Keeping it in the family: The Hollywood heavyweights you didn't know were nepo babies
Updated . First published
The nepo baby debate has officially reached a fever pitch.
While we've all had our fill of the usual suspects like Hailey Bieber and Maya Hawke, there are several members of Hollywood royalty whose A-list pedigree remains relatively under the radar.
A more recent example is the portrayal of Caroline Kennedy in the hit series Love Story: the actress is none other than Grace Gummer – one of the three lookalike daughters of Meryl Streep.
So, without rehashing the viral New York Magazine "year of the nepo baby" debate, here are the stars you likely didn't realise are keeping the family business alive.
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Lily Allen
Owens is best known for producing Elizabeth (1998), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Saving Mr. Banks (2013) and Back to Black (2024). Getty
The Smile singer is the daughter of Keith Allen – the prolific actor known for Trainspotting and Robin Hood – and mother Alison Owen, one of Britain's most successful film producers, with a portfolio that includes the Oscar-nominated Elizabeth and Saving Mr. Banks.
Angelina Jolie
When it comes to Angelina's mother, the resemblance is borderline uncanny. Getty
While the shadow of her Oscar-winning father, Jon Voight, loomed large over her early career, Angelina Jolie's Hollywood roots run deep on both sides.
Her mother was the late Marcheline Bertrand, an actress and producer.
While Bertrand stepped away from acting to raise her children, she remained the primary influence on Jolie's life – specifically when it came to her humanitarian focus.
Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand pictured in 1977. Getty
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Gracie Abrams
Katie and J.J. have three children together: Henry, Gracie and August. Getty Images for Creative Artist
Twenty-six-year-old Gracie is the daughter of J.J. Abrams, the director-producer powerhouse who rebooted both the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises.
Her mother, Katie McGrath, is a producer and the co-CEO of their production company, Bad Robot.
Together, the couple also oversees the McGrath Abrams Family Foundation, which directs millions annually toward reproductive rights and social justice initiatives.
George Clooney
His aunt, Rosemary Clooney (1928–2002), rose to stardom in the 1950s. Getty
The Clooney name was a broadcast staple long before George hit the big screen.
His father, Nick Clooney, was a respected journalist and television host for decades, while his aunt was the legendary singer and actress Rosemary Clooney.
For your viewing pleasure. Corbis via Getty Images
The Gummer clan
While Meryl Streep's legacy needs no introduction, her four children have carved out formidable careers of their own.
Born to Streep and American sculptor Don Gummer, Mamie has starred in the likes of True Detective and The Good Wife, while Grace's resume includes dramas like Mr. Robot and The Newsroom.
Married to producer Mark Ronson, Grace landed the role of Caroline Kennedy in the new Disney+ series Love Story
The youngest, Louisa Jacobson, recently stepped into the spotlight as the lead in HBO's The Gilded Age.
Henry, meanwhile, is a musician and composer based in Los Angeles.
Henry Wolfe, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Grace Ronson and Louisa Jacobson. Getty Images for Academy Museum
Laura Dern
Ladd, who died in November 2025, appeared in over 200 films and television shows. Getty
Years before her own Oscar win, Laura Dern was an industry fixture as the daughter of Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.
Her father is a two-time nominee known for Coming Home and Nebraska, while her mother's decades-long career encompasses Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
The pair famously made history as the first mother-daughter duo nominated for Academy Awards for the same film (Rambling Rose).
Kate Hudson
One of Hollywood's most committed couples, Hawn and Russell have been together since 1983 after meeting on the set of Swing Shift. Getty
Raised in the ultimate Hollywood "blended" family, Hudson is the daughter of Oscar-winner Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson.
Kate's upbringing under Hawn and her longtime partner Kurt Russell provided the blueprint for her breakout role in Almost Famous.
Hudson, 46, often credits Russell with teaching her to prioritise a strong work ethic over the convenience of family connections.
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Shakespeare in Love star's path to the A-list was paved by her powerhouse parents, who dominated the industry both in front of and behind the camera.
Her mother, Blythe Danner, is a Tony and Emmy-winning veteran with a career spanning over five decades, while her late father, Bruce Paltrow, was a producer and director.
Gwyneth was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of producer and director Bruce Paltrow and Tony Award-winning actress Blythe Danner. Getty
Nicolas Cage
Perhaps the most famous instance of a surname pivot, Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Coppola.
As the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola – the legendary director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now – Cage legally changed his name early in his career to avoid the shadow of his uncle's towering reputation.
His uncle directed none other than The Godfather (1972). Getty
Jennifer Aniston
Before she was Rachel Green, Jennifer Aniston was the daughter of daytime royalty.
Her father, John Aniston, spent over three decades as Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, while her mother, Nancy Dow, was also a working actress.
Jennifer pictured with her father, who sadly passed away in 2022. Getty
Lily Collins
Lily is the daughter of Phil Collins, legendary Genesis frontman and one of the best-selling artists in music history.
Despite her dad's success, Lily began her career as a teenage journalist for British magazines before transitioning into a career in film and television.
Phil Collins was the mastermind behind Disney's 1999 animated film Tarzan, composing a Grammy-winning soundtrack. Instagram/@lilyjcollins
Sam Nivola
His father, Alessandro Nivola, is a Tony-nominated mainstay of The Many Saints of Newark, while his mother, Emily Mortimer, is a British powerhouse whose credits span from The Newsroom to the critically acclaimed The Pursuit of Love.
The 22-year-old has made quite the name for himself following his starring role in The White Lotus. Getty
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