Celebrities You Probably Didn’t Know Were Nepotism Babies

By Orgesta Tolaj

11 January 2024

Success comes from hard work and never giving up. However, what happens when you get a little help along the way? Well, that is what the internet has been discussing for the past few years. Celebrities, actors, and singers who got a helpful push into their careers start from their famous parents. Are these just Nepotism Babies or did they achieve this success by themselves?

What Are Nepotism Babies?

A “nepo baby,” short for nepotism baby, refers to the children of celebrities who achieve success in careers similar to those of their parents due to existing connections in the industry. The term, popularized in the early 2010s and later shortened to “nepo baby” in 2020, is often used pejoratively to suggest that the fame and success of such individuals are perceived as unearned or undeserved.

The term gained traction after Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut criticized film producer Karan Johar for nepotism on a talk show. The phrase has been used in discussions around celebrities benefiting from family connections in their careers.

Celebrities That Are Considered Nepotism Babies

These are some celebrities that are considered Nepotism Babies:

15. Lily-Rose Depp

The actress, who secured her first leading role at 17 in 2016’s Yoga Hosers, hails from a family of young stars. Her mother achieved chart-topping success at 14 with the song “Joe Le Taxi” in 1987, while her father gained prominence at 24 with a main part in 1987’s 21 Jump Street. Notably, fans had noticed him since his small role in A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. The family’s early successes in the entertainment industry highlight a multigenerational involvement in show business.

14. Sadie & Sunny Sandler

Adam Sandler, a comedian who rose to prominence at 23 on Saturday Night Live in 1990, faced a setback when he was fired in 1995. However, this event propelled him into a successful film career that involved both acting and directing. In 2023, Sandler co-starred with his daughters Sadie, 17, and Sunny, 14, in the film “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” showcasing a familial collaboration in the entertainment industry.

13. Ever Anderson

Ever Anderson, the 15-year-old daughter of American actress and model Milla Jovovich, has made a notable impact in both the film and fashion industries. She starred as a young Natasha Romanoff in the 2021 film Black Widow and took on the role of Wendy Darling in the new Peter Pan & Wendy. In addition to her achievements in acting, Ever has entered the fashion world by participating in Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2023 campaign, showcasing her versatility and early success in both realms.

12. Zoey Deutch

Zoey Deutch, seen at 24 in 2018’s Set It Up, and her mom Lea Thompson, featured at 24 in 1985’s Back to the Future, both possess a youthful charm and distinctive auburn locks. Beyond their similar physical attributes, Zoey and Lea share a close mother-daughter relationship. Lea Thompson, a seasoned actress, has been supportive of Zoey’s burgeoning career in the entertainment industry.

11. Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson gained recognition in various high-profile projects early in her career, but it was her lead role in the 2015 Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy at the age of 25 that significantly elevated her status. Her mother had an established acting career before securing a career-defining role in 1988’s Working Girl at 31, while her father achieved fame at 35 with Miami Vice.

10. Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet, a Hollywood heartthrob known for his roles in films like “Call Me By Your Name,” “Dune,” and “Little Women,” has garnered widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations. Despite his independent success, it may come as a surprise to some that Chalamet is a “nepo baby,” being the son of Broadway actor and singer Nicole Flender and the grandson of filmmaker Harold Flender.

9. Maya Hawke

The actress, who began her career at 21 in the third season of Stranger Things in 2019, sparked debates among fans about her resemblance to her mother, who gained fame at 18 in 1988’s Dangerous Liaisons, or her father, Ethan Hawke, who became a star at 18 in 1989’s Dead Poets Society.

8. Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber, a model, and a notable “nepo baby,” has engaged in discussions surrounding the debate. The daughter of ’90s supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, she acknowledged in an interview with ELLE US that her successful career, starting at age 10 with a Versace shoot, has indeed been influenced by the status of her famous parents.

7. Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has surpassed her celebrity parent, Billy Ray Cyrus, in terms of fame, particularly through her breakout role in “Hannah Montana” and her evolving music career. Miley’s prominence has elevated the recognition of both her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, and her godmother, Dolly Parton, among younger audiences. Both appeared in “Hannah Montana,” with Billy Ray playing her on-screen father and Parton portraying her aunt. Today, for some young adults, Billy Ray is perhaps more known as Miley’s father than for his own hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” released in 1992.

6. Lily Collins

Lily Collins had a fairytale start to her career, making her debut at 23 in 2012’s “Mirror, Mirror.” Her father, Phil Collins, known for drumming with Genesis and later achieving solo success, transitioned to a solo career at the age of 31. His hits “In the Air Tonight” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” contributed to his significant success.

5. Olivia Jade

Olivia Jade Giannulli, an influencer with over a million followers on YouTube since starting her career in 2014, attracted attention for celebrity cameos in her videos. The daughter of Full House actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, Olivia Jade has faced controversy but maintains her “nepo baby” status throughout her career.

4. Nico Parker

Nico, who recently appeared in The Last of Us, made her major film debut at 15 in 2019’s Dumbo. With parents Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker, she had early exposure to movie sets. Thandiwe gained recognition with her breakout role in 1998’s Beloved at the age of 26, while Ol Parker is a writer and director known for his recent work on Ticket to Paradise.

3. Hailey Baldwin

Before marrying pop star Justin Bieber in 2018, Hailey Bieber was associated with the famous Baldwin last name. Her father, Stephen, and uncles Billy, Daniel, and Alec Baldwin are part of an acting dynasty. While Stephen Baldwin had success with the 1995 crime drama “The Usual Suspects,” Hailey, particularly due to her marriage to Justin Bieber, has brought more contemporary relevance to the family name, especially among fans her age. Today, she is also known for her YouTube series “Who’s in My Bathroom?” which has garnered attention and discussion.

2. Emmeline Bale

Emmeline Bale, the 18-year-old daughter of Christian Bale, is making a mark in the entertainment industry. Recently walking in a Dolce & Gabbana runway show, she is starting to gain attention. Following in her father’s footsteps, she has a growing interest in Hollywood and has some acting credits, with her notable appearance in “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

1. Maude Apatow

Maude, who started filming Euphoria at the age of 21 in 2019, is praised for her excellent eye rolls in the show. Her comedic skills might be attributed to her upbringing as the child of two comedians, Leslie and Judd. Leslie gained recognition at 27 in 1999’s Big Daddy, while Judd, who was 31, had a cameo in 1995’s Heavyweights before becoming known for his directing.