Are These Stars Talented Or Just Nepotism Babies
Raw, unfiltered, lightning-in-a-bottle talent is pretty rare. While there are a ton of famous people out there with a lot of great skills, there are only so many truly talented artists in any given craft. They’re the upper echelon of naturally gifted people that seem to eat/sleep/breathe/ooze their craft. In Hollywood, it can be easy to see who’s got star power. However, in a place as glitzy and intense as L.A., some actors have skills while others have great connections. Some of the biggest names in the game are doing well, but did they get to where they are because they earned it? Or is there just a little bit of nepotism going on?
TALENTED: Jamie Lee Curtis
Many people consider different actors to be part of Hollywood royalty. The requirements always seem to differ based on preferences, however one thing remains a constant: you have to know how to act. While there are many great actors out there, sometimes their personal lives overshadow their talent and accomplishments. Thankfully, some stars stay out of the tabloids and tend to focus on advancing and perfecting their craft.
One of the best and brightest stars in the bunch has been a horror movie staple for DECADES. She’s also been in comedies, actions, dramas, and anything else involving a camera and a press tour. When you think of one of the most talented in all of Hollywood the first name that should come to your mind is none other than the astounding OG scream queen: Jamie Lee Curtis! She might be Janet Leigh’s daughter, but she has the talent to back up her fame.
JUST NEPOTISM: The Kardashian Clan
Long before social media, if you heard about celebrities from a lot of people then it stood to reason they were a big deal. The more buzz people generated back in the day for actually doing something, the bigger they became. That’s how celebrities work. Once social media became a thing we encountered a new type of celebrity. They did nearly nothing for fame but people are enamored with them.
There are no singles/albums/art openings/ANYTHING other than follower counts that make them famous. Sorry, we should have opened with: this is about the Kardashians. Back in the 90s, the father to Kim and the rest of the crew was a highly sought-after lawyer. Nowadays his kids are sought after for…product placements?
TALENTED: Toby Stephens
Some stars appear out of thin air. Others are groomed from young ages to take their spot in the spotlight by parents who are already there. When Toby Stephens became the camera’s favorite thing to watch in Black Sails, a lot of viewers took notice. This guy seems to have raw magical acting ability coursing through his veins! It’s obvious he works super hard.
What’s not so obvious is that this isn’t his first time at the rodeo. Stephen’s mom is Maggie Smith! Yeah, so if acting doesn’t work out he could always get a job at Hogwarts or something. Talk about a legacy family!
JUST NEPOTISM: Gwyneth Paltrow
Whenever we get a package in the mail we can’t help but think, “WHAT’S IN THE BOX?!”. When that happens we immediately think of Gwyneth Paltrow. If you don’t get the reference then just go rewatch Se7en. This actor has been in so much! She’s also found time to become a mogul of business. However, for all of the success she’s had, some people aren’t convinced it’s built completely on talent.
A lot of people seem to forget that Paltrow’s family is part of Hollywood’s elite. Her godfather is Steven Spielberg and her mom is Blythe Danner for goodness’ sake! With lineage like that there’s no wonder she was able to make it so big.
TALENTED: Liza Minnelli
Somewhere over the rainbow, a song is being sung for Liza Minnelli. The star of stage and screen is one of Hollywood’s most cherished residents. Minnelli started her career from a young age thanks to already having a foot in the door of the business. How? Her mom is none other than Judy Garland! With a parent at that level of fame, you’d have a lot to live up to! Minnelli surpassed that expectation and rose to heights nobody thought possible!
Thanks to blockbusters and classics like Cabaret and Liza with a Z, Minnelli made sure she was in nobody’s shadow throughout her career. Her voice and charm will always be synonymous with Garland as well as being wholly unique to herself. They just don’t raise talents like Minnelli anymore and we’re all better for being in a world with her talent.
JUST NEPOTISM: Gigi Hadid
Strap in and take a deep breath, because we have a controversial opinion here: Gigi Hadid isn’t great at her job. Yes, she’s a gorgeous and highly accomplished model. However, how far would she have made it in the modeling world without her family’s legacy? While Hadid has worked hard and accomplished a lot, her family name and background probably helped a bit more than her talent.
Her mom is former model Yolanda Hadid! That’s a great reference already. Her dad? Oh, he’s not in modeling. He’s just a millionaire real estate developer! We can’t imagine that would help Gigi much…aside from having great connections, money, and fame due to your family name.
TALENTED: Colin Hanks
You love Tom Hanks. We love Tom Hanks. Everyone loves Tom Hanks. He’s just one of those actors that gets it. Apparently, it runs in the family. His son, Colin Hanks, is becoming just as iconic as his father! A star in his own right, Hanks Jr. isn’t just an actor. He’s also a successful director AND producer! Wow, that’s a lot of hats to wear.
His talents can be seen in shows such as Dexter, Fargo, and Roswell! If you’re a movie buff, then maybe you’ve seen him in The House Bunny, King Kong, or Orange County. Just like his dad, Colin just makes nearly every show or film he’s in better.
JUST NEPOTISM: Jaden Smith
Being the new kid on the block can be tough. It’s a bit easier when you’re royalty, though. After becoming the freshest prince of all Bel-Air, Will Smith expanded his lineage. When his kiddos were born, both pursued the arts in different ways. Jaden, Smith’s second kid, followed in his dad’s acting footsteps. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as well-received as the elder Smith.
Maybe it has something to do with the random and bizarre tweeting? While this kid has some talent, it seems he may need a better PR team. At the moment, despite his own acting credits, it seems that he’s just riding his family’s name all the way to the bank.
TALENTED: Carrie Fisher
We’re a bit upset about this one. Not because Carrie Fisher isn’t talented, but because we don’t have enough words to praise and gush about her and her incredible life. Fisher wasn’t just the face of the Rebel Alliance and leader for many. She was also one of the funniest, kindest, and most sarcastic actors of her time (or any for that matter).
There’s no question about Fisher’s star power, even though she was probably given a boost by her famous mother Debbie Reyonlds. Even off-screen her star continued to shine. Fisher was no stranger to raising awareness towards numerous humanitarian causes for both people and animals.
JUST NEPOTISM: Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts is no stranger to the screen. You might remember her as the relatable teen on the TV series Unfabulous, or perhaps you recognize her from Ryan Murphy’s show Scream Queens or American Horror Story. There’s no questioning her experience. However, her fame might be more closely tied to her family connections than her raw talent.
How much has it helped Roberts that her aunt is none other than the OG Pretty Woman? Emma Roberts is the successful niece of SUPER successful Hollywood legend Julia Roberts. Surely, some agents/directors/etc. knew this before even seeing the rising star audition, and we’re guessing this helped them make their final decision.
TALENTED: Elizabeth Olsen
If you’re a child of the 90s then you probably grew up watching Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen dominate the airwaves for nearly the entire decade. The Olsen Twins were EVERYWHERE! While they are talented, more people should be talking about the third sibling: Elizabeth. When she’s not busy fighting Thanos as Scarlet Witch (AKA Wanda) she’s busy walking red carpets and advancing her career with other projects!
Olsen’s ability to switch genres and emotions for a part has propelled her to superstardom. She also has the uncanny power to fully immerse herself into a role. At this point, there are almost more headlines about her than her other sisters (and they have a media EMPIRE)!
JUST NEPOTISM: Tori Spelling
Beverly Hills 90210 was the show on everyone’s lips from 1990-2000. This show was one of the best “real world” teen dramas on television and really defined an entire genre for future shows to follow. One of 90210’s biggest draws was Tori Spelling. Despite having an impressive career, she does have one thing working against her: her ultra-famous father Aaron Spelling.
Spelling may have got her big break on 90210, but it was her father’s show! The Spelling empire didn’t begin with Tori, it started with Aaron producing some of television’s biggest shows EVER. Due to his influence, there are a lot of fans out there that feel that Tori has had it easier than most finding work (even after her father’s passing).
TALENTED: Rashida Jones
How many Harvard-educated actors can you name off the top of your head? Even if it’s only one then it’s probably the powerhouse performer Rashida Jones. Jones’ acting ability has netted her unforgettable roles in huge shows such as The Office and Parks & Recreation. Before those, Jones almost stopped acting entirely! She was getting ready to return to school to study public policy.
Instead of hitting the books, the role of Karen on The Office was offered and Jones knew which choice she was going to make. Following The Office, she only continued to collect roles and accolades! While she was probably helped by her famous father Quincy Jones, her fame is solely a product of her acting talent.
JUST NEPOTISM: Nicola Peltz
Who here’s a Nicola Peltz fan? Anyone? Bueller? You’ve seen her, we’re sure! She’s the star of M. Night Shyamalan’s smash-hit movie The Last Airbender. Sorry, that wasn’t as funny as we thought it would be. That movie was a dark time for everyone (even audiences) aside from Peltz. Despite being in this and Transformers, Peltz has had a hard time making a big and respected name for herself in Hollywood.
It may be due to her family’s influence in the business being a factor in her getting into the movie business. When your father is a billionaire that can literally buy and sell movie studios, it can be easy to land a role or two. That doesn’t mean fans will be as easily bought over if the performance isn’t up to par.
TALENTED: Ben Stiller
Even if you have a famous family you can still propel your own star far if you put in the work and have the chops to stand on your own. Ben Stiller is one of the best examples of someone like this. Sure, his family has been connected to the tv and movie industry for a generation or two, however, he’s a phenomenal actor. Each Stiller movie is a treat (some more than others).
The guy has funny encoded in his DNA! Even when he’s not at his best he’s still delivering a unique product that no other family member could bring to the set. Plus, how could anyone think the star of Meet The Parents is anything but hilarious and talented?
JUST NEPOTISM: Rob Schneider
Sometimes, when a name is mentioned, a flood of great memories of that person can return. It’s a weird sensation, especially when an actor from the long-forgotten past is discussed. Remember Rob Schneider (he’s not dead, don’t worry)? He’s a funny guy that actually started his career behind the scenes. Beginning as a writer and ending up as a cast member on SNL is no easy feat, but Schneider did it without breaking much of a sweat.
His career really kicked itself into high gear when he met Adam Sandler. Thanks to Sandler’s timing and humor, Schneider found both a partner and a friend who would put him in a good number of films. But it didn’t take long for people to feel like he was riding his buddy’s coattails.
TALENTED: Wyatt Russell
Not many great actors can say they made it into the movies while still a baby. Wyatt Russell isn’t like many actors. From Overboard to Overlord, Russell has been in the spotlight since the late 80s! He’s even been nominated for a Teen Choice Award. This guy has taken on a surprising number of roles for someone barely in their 30s.
His charm and characterization abilities are some of the strongest in the game. How could he get cooler? Well, he’s also an ice hockey player! He might be the son of two Hollywood powerhouses but he managed to make an impression through talent alone.
JUST NEPOTISM: Cara Delevingne
What do you do when your family is ridiculously stupid wealthy? Maybe you’d fight for social justice and work with charities? Perhaps you’d become a socialite. Or, if you’re really savvy, you’ll start a modeling career and then transition into being a Hollywood movie star. While this may seem like a sweeping generalization about inheritance babies, Cara Delevingne’s story may resonate with a couple of those points.
She’s acted in some films and is an acclaimed model, but she also may have had help from the fam to get a couple choice parts. If rumors and accounts from fans and Hollywood insiders are true, Delevingne’s entire family should be getting credit for her early work. Without their connections and reach, she may not have even received the chances she got when her career was still young.
TALENTED: Billie Lourd
With a last name like Lourd, you’re pretty much setting yourself up to be royalty. It also doesn’t hurt that your mother is a princess of an entire planet. Billie Lourd is one of the hottest and most unsurprising stars in young Hollywood. Hottest because everyone wants her on their show and unsurprising because she DESERVES it. Despite having Carrie Fisher’s DNA, Lourd has never made excuses or seemed to just get handed roles.
Even when she was cast alongside her mom in the new Star Wars movies, Lourd made sure to stand out for her own abilities. With that type of drive (and insight into the world of television and movies) we’re sure she’ll go far at lightspeed.
JUST NEPOTISM: Dakota Johnson
When your dad’s Don Johnson and your mom Melanie Griffith you may have some big shoes to fill. Dakota Johnson is no stranger to Hollywood. Growing up in an industry where both your parents are considered at the top of the game can be intimidating. When she began her own journey in front of the camera, people were quick to watch her every move for signs of nepotism.
Sure, she carries herself like a seasoned actor. You can’t really fault her for that. Some fans think that her attitude (especially during interviews) and chosen roles are signs that maybe she’s just in it for the fun and money instead of taking things seriously (like her parents).
TALENTED: Zoë Kravitz
Sometimes two hugely famous people have a kid together. Some of those kids go on to try and fill their parents’ shoes in embarrassing ways. Others can’t handle the pressure (or don’t want the spotlight). Then there’s Zoë Kravitz. While her last name is synonymous with great music, Kravitz is similar to her famous parents.
She’s a fantastic example of knowing the industry but not letting it overwhelm you. Kravitz has handled her life in the limelight (and career) with grace. Her recent performance as Catwoman showed the world that she has the talent to back up her fame. We’re sure Lisa and Lenny are proud!
JUST NEPOTISM: Pauly Shore
One of the most famous stand-up comedy clubs in the entire US of A (if not the world) is The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, California. Any comic worth their salt and legacy has performed under that roof. It’s almost like a right of passage. Just like acting, comedy is all about who you know. When you know the owner of the club you want to perform in (or they happen to be your mom) then you already have a leg up on the competition.
Most people don’t even know that funnyman Pauly Shore got his comedy skills by watching and performing at his mom’s club! With performance experience in such a famous place on his CV, Shore was able to carve out a name for himself. In just a short time he somehow became one of the most sought-after actors of the early and mid-90s. But he definitely won’t be remembered for his raw talent.
TALENTED: Beanie Feldstein
The Hills are alive…and prospering in Hollywood. If you’ve been to a comedy movie in the last ten years there’s a good chance you’ve come across Jonah Hill. This guy knows how to deliver hilarious performances (and direct a project or two)! Did you know his sister is just as funny? Elizabeth “Beanie” Feldstein (Hill’s sister) is also a highly popular and ridiculously talented actor.
This Golden Globe-nominated actor has been turning heads and making headlines in Hollywood since 2016! Even without the famous name, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that she’d still be at the top of most talent agencies’ must-have lists. Now we need to see her and her brother in something just for the fun of it!
JUST NEPOTISM: Kristen Stewart
When one of the world’s most popular book series got a movie deal people were all aflutter. Twilight was a cultural milestone for millions. Who was going to play Edward? What about Bella? Kristen Stewart won the lead in the film franchise and her life was immediately changed forever. Okay, not changed forever. Long before she was cast she wasn’t a stranger to a movie set or anything.
Both of Stewart’s parents are well-known and established authorities in their own careers within the entertainment industry. Her dad is even a freaking television supervisor! Her mom is a script supervisor, too. Some people say wouldn’t have landed any roles without her parents’ influence.
TALENTED: Willow Smith
Are you ready to party? Are you ready to party? ARE YOU READY TO WHIP YOUR HAIR BACK AND FORTH? “Whip My Hair” is a catchy song but it’s far from being Willow Smith’s only contribution to music. Since her debut into the music world, people have had a hard time taking her seriously.
However, recently Willow has shown us that she has the talent to back up a music career, with or without her famous parents. In 2020 she released a collaboration album called “The Anxiety” with fellow musician Tyler Cole. It might not be your kind of music but there’s no denying Willow’s got some pipes!
JUST NEPOTISM: Frankie Grande
Want a small order or a Grande? Womp womp. Ariana Grande is a staple in the music industry and there are millions around the world willing to fight to ensure she stays on top. Usually, when one sibling is a hyper-successful international superstar then the other one is as well. Right? Ugh, no, not this time. Frankie Grande is a reality television star because his sister is a famous singer. If that sounds rude…it was.
Frankie has been everywhere since Ariana made it big. While he’s not a singer, this wild personality has made sure to get attention any moment the cameras are on him. While that is impressive, it’s hard to see him being on television without those connections.
TALENTED: Keiran Culkin
You should never under any circumstances abandon or forget your kids somewhere. If you’re leaving, and they don’t have someone to watch them, they’re coming with you. Good things never happen when kiddos are abandoned…except for the kids in the Culkin family. Everyone knows that Macaulay Culkin is a success story after being abandoned a couple of times in the movies.
Did you know he has a brother? Yup! Not only do they kind of look alike, but they also have similar career paths! Culkin’s brother, Keiran, is also an actor. He’s also pretty great at it. Television, movies, he’s done them all. At the moment he’s crushing it as a lead character on the HBO show Succession!
JUST NEPOTISM: LMFAO
The music industry is a massive juggernaut full of talent, hangers-on, and hopeful stars. It can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not careful. Those that make it aren’t just great artists. They’re also savvy business people or have massive teams to make sure they stay afloat. Some of them don’t need any of that. They just need their dad’s phone number.
Remember LMFAO? They had some bops and party tracks that defined summertime for many of us. While they seemed to mysteriously appear, it turns out it may have been planned. Their dad/grandfather just so happens to be the founder of Motown Records!
TALENTED: Mariska Hargitay
If you’re not watching Law & Order: SVU then don’t panic. You have tons of time to catch up on all 517 episodes. It’s a pretty jarring and oddly addictive watch. One of the reasons it’s lasted 23 seasons isn’t just the storytelling. It’s because Mariska Hargitay is an amazing actor with more talent in her bangs than most of us have in our bodies. Being the lead on the show since 1999 has helped Hargitay craft an amazing career.
With all of the Emmy wins and everything else, it can be hard to remember that Hargitay’s mom is also famous. Most people don’t know any other Hargitay. Who they do know is the iconic Jayne Mansfield! The celebrated American bombshell is Hargitay’s mom!
TALENTED: Anya Taylor-Joy
When you get to attend the school of royals you may have an inkling of an idea that you come from important people. Anya Taylor-Joy isn’t just a great actor. She’s also got some interesting family heritage and background to fall back on if acting doesn’t work out. While she’s one of the hardest working actors for Netflix at the moment, Taylor-Joy wasn’t always so confident in her skills and abilities.
After moving to the UK from Argentina, she said she found it hard to fit in anywhere and was relentlessly bullied. Once she left school and started working, it seemed the more that she embraced her roots and family the further she went. Yes, a lot of hard work went into her reaching the level she’s at. Could some of that status be due to her own family’s connections and influence?
JUST NEPOTISM: Scott Eastwood
If you don’t recognize this actor’s face you’ll definitely recognize his last name! His dad has been one of the biggest names in Hollywood for decades, though it doesn’t seem acting abilities are genetic in this case. Scott has been in a number of films like Suicide Squad, Texas Chainsaw, and Dangerous. That last one earned him a Golden Raspberry for Worst Actor!
Seems like Scott wouldn’t have made it very far in the business if it weren’t for his incredibly famous father. In all fairness, he tried to start off his career with the surname “Reeves” to avoid getting roles out of nepotism, but can anyone say his connections played no part in his success?
TALENTED: Thomasin McKenzie
This New Zealand actress has some pretty great connections through her mother, a famous acting coach. We’re guessing it’s easy to pick up skills (and connections) when your mom’s worked with the likes of Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. If that wasn’t enough, her dad’s a director! Nevertheless, Thomasin’s fame can be fully attributed to her talent.
She’s appeared in hit films like Leave No Trace, Jojo Rabbit, Old, and Academy Award winner for Best Film, Power of the Dog. Her parents have a whole lot to be proud of. We’re excited to see what this starlet will do in the future, she clearly knows how to pick great roles!
JUST NEPOTISM: Kaia Gerber
While she doesn’t share a name with her famous mother, she definitely resembles her in the looks department. This young actress is none other than the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford. She’s had a few modeling gigs with her mother in addition to her acting work. Kaia might be a lovely young lady, but her acting leaves much to be desired.
The actress was featured in six episodes of the anthology series American Horror Stories, and fans of the show weren’t feeling her performance. Knowing how to show emotion on-screen can be a difficult task, something that nepotism certainly doesn’t give you. Perhaps it would do her good to brush up on her skills before hitting the silver screen again.
TALENTED: Maude Apatow
When you grow up with a director for a dad and an actress for a mom you’re going to get a shot in Hollywood. Judd Apatow is one of the most famous names in the biz, directing comedy classics like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and producing movies like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Bridesmaids. Maude might’ve gotten a start thanks to her parents, but she’s been proving that she’s seriously talented.
You might’ve caught her in The King of Staten Island alongside Pete Davidson and Marissa Tomei. Though you probably recognize her from the wildly popular HBO series Euphoria. She can rely on her acting credits instead of her connections from now on!
JUST NEPOTISM: Rumer Willis
This actress has two legendary actors as parents. As the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, it’s really no surprise she followed in her parents’ footsteps. However, it seems she didn’t manage to make the same mark as her famous folks. Rumer has been in films like The House Bunny, Sorority Row, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
But she hasn’t convinced audiences that her roles are due to talent. The one achievement that people can’t attribute to nepotism would be her win on Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy. She might not have her parent’s acting chops, but she can certainly cut a rug!
TALENTED: Laura Dern
This actress has a whole lot of acting talent and awards up her sleeve. Her rise to fame started with films like Mask and Blue Velvet, she’d eventually go on to act in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park franchise. Acting runs in Laura’s family, both her parents were in the business! We wonder how many awards they have as a family.
While nepotism probably played a part in her career, Laura’s success should be attributed to her talent. She has such a long list of film and television credits that we couldn’t possibly list every one of them! She’s managed to make a name for herself that isn’t tied to her famous family connections.
JUST NEPOTISM: Lottie Moss
Many of the biggest supermodels had humble beginnings. Kate Moss was discovered at the young age of 14 at an airport, she’d eventually grow to be one of the most famous models of all time. Her sister on the other hand doesn’t seem to have the same captivating quality. It’s safe to say Lottie wouldn’t be in the modeling industry if it weren’t for her supermodel sibling.
While there are no specific criteria for a “model face”, people point out that she doesn’t have the striking features that made Kate Moss stand out. Lottie has a pretty face but that’s about where it stops. If that’s all it took to become a model then we’re guessing most ladies would be on magazine pages!
TALENTED: The Skarsgårds
Stellan Skarsgård is a Swedish actor who’s recognized around the world. He’s performed in a few famous films, including The Hunt for Red October, Good Will Hunting, and Mama Mia!. He’s got 8 children and a couple of them have gone on to follow in his footsteps! Alexander Skarsgård got his breakthrough when he was featured in the series True Blood.
And you’ll remember Bill as the man behind Pennywise in IT and IT Chapter Two. Funny enough, Alexander was also featured in an adaptation of Stephen King’s work when he guest-starred in a mini-series based on The Stand. Stellan’s boys might share his famous last name, but their talent is all their own!
JUST NEPOTISM: Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Die-hard fans of the Harry Potter franchise will recognize Hero from the sixth film in the original series. He played the younger version of his famous uncle’s character, Voldemort aka Tom Riddle. While he did a decent job with that part, people are beginning to question if he really has the acting abilities to justify his fame.
He starred in After, a romantic drama film series that wasn’t received well by audiences. Moviegoers and critics found the film boring; it currently has an 18% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Hero might be cashing the checks from these acting gigs, but he’s far from having the talent that made his uncle famous.
TALENTED: Jared Harris
Jared Harris is such a decorated actor in his own rite that you may be wondering who his famous connection is. He’s actually the son of Irish actor Riched Harris, who was famous on stage and screen in his day, younger readers might recognize him as the original Dumbledore from the first two Harry Potter films. But Jared has more than enough impressive film and television credits to back his talent up.
You might’ve watched his stellar performance on the series Mad Men, The Crown, or Chernobyl. He’s also appeared in highly acclaimed films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button or Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows. Jared is definitely carrying on his father’s legacy!
TALENTED: Daniel Day-Lewis
Having wealthy parents doesn’t make you a child of nepotism, it’s easy to assume that just because someone had rich parents their life was easy. In Day-Lewis’s case, he worked really hard to get where he is right now. Sure his family was rich and they sent him to good schools that helped him develop his acting, but he did all the hard work by himself.
He was an excellent actor at the National Youth Theater in London which eventually led him to be accepted at the Bristol Old Vic Theater School. Acting with the best of the best gave him the tools he needed to succeed in the film and television industry, showing everyone that hard work does pay.
JUST NEPOTISM: Kate Hudson
Hudson is the daughter of two very famous celebrity parents. While her mother is an Academy Award-winning actress Goldie Hawn, her biological father is the famous actor and musician Bill Hudson. On top of that, her parents divorced when she was 18 months old and her mother started dating Kurt Russell, another well-known name in the industry.
So it comes as no surprise that Hudson has an impressive career under her belt, acting almost exclusively in romance and drama movies. But despite having over 40 credits, it seems like none of the roles have a whole lot of flair to them. Hudson is a decent actress, but she likely wouldn’t get where she was if not for her famous parents.
TALENTED: Jack Quaid
When you grow up with both parents being actors, you need to try and shoot your shot in Hollywood. Quaid might’ve gotten a start thanks to his parents but he has proven himself more than once in his career. One of his most recent roles was Hughie Campbell from the superhero television series The Boys.
On top of that, you might also remember him as little Marvel from the Hunger Games and Catching Fire. You might also recognize his voice in some pretty famous cartoons like Solar Opposites and Star Trek: Lower Decks. It seems like Quaid’s talent knows no boundaries when it comes to providing quality entertainment for the public.
TALENTED: Emilio Estevez
The last name Estevez might not ring a bell, you might be better acquainted with his father’s surname, Sheen. That’s right, this actor is the brother of Charlie Sheen. Having both parents and brothers in show business helps a lot when it comes to picking up skills and connections. Nevertheless, his fame can be fully attributed to his own talent.
He appeared in hit films like The Breakfast Club, Badlands, The Outsiders, and Bobby among many others. While nepotism might’ve played a part in his career, Estevez’s success should be attributed to his talent. He has such a long list of excellent films and television credits that it’d be impossible to name all the good ones.
TALENTED: Zooey Deschanel
When you grow up with a father who’s a director and a mother who’s an actress you are bound to get a shot at Hollywood. Caleb Deschanel produced some great classics like The Passion of the Christ, Fly Away Home, and Ask the Dust. She might’ve gotten a small push from her parents but she embraced her own character and made a name for herself.
You might’ve caught her in movies such as Elf playing alongside Will Ferrell. Though she is best known for her role as the goofy and lovable roommate in the popular television sitcom New Girl, which shows the bubbly and quirky life of Deschanel’s character Jess as she goes about her life in Los Angeles.
JUST NEPOTISM: Harley Quinn Smith
What do you do when your dad is one of the most prominent figures in all of Hollywood? You’d probably want to pursue an acting career and be just as talented and successful. But that takes time and effort, it would be way easier to just mooch off of your dad and star in his movies, which is kind of what Smith did.
It’s one thing to star in a couple of your father’s films as a means to get into show business. But when eight out of the twelve films you’re in are directed by your dad, it begs the question: are you talented or just a child of nepotism? In this case the answer is pretty clear.
TALENTED: Chris Pine
Many stars have help from their family when starting off in Hollywood, but others appear out of thin air and manage to take the stage by storm. Although Pine has two parents with incredible credits, he wasn’t groomed into the acting life. In fact, he discovered his love for it at university.
He was looking for a place to fit in and eventually decided to get into theater. He performed in various plays in America and England, which gave him a great start in the industry. In his first year, he managed to get parts in ER, The Guardian, and CSI: Miami. But he is best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the 2009 Star Trek film.
JUST NEPOTISM: Stephen Baldwin
When all your big brothers become successful Hollywood stars, chances are you’d want to be one as well. Baldwin is a familiar face to many who’s been at the top of his game for a very long time, acting in over 100 movies and shows. But that’s expected when you have such big shoes to fill, following the footsteps of his brothers Daniel, Alec, and William.
With such a household name it makes you wonder if his success came from hard work or simply having the last name Baldwin. While he is talented, it seems that he prefers quantity over quality. Despite his acting credits it seems that he’s riding the family name all the way to the bank.
TALENTED: Maya Hawke
Hawke is a relatively new face on the Hollywood scene., and she has two actor parents who probably gave her a boost. But that doesn’t mean that she is a talentless actress like some nepotism babies. While not having many roles under her belt yet, the few parts she’s performed are very memorable.
By far her biggest role is that of Robin Buckley in the third season of Netflix’s Stranger Things. She spent most of her scenes with Steve Harrington as co-workers at a local ice-cream parlor which led to an incredible pair of characters for the season. She even won the 45th Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress in Streaming Presentation.
TALENTED: Lily Jane Collins
At the end of the day, many young adults in LA and Hollywood who get into show business are children of nepotism. But that doesn’t mean that they are talentless or bad actors, there’s nothing wrong with using family connections to get what you want. Plus, not many stars can say that their first debut on television was at the age of two.
Although her father is the famous musician Phil Collins, it didn’t stop her from making a name for herself in Hollywood. Her early work started off strong, appearing in two episodes of the best teen drama of the early 2000s, 90210. But it wasn’t until she was starring in the film The Blind Side that she showed the world what she’s capable of.