Top 10 Exact Moments a Nepo Baby Became Famous in Their Own Right

One of the most intriguing characters on “Euphoria,” the revered author of the most iconic meta high school play, Lexi Howard is truly one of a kind. It was this role that catapulted Maude Apatow to fame. It was also this fame that brought attention to her powerful parents, Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Those names bear enough weight to give you an idea of how influential they are in the industry. So, of course, she got her start through them. However, it was the organically growing interest in the actress herself that prompted a background search. If not for her breakout role in “Euphoria,” her parentage would perhaps not even be a viral issue at all.

Over the years, “Stranger Things” has been a fantastic launching pad for rising stars. Maya Hawke was one young actor who shot to global popularity through the show. Fans will argue that it had everything to do with her talent and nothing at all with her parents, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. However, she herself has admitted to her privilege, which somehow makes her much cooler than if she had dismissed it. Her portrayal of the wise-cracking, sardonic softie Robin Buckley, took seasons three and four to a whole new level and she deserves her kudos, nepotism or not.

In case you didn’t know, Johnny and David Rose from “Schitt's Creek” are actually father and son in real life. They’re also business partners who created the show together. Perhaps that’s why they could bring out such an authentic and unforgettable dynamic on screen. The brilliance of Dan Levy’s performance, equal parts sassy and sulky, is worth letting nepotism slide just this once, don’t you think? The show broke the record for the most Emmy nods a comedy has ever been honored with in its last season. It also won each actor in the main cast at least one Emmy. It birthed memes like no other and became an irreplaceable part of pop culture. Sure, connections helped, but it would have been historic anyway.

As the daughter of Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson had massive shoes to fill when she decided to follow her mum’s footsteps into the entertainment industry. Yet, rather than riding on her coattails, she established herself in Hollywood on her own merit. Within two years of debuting, her role as Penny Lane in “Almost Famous” brought her immeasurable success. With it came a lot more work than she probably anticipated as a nepo baby. It didn’t just win her a Golden Globe but also fans’ hearts, and she cemented her popularity with a string of rom-coms next. Talk about proving yourself.

This nepo baby wasn’t any ordinary star kid. She was heir to the Hollywood throne passed down from her extraordinary parents Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner. While she has never denied the advantages that came with her family name, Gwyneth claims she and others of her status have to work, quote, ‘twice as hard’ to be acknowledged. While we’re not here to evaluate effort, what is evident is the fruit of the same. Paltrow’s phenomenal performance in “Shakespeare in Love” placed her in a league of her own and bagged her an Academy award too! That’s when we knew we had another gem on our hands.

Growing up with music royalty Diana Ross as a mother, King of pop Michael Jackson lounging around the house, and Cher playing tennis out in the lawn was ‘normal’ for Tracee. As for us, we can’t help feeling just a tiny bit jealous. Yet all that went out the door when we met her as the ever-relatable Joan Carol Clayton in the sitcom “Girlfriends.” Erasing any traces of her elite upbringing, she became an everywoman, endearing herself to viewers at once. This love was only amplified by her Golden Globe-winning role in “Black-ish,” showing that she is much more than a nepo baby.

The “Flowers” singer was born to be a star. It just helped that the family she was born into had all the tools for her to achieve said stardom. As country star Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter, she definitely parlayed her nepo baby status into a Disney career with “Hannah Montana.” However, it was when she abandoned her goody two shoes image and flaunted her rebellious streak that she was able to step away from her father’s spotlight and into her own. “Wrecking Ball” was a cultural and personal reset for Miley, and as controversial as it was, at least she was true to herself.

Daughter of filmmaking legend Francis Ford Coppola wants no part of the nepo baby discourse. She has endured much flak for it and can’t stress enough how tough it was to be taken seriously. Even though she acted in eight of her father’s films, it wasn’t until she took to the director’s chair herself that she found acclaim. Once her feature film directorial debut “The Virgin Suicides” was released, her critics turned into fans and there was no looking back. In the next few years, she earned an Oscar of her own for her “Lost in Translation” screenplay, proving naysayers wrong.

When we found out one of the most versatile actresses Hollywood has to offer was a nepo baby born to none other than superstar Jon Voight, something inside us broke. Luckily, she had a lot more to show than her prestigious lineage. Jolie started off small, with minor or supporting roles and steadily made her way into James Mangold’s “Girl, Interrupted.” With a character she could really sink her teeth into, Angelina showed us what she’s made of. Soon she became a force to be reckoned with, the name on everyone’s lips, and the proud winner of an Oscar.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Andie MacDowell's Daughter’s Performance in “Fosse/Verdon” Was Groundbreaking

Who Knew Peggy Lipton & Quincy Jones’s Daughter Was a Comedic Genius?

J.J. Abrams’ Daughter Gives Us Some Amazing Bops

Meg Ryan & Dennis Quaid’s Son Was Persistent About Finding His Groove

Bruce Willis & Demi Moore’s Girl Won “Dancing with the Stars”

As the progeny of the inimitable Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza was the epitome of the nepo baby. The “Wizard of Oz” star’s dazzling light cast a terribly long shadow, one that was understandably difficult to step out of. Yet, before we knew it, the world was raving about Liza and her innate talent for both dance and acting. Her fierce and magnetic “Cabaret” performance was positively out of this world and her essence, truly timeless. So no wonder the Academy bowed to her greatness and handed her the Oscar she deserved. To this day, there’s no one like Liza Minnelli.

Have you ever been shocked to find out your favorite celebrity was a nepo baby? Let us know in the comments!