The term "nepo baby" has taken a life of its own for all the wrong reasons. Used dismissively to describe someone with famous parents, the term is commonly reserved for young actors whose last names are apparently the only reason for their overnight success. However, not every young actor in modern Hollywood with famous parents lacks the talent to stand on their own feet. Indeed, Hollywood has a long history with nepo babies, and acclaimed actors like , , , and come from prestigious entertainment families.

Their famous last name doesn't discredit their talent, though, but it does mean they had it easier than the average Joe trying to make it in the business. Many young actors in current Hollywood might come from famous families, but that doesn't make them any less talented or charismatic. to stand outside their parents' shadow, proving that they might be privileged but also have the acting credentials to make a name for themselves.

really came into her own in 2024 with a career-defining, star-making performance in ' . The actress fully immersed herself in the role of a young woman haunted by her desires tied to a sinister supernatural presence, delivering one of the best horror performances of the 21st century. Indeed, in a fair world, .

Of course, she has a very famous last name, but that hasn't stopped this talented actress from crafting an identity away from her famous parents. After surviving the trainwreck that was HBO's and following her tour de force in Nosferatu, Lily-Rose Depp should have every door in Hollywood open. Her prospects as a scream queen in the making only cement her as .

The eldest child of Oscar-winning director , made a splash with her performance in 's 2004 horror movie . The film is quite infamous and not exactly popular, but Howard is by far the best part. Her career would go into overdrive in the 2010s with her antagonistic role in and as the female lead of the trilogy.

Even if her projects aren't always the best, , bringing great charm and warmth into her performances. In the second half of the 2010s, Howard followed in her father's footsteps and stepped behind the camera. Her directorial work in the franchise has , cementing her as one of the most versatile artists of her generation who has successfully made a name for herself outside her father's legacy.

The daughter of journalist and news anchor , became a household name in the early 2010s thanks to her role as the domineering Marnie Michaels in HBO's . She remained with the show throughout its six seasons and started a successful film career after the series finale.

Williams became a mainstay in horror following her acclaimed villainous performance in 's 2017 Oscar-winning thriller . Subsequent efforts in the genre include Netflix's and the 2022 horror-comedy , which she also executive produced. Williams will return for the sequel, , this time as a star and producer. , claiming that "if you trust your own skill, I think it becomes very easy to acknowledge."

Following a short but memorable role in the Oscar-winning, generation-defining 2010 drama , became internationally famous by starring in the controversial film adaptation of . The reviews were ruthless, but Johnson made the most of the notoriety, returning for the sequels and building a successful film career.

, echoing that of her parents, and Oscar nominee . However, the actress has proven her talent in films like 's ,'s , and 's . Sure, she suffered a very heavy blow with the notoriously terrible , but Johnson is bouncing back with 's .

is widely considered by many to be the greatest living actor. The two-time Oscar winner is a Hollywood legend, so it makes sense that his children would want to follow his career. The eldest, , traded a blossoming career in football for the entertainment business, starting his acting journey in the mid-2010s and slowly building his resume.

Washington's breakthrough role came with the 2018 Oscar-winning crime biopic . In 2020, he led 's ambitious sci-fi thriller, , and co-starred opposite in 's pretentious but ultimately intriguing romantic drama . Washington has continued exploring different genres, leading the ambitious sci-fi and the horror drama , proving himself as .

s journey to stardom didn't happen overnight. The actress has been consistently working since the late 2000s, playing supporting roles in numerous franchises like , , and . Her career received a major boost in 2017 with her role in HBO's acclaimed drama .

However, she would reach a new level of fame in the 2020s, starting with her lead role in the short-lived but acclaimed romantic comedy TV series . Kravitz's ticket to stardom came in 2022, when she was cast as Selina Kyle, AKA Catwoman, in ' neo-noir reboot of the Batman story. In 2024, Kravitz received glowing reviews for her directorial debut in the thriller , marking yet another chapter in her career. , and her resume will only keep growing in the years to come.

Oscar nominees and were one of the defining couples of the '90s, starring in the sci-fi classic and having two children together. The eldest, , began her career as a model before making her acting debut as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of . In 2019, Hawke appeared in 's comedy-drama and joined the cast of Netflix's .

Hawke is now considered . Like other nepo babies, she has never shied away from acknowledging her parents' legacy and even appeared in the film , directed by her dad. In 2024, Hawke delivered one of her finest performances as the voice of Anxiety in the mega-hit .

has taken the world by storm. The actress made a name for herself in the early 2010s and was even a series regular in the acclaimed HBO drama . 2019 was a banner year for her, as she received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of in the FX miniseries and was part of the ensemble of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

For her lead role in the 2022 miniseries , Qualley received Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations. Her work in last year's The Substance earned her another Golden Globe nomination, plus numerous critics' wins, to the point where many lamented her lack of an Oscar nomination. However, it seems like ; she has proven herself a remarkably daring actress willing to risk it all for her art.

and were one of the defining couples of the '90s. She was the ultimate rom-com queen, and he was the classic boy next door; it was a match made in Hollywood heaven. Sadly, the marriage ended in the new millennium, but the union resulted in one of the most delightful young actors in modern Hollywood: Jack Quaid.

The young Quaid began his career in the early 2010s with a small role in 2012's The Hunger Games before rising to international fame by playing Hughie in Prime Video's hyper-violent superhero show The Boys. The actor has proven his versatility by appearing in multiple genres, ranging from rom-coms, horror, and even action thrillers. Quaid is one of the most down-to-earth celebrities, often opting for a self-deprecating approach and even acknowledging his status as a nepo baby. Who doesn't love this guy?

Stellan Skarsgård is an acting institution known for playing villains in franchises like Dune and meaningful supporting roles in everything from Andor to Mamma Mia! The actor's children have followed in his footsteps, creating one of the most prolific acting families in the business.

Alexander and Bill are the most internationally famous of the siblings. The latter won an Emmy for Big Little Lies and appeared in hit shows like True Blood and Succession, and the latter has become a bonafide horror icon with roles in movies like It and Nosferatu. The second-eldest of the siblings, Gustaf, is well-known for his role in the historical show Vikings, while the youngest, Valter, has made a name for himself in Swedish cinema. Despite their famous last name, these four brothers have proven their talent over and over, cementing the Skarsgård dynasty as one of the best in the entertainment world.

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