Rising Stars With Famous Roots: How the Next Generation of Talent Is Carrying On the Family Legacy

In Hollywood, talent runs in the family — and so do opportunities. “Nepo babies,” short for nepotism babies, are the sons and daughters of celebrities who’ve strutted straight onto red carpets and into movie and TV roles, thanks in part to their famous lineage.

While some say these offspring have undeniable talent, others criticize that they’re riding their last names like a limo to fame. Love them or loathe them, these 20 celebrity offspring prove the industry is all in the family.

Take a peek at these kids who were born into fame and fortune, their roles and what they have to say about the talk around their privileged parentage.

Lily-Rose Depp — 26

Parents: Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Career highlights: Known for roles in Nosferatu (2024) and The Idol (2023).

“I come from a family of artists. Both of my parents are these incredible artists and I have grown up with art… If people want to talk s**t, let them.”

West Duchovny — 26

Parents: David Duchovny and Téa Leoni

Career highlights: She was in the movie A Mouthful of Air (2021) and the TV miniseries Painkiller (2023).

“I understand my privileged position and feel lucky to have such supportive parents.”

Jaden Smith — 26

Parents: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

Career highlights: Known for The Karate Kid (2010) and After Earth (2013).

He says his parents’ celebrity has given him opportunities but it’s not a guarantee of success.

Zoë Kravitz — 36

Parents: Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet

Career highlights: Played Catwoman in The Batman (2022) and starred in the series Big Little Lies (2017–2019).

“It’s completely normal to be in the family business.”

Jack Quaid — 33

Parents: Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan

Career highlights: Starred in The Boys (2019–present) and appeared in the big-screen Scream (2022).

“No matter what I do, people are going to call attention to it. People have called me a nepo baby. I’m inclined to agree. I am an immensely privileged person, was able to get representation pretty early on, and that’s more than half the battle.”

Patrick Schwarzenegger — 31

Parents: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

Career highlights: The films Midnight Sun (2018) and Daniel Isn’t Real (2019) and TV’s The White Lotus (2025), American Sports Story (2024), Gen V (2023) and The Staircase (2022).

Patrick calls the nepo baby accusations “frustrating.”

Destry Allyn Spielberg — 28

Parents: Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw

Career highlights: Directed the film Please Don’t Feed the Children (2024) and acted in Licorice Pizza (2021). Worked on her father’s films, gaining experience in production roles.

“People can argue nepotism, but I know deep down that I worked hard to get where I am and it wasn’t easy.”

Mason Gooding — 28

Parents: Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sara Kapfer

Career highlights: Got his break in HBO’s Ballers (2018) , is in the movie Heart Eyes (2025) and is reprising his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in Scream 7.

Dakota Johnson — 35

Parents: Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith

Career highlights: Gained fame with Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) and starred in Madame Web (2024).

She finds the nepo baby discussion “incredibly annoying and boring.”