Top 20 Celeb Nepotism Babies Who Deserve the Fame
#20: Jack Quaid
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Maybe you know this actor’s mom from “When Harry Met Sally…,” or a slew of other rom-coms. But when Meg Ryan met fellow star Dennis Quaid, they had a son named Jack. After rising to fame for his role in “The Hunger Games” franchise, Jack began his career with indie projects and comedy sketches. Today, he’s best known for playing Hughie Campbell in the hit TV show “The Boys.” Much like his father, who’s been in everything from “The Parent Trap” to “Vantage Point,” the younger Quaid has found success in rom-coms, comedies, dramas, and horror flicks alike. In doing so, he’s shown everyone just how skilled a performer he is.
#19: Kiefer Sutherland
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Kiefer was born to renowned actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, but we’d forgive you for forgetting that given all he’s accomplished in his own right. The actor made his film debut alongside his industry vet father in 1983’s “Max Dugan Returns.” He continued to work with his parents throughout his career, but that isn’t the actor’s only nepotism connection. Believe it or not, the acclaimed “24” star was even reportedly roommates with fellow nepo-baby Robert Downey Jr. in his early Los Angeles days. Still, there’s no denying that he’s wonderfully talented, and deserves all the success he’s achieved.
#18: Bryce Dallas Howard
By the age of eight, Bryce had already made her acting debut. As a kid, she was also no stranger to having Tom Cruise as a babysitter. But when your father is Academy-Award winner Ron Howard, that’s only natural. An industry baby himself, Ron also worked with famous parents, Jean Speegle and Rance Howard. However, the child star soon built an extensive career of his own. As a third generation movie-maker, Bryce has similarly established her own legacy. Best known for “Jurassic World,” she’s also earned recognition for everything from M. Night Shyamalan’s thrillers to blockbusters like “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “Spider-Man 3.”
#17: Lily Collins
While you might know this young actress as Netflix’s resident American expat, she isn’t the only famous Collins. Indeed, Lily is actually the daughter of legendary musician Phil Collins. There’s no doubt her family’s celebrity status assisted her career. But the “Emily in Paris” star has shared that she and her father weren’t always close, though they appear to be on good terms now. Nevertheless, the actress has made a name for herself in a space of her own. Since starring in 2009’s “The Blind Side”, Collins has continued to earn fame and recognition beyond her father’s shadow.
#16: Billie Lourd
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Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, and Billie Lourd. While they don’t share a surname, each of these actresses ended up following in their mothers’ footsteps. Debbie Reynolds, the untouchable starlet known for “Singin’ in the Rain,” was honored with a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and her daughter is no less influential. Carrie Fisher remains widely beloved for her role as Princess Leia in “Star Wars.” While Fisher initially resisted being known as “Debbie Reynolds’ daughter,” Billie Lourd thought differently. She even talks about the excitement of carrying on the “family hairstyle” with her own “Star Wars” role. In addition to honoring her mothers’ legacy, Lourd has forged her own career with her performances in "Scream Queens," "American Horror Story," and "Booksmart."
#15: Nicolas Cage
Unlike most cases of nepotism, Nick Cage didn’t rely on his given name to get ahead. The actor was actually born Nicolas Kim…. Coppola. Can you believe his middle name is Kim? Jokes aside, yes, he is one of those Coppolas. Cage decided he would go the acting route early on in life, but he also didn’t want to be seen as just another “nepo-baby.” Now, the decorated actor with a cult following is well loved and respected, not because of his family’s reputation, but for his wide range of iconic roles. From a “The Godfather Part III” reject to a national treasure, Nicolas Cage is truly one of a kind.
#14: Mariska Hargitay
The daughter of a former Mr. Universe and one of Hollywood’s most iconic bombshells, it’s easy to assume that Hargitay must’ve led a life of glamor and ease. However, that’s not quite true. Sadly, her mother Jayne Mansfield passed away when she was still a child. And Mariska’s road to stardom ended up being far from typical. She actually began her career by following in her father Mickey’s pageantry footsteps. Eventually though, she was cast as Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: SVU,” which premiered in 1999. The rest is history. Many seasons later, she’s still going strong. Her dedication to the franchise combined with her brilliant, layered portrayal of the character has notably earned her much-deserved awards and a loyal fanbase.
#13: Drew Barrymore
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In the 1870s, Herbert Blythe began his acting career, going by Maurice Barrymore to protect his father’s reputation. You see, Drew doesn’t just have a famous dad in the late John Drew Barrymore. She comes from a famous bloodline, and Maurice was her great-grandpa. From Ethel, a.k.a. “The First Lady of the American Theatre,” to silent film actor (and Drew’s grandpa) John, the entire Barrymore acting legacy is unrivaled. Yet that doesn’t overshadow Drew’s achievements! She rose to fame as a child star in Spielberg’s “E.T.,” and though her journey from there wasn’t easy, she’s since powerfully reclaimed her career. Indeed, a series of endeavors, including stellar film and TV performances and a talk show, have made her a beloved household name.
#12: Emma Thompson
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From “Sense and Sensibility” to “Howards End,” there’s no denying that Emma Thompson is an acting supernova. Adored for her impressive resumé and spunky personality alike, the writer, comedienne, and actress has never been afraid to be herself. But the Dame isn’t the first treasure in her family. Her mom, Phyllida Law, is in the business too. And her dad, Eric Thompson, won hearts for his work on the beloved kids show “The Magic Roundabout.” Emma has said that her late father “represented wit and words.” And she’s certainly taken familial lessons to create a legacy of her own. There’s a reason her Cambridge comedy group nicknamed her “Emma Talented.” Now, she has the BAFTAS, Golden Globes, and Oscars to prove it!
#11: Vanessa Redgrave
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The Redgrave family is so influential that they’re considered an “acting dynasty.” From silent films to “Doctor Who,” their legacy spans British history. Vanessa is the child of film and theater actors Sir Michael and Lady Redgrave. She’s performed in dozens of West End shows and received numerous Academy Award nominations. She’s also earned the coveted “Triple Crown” title for winning an Oscar, Tony, and Emmy, certifying her status as acting royalty. Her daughter, the late Natasha Richardson, went on to become a Tony-winning actress as well, but the family’s star power doesn’t stop there. Natasha’s son Micheál, whose father is Liam Neeson, earned his own “Rising Star” award in 2022. One thing’s for sure: don’t count on winning charades at a Redgrave family function.
#10: Miley Cyrus
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Miley rose to fame alongside her dad, country music artist Billy Ray Cyrus. When Miley was cast in the Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana,” her real-life dad played her television dad “Robby Ray.” Fans of Billy Ray might recognize the characters’ similarities, including the not-so-fictional reference to the chart-topping song “Achy Breaky Heart.” It’s obvious that outside of the family name, Billy Ray’s passion for music massively influenced Miley’s career. The Disney Channel star continued to forge her own path in acting, philanthropy, and music. With multiple chart-toppers of her own and a diverse discography, Miley’s vocal talent and stage presence is undeniable.
#9: Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal
For the Gyllenhaals, the film business truly is a family trade. While Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal are both well known for their careers as popular actors with multiple blockbusters between them, their parents are also prominent industry figures. Their father, Stephen Gyllenhaal, has directed award-winning film and television, while their mother, Naomi Foner, is an award-winning screenwriter. While their kids' careers in the industry might seem natural, Jake said his parents initially made him turn down roles so he could experience life as a “normal kid.” Yet, Maggie still said her mother played a large role in encouraging her creativity growing up. In passing on their wisdom, it’s clear that the Gyllenhaals’ influence paid off in the long run for the talented celebrity siblings.
#8: Tracee Ellis Ross
While it might seem daunting to live up to the legacy of a Supreme, Tracee Ellis Ross didn’t feel like her mother’s celebrity status was ever overwhelming. Rather than feeling like she was trapped in Diana Ross’ shadow, Tracee felt like she lived in Diana’s “embrace.” Tracee has established an impressive career of her own between working as an actor, helming a beauty business, and still making waves as a model and style inspiration. Tracee has said her mother always gave her and her siblings, who have all worked in the industry, the freedom to dream up their own unique futures. In response to her unique opportunity and position, Tracee has worked to make a valuable and meaningful impact through her public influence.
#7: Dakota Johnson
While most people grow up with their parents' old sports trophies on the shelf, Dakota Johnson’s parents, actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, are both Golden Globe recipients. Dakota is the third generation of a matriarchy of Hollywood success. To her, Tippi Hedren, the legendary star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” is grandma. However, Dakota has said that her parents initially discouraged her from acting. Yet, after growing up on film sets, she couldn’t imagine herself choosing a different career path. Now, Johnson is best known for her leading role in the "Fifty Shades" series (or maybe for her infamous Ellen interview), as she continues to rack up acting credits after capturing the public's attention in a bold fashion.
#6: Michael Douglas
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In some instances, nepotism extends beyond industry names to Hollywood royalty. While Kirk Douglas may have had a less than savory reputation in Hollywood, his impact on the industry has been recognized by both the Academy and the American Film Institute. He was a star of the 1950’s silver screen with several box office smashes under his belt. Michael has followed in his father’s footsteps as a modern-day movie star, and even directly borrowed from his father’s legacy by taking on his rights to develop a film adaptation of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Outside of his father’s legacy, Michael is well-known for being an Emmy winner, an Academy Award winner, and an MCU star.
#5: Laura Dern
While the connection between Laura Dern and her father, actor Bruce Dern, is fairly obvious, many were surprised to learn that Laura Dern’s mother is actually famous actress Diane Ladd. Together, the Derns’ made history as the first family to have neighboring stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Laura and her mom then made Academy history when they were both nominated for Academy Awards for their film “Rambling Rose.” Yet, Dern doesn’t skate by or fade into the shadow of her movie star father and BAFTA Award-winning mother. Laura Dern is highly regarded outside of her family name for everything from her role in Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” to her Academy Award-winning performance for “Marriage Story.”
#4: Angelina Jolie
The world might know Angelina Jolie as a popular celebrity and one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, but her short-lived stint as Angelina Jolie Voight is often forgotten. The daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand, Jolie’s initial TV credits are listed under her and her father’s shared last name. Jolie’s complicated relationship with her father has been the source of many headlines over the years, and Jolie has openly tried to separate herself from her father’s legacy. Though changing her last name didn’t magically rid her of nepotism’s influence, Jolie used her spotlight to build an influential and award-winning career under her own name. Now we can only wonder if the Jolie-Pitt children will do the same.
#3: Jane Fonda
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The Fonda family proves that nepotism isn’t always one size fits all. Jane Fonda countered assumptions about her father, Academy Award-winning actor Henry Fonda, when she revealed he wasn’t much of a “Hollywood insider.” There’s no doubt that she and her brother Peter, who is also an Academy award-nominated actor, still benefited from their father’s status. Jane just explains he never actively guided her career. While Henry Fonda has been recognized as a “Male Screen legend,” Jane’s diverse and eclectic career has created an impressive legacy of her own. From Broadway acting to television comedies to Oscar-winning films, she’s also collected a slew of awards too long to list along the way. Plus, you can’t forget her famous 1980’s workout videos!
#2: Jamie Lee Curtis
For Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis, “like mother like daughter” means both starring in a famous slasher hit. Leigh is well known for her legendary role in Hitchcock’s “Psycho” while Curtis rose to fame with her role in the “Halloween” film franchise. Not to mention her father is Tony Curtis, another prominent Hollywood actor known for his roles in “Spartacus” and “Some Like It Hot.” Unlike many nepotism babies, the Academy Award-winning actress is open about the impact her parents' fame had on her career, admitting she “had a leg up” breaking into the industry. But appearing in sitcoms, cult classics, Christmas movies, and the Oscar-winning “Everything Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Curtis proves she’s more than a shoe-in with refreshing honesty.
#1: Liza Minnelli
When Liza was asked about the most difficult aspect of her entertainment career, she replied that it was “getting to be known as myself as opposed to somebody’s daughter.” That’s no easy feat when your mother is renowned starlette Judy Garland and your father is Oscar-winning director Vincente Minnelli. However, Liza’s magnetic starpower quickly set her apart. Indeed, the triple threat snagged her first Tony Award when she was a mere 19 years old. Now, she’s part of a select group of celebrities who have won an Emmy, Oscar, and Tony, while also receiving the Grammy Legend Award, making her a “non-competitive” EGOT winner. Far more than just a famous name, the performer’s standout style and incredible talent have made her a lasting cultural icon.
