a very unique three years in music. Best of all worlds, even our movie soundtracks were amazing." —u/Intrepid_Kiwi_7995 16."Buying a magazine to know what will be on TV this week." —u/Parallel-Unicorn "On that same note: Everyone tuning in and watching a show or movie at the same time, besides a live sports broadcast, you don't see anything like that nowadays because of streaming. I remember when a popular TV show's new season premiered, and everyone would be watching the exact same thing the night it aired, or when a new Disney Channel movie aired, everyone at school would be watching it that night." —u/kakapoopoopeepeeshir Related: 17."Riding to a friend's house to see if they could hang out: If they couldn't, you were just like, 'Okay, I'll start my 2-mile bike ride back home to find something else to do.'" —u/ColdIndependence5820 "I lived in the Midwest for a few years in high school, in a little town a few miles from one of those rail-to-trail bike trails. In the summer, a bunch of us would ride something like 15 miles each an ice cream cone. But at least it was something to do." —u/absolutenobody 18."When TLC was actually 'The Learning Channel.' It was like a no-frills version of the Discovery Channel, except it came standard on cable. You had to pay extra for Discovery." "But you were still able to learn about Egyptian pharaohs, cave murals, origins of the human species, aliens, and other cool stuff. Then it caught the reality TV virus." —u/vsysio 19."Living in the moment: Because there were no smartphones, no one cared about documenting every moment of their lives for likes and views. And if we did, we used a digital or disposable camera." "Not only was it freeing, but none of the dumb things we did were preserved online…unless we spent hours uploading them onto Facebook." —u/Dry-Subject-718 Did you remember any of these trends/habits? What are some other aspects of the '90s and 2000s that would shock kids today? Tell us about them in comments or answer anonymously using the form below! Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds:
