The term “nepo baby” has recently gained traction as a way to describe children of celebrities or industry insiders who benefit from their family connections in landing roles or opportunities in Hollywood. While some nepo babies are household names, like Gwyneth Paltrow or Zoe Kravitz, there are others who are making waves in the industry with much less fanfare. Here are some of the top nepo babies in Hollywood that you might not know about.
1. Maude Apatow
Who They Are: Daughter of director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann. Notable Work: Maude Apatow has starred in several of her father’s projects, including “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40.” However, she’s recently stepped out of their shadow with her role as Lexi Howard in the hit HBO series “Euphoria.”
2. Margaret Qualley
Who They Are: Daughter of actress Andie MacDowell. Notable Work: Margaret Qualley gained recognition for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” She’s also starred in Netflix’s “Maid,” where her nuanced performance has garnered critical acclaim, further establishing her as a talent in her own right.
3. Jack Quaid
Who They Are: Son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. Notable Work: Jack Quaid has been making a name for himself with his role as Hughie Campbell in the popular Amazon series “The Boys.” Despite his famous parents, Jack’s blend of charisma and vulnerability has earned him respect in the industry.
4. Riley Keough
Who They Are: Granddaughter of Elvis Presley and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley. Notable Work: Riley Keough has quietly built a solid career with roles in indie films like “The Lodge” and “American Honey,” as well as the critically acclaimed series “The Girlfriend Experience.” Her diverse roles showcase her talent beyond her legendary lineage.
5. Emma Roberts
Who They Are: Niece of actress Julia Roberts and daughter of actor Eric Roberts. Notable Work: Emma Roberts began her career as a child star but transitioned into more mature roles with shows like “American Horror Story” and “Scream Queens.” Her versatility has helped her carve out a successful acting career independently of her famous aunt.
6. Billie Lourd
Who They Are: Daughter of actress Carrie Fisher and granddaughter of Debbie Reynolds. Notable Work: Billie Lourd has appeared in several “American Horror Story” seasons and had a standout role in the comedy “Booksmart.” Despite her iconic family legacy, Billie is building her own path in Hollywood.
7. Maya Hawke
Who They Are: Daughter of actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Notable Work: Maya Hawke burst onto the scene with her role as Robin Buckley in “Stranger Things.” Her performance has earned her a dedicated fanbase, and she’s also making strides as a singer-songwriter.
8. Dylan Penn
Who They Are: Daughter of actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright. Notable Work: Dylan Penn has acted in films like “Flag Day,” where she starred alongside her father, Sean Penn. While she hasn’t reached the same level of fame as her parents, her performances suggest that she’s someone to watch.
9. Brooklyn Beckham
Who They Are: Son of soccer star David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham. Notable Work: While Brooklyn Beckham initially pursued photography, he has ventured into modeling and even cooking, with his online series “Cookin’ with Brooklyn.” His endeavors are still evolving, but his famous parents have undoubtedly opened doors.
10. Gwyneth Paltrow
Who They Are: While not exactly “unknown,” many people are unaware that Gwyneth Paltrow is the daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow. Notable Work: Gwyneth Paltrow has won an Academy Award and built a successful lifestyle brand, Goop. However, her roots in Hollywood are often overshadowed by her achievements and controversies.
While these actors and influencers have benefited from their famous family connections, they are proving that they have the talent and work ethic to carve out their own paths in Hollywood. Whether through acting, modeling, or even cooking, these nepo babies are more than just products of their lineage—they’re stars in their own right.